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Young infants are particularly vulnerable because their facial features, such as a round face, fleshy cheeks that are easily compressed, and a small jawbone, increase the risk that an airtight seal can form. As the infant improves hand to mouth coordination, around 4 months of age, the tendency to put objects in their mouths may also make these types of objects particularly dangerous for babies. To avoid suffocation in the bed or crib, check that the mattress is tight against all four sides of the crib so that the child will not fall into a space and become trapped. A mattress should be firm and not worn out. Be sure a crib frame meets safety standards. Also, make sure there are no pillows or fluffy bedding that could obstruct the child's mouth and nose. To avoid suffocation by accidental hanging, make sure blind and curtain cords are out of reach of children. Cords or drawstrings on children's clothing should always be tucked in when playing outside. In winter, use mitten clips instead of mitten cord and neck warmers instead of scarves to prevent any entanglement. Do not attach pacifiers to clothing with long cords. Children can also suffocate when plastic bags cover their faces, so keep these out of reach at all times. In children, choking is usually caused by food, toys and other small objects that get easily lodged in a child's small airway. Anything that fits can be a danger. Foods that may partially or completely block the windpipe include raw carrots and celery, peas, nuts, sunflower seeds, cherries with pits, watermelon with seed, popcorn and hard candy. Such foods as hot dogs, sausages and grapes can also cause choking because they are the right shape for blocking a child's windpipe. However, these foods can be served if they are chopped into small pieces. Peanut butter and chewing gum can also cause choking. Such
toys as those with small parts have the potential to cause a child
to choke. Always check the age recommendation on toy packaging
because the small parts may not be apparent to you.
Vending-machine toys often contain small parts, so beware of buying
them. Check toys frequently for loose or broken parts. Make
it a
habit of cleaning up carefully after older siblings play with games or
toys Other objects that can make there way into a child's grip and pose a potential danger are pins, loose change, batteries, plant leaves, pieces of plastic bags, balloons and buttons. Key rings can be a danger too, especially when they include tags and novelty items.
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Children
suffocate when something obstructs their