Suffocation Hazards
Suffocation is the leading cause of injury and death among young children in the United States. To help prevent suffocation, it’s important to identify and reduce suffocation hazards in your home.
Common Suffocation Hazards
Infants and children are especially vulnerable to suffocation when they are left unattended or when they are not properly restrained. Common suffocation hazards include:
Cushions and Pillows: Soft bedding and pillows can easily cover a child’s face and block their breathing.
Loose Blankets: Loose blankets can also easily cover a child’s face, leading to suffocation.
Crib Bumpers: Crib bumpers can block a child’s airway, leading to suffocation.
Plastic Bags: Plastic bags can easily cover a child’s face and block their breathing.
Stuffed Animals: Stuffed animals can also easily cover a child’s face, leading to suffocation.
Tips to Reduce Suffocation Hazards
To reduce the risk of suffocation in the home, it’s important to take steps to make the environment safer for young children.
Remove Soft Bedding and Pillows: Soft bedding and pillows should be removed from the sleeping area of young children.
Secure Blankets: Blankets should be securely tucked in the crib so that they don’t cover the child’s face.
Avoid Crib Bumpers: Crib bumpers should be avoided as they can block a child’s airway.
Keep Plastic Bags Away: Plastic bags should be kept away from young children as they can easily cover a child’s face.
Limit Stuffed Animals: Stuffed animals should be limited in the sleeping area of young children.
