Brief Resolved Unexplained Event (BRUE)

Understanding a BRUE 

We know that experiencing a Brief Resolved Unexplained Event (BRUE) with your baby can be incredibly frightening as a parent or caregiver. 

When a BRUE happens, you may notice: 

• Your baby may appear to stop breathing for a moment. 
• Their skin color could look pale or blue. 
• Their muscles might tense up or relax. 
• They may be hard to wake or seem to briefly pass out. 

While these events can be extremely distressing for you as a parent/caregiver, most babies recover within moments either on their own or with a little help, and they typically quickly return to their usual, happy self. 

After seeing your baby, the doctor or health care provider will determine if there was an underlying cause for the event by performing a full medical history and thorough physical exam. There may be additional testing, but it is often not helpful to determine a cause. If there was an obvious reason, such as choking/gagging or other feeding issues, it wouldn’t be considered a BRUE. 

It’s completely natural to feel concerned but know that your Texas Children’s health care team is here to support you. If you ever have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re here to help. 

Frequently Asked Questions after a BRUE 

Why did my baby have this event? 

After examining your baby, the health care team was unable to identify a cause and cannot say why this event happened. While this is unsettling, we want to reassure you that in most cases, babies recover completely and are perfectly healthy afterward. 

Should my baby be monitored in the hospital? 

Babies who are considered lower risk by the health care team do not need to stay in the hospital to be monitored. No imaging, blood tests, or monitoring of their heart or lungs are needed. It is safe for your baby to be cared for at home. 

Does having a BRUE make my baby higher risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)? 

NO — although the causes of SIDS is unknown, BRUE events do not increase your baby’s risk of SIDS. There’s no guaranteed way to prevent SIDS. However, research tells us that a safe sleep environment can help reduce your baby’s risk of SIDS. 

For all babies, it is important to create a safe home and sleep environment. Your baby should not be exposed to smoky environments, and they should always be put to sleep on their back in a crib or bassinet without any pillows, loose blankets, padding or stuffed animals. To learn more about creating a safe sleep environment for your baby, visit HealthyChildren.org/safesleep. 

What should I do if it happens again? 

If your baby recovers and is back to their normal self within 3 to 5 minutes, call your pediatrician for advice on next steps. If your baby does not recover within 5 minutes or you have continued urgent concerns after the episode, call 911 and have your baby brought back to the emergency room. 

Does my baby need extra care after having a BRUE? Is my baby more delicate or weak? 

No, no special care is needed. Continue to love and care for your baby at home as you normally do. 

Important Reminders for Parents and Caregivers 

• Remember to take your baby to their regular well-child visits to keep them healthy and safe. 
• Though your baby is not more likely to need it, it is a good idea for everyone who cares for infants and small children to know how to perform CPR. You may also use it one day to help someone else in need. Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women offers Infant CPR & Safety classes for babies up to one year of age. Visit texaschildrens.org/pavilion-classes to register.

Texas Children’s Parent Advice Line

(832) 824-2535 
Texas Children’s Parent Advice Line is monitored by registered nurses 24/7. Leave a message and they will call you back ASAP. 

References 

Texas Children’s (2024, October). Brief resolved unexplained event. 

American Academy of Pediatrics 2016 clinical practice guideline Brief Resolved Unexplained Events (Formerly Apparent Life-threatening Events) and Evaluation of Lower-risk Infants. 

American Academy of Pediatrics (2022). Brief resolved unexplained event: What parents and caregivers need to know. https://publications.aap.org/patiented/article/doi/10.1542/ppe_document103/392/Brief-Resolved-Unexplained-Event-What-Parents-and?autologincheck=redirected