Abstract: A non-contacting apnea detector includes a long wave infrared detecting device which is arranged with a focusing means to define a predetermined field of view. This detector is positioned to include the infant or at least the head and shoulder portion of the infant in that field of view. The exhalations of the infant include large quantities of carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is absorbent to the long wave infrared radiation. The detector detects the difference in the infrared radiation due to the absorption incident to the exhalations of the infant. The resulting signal is applied to a suitable alarm circuit to indicate an interruption of the exhalation exceeding a predetermined time interval.