Most infant suffocations occur when babies are placed face
down on a soft surface that they sink into. Babies from
birth to 6 months old have the greatest risk of suffocating.
These young infants don't have enough strength to lift their
heads and turn their faces so that they can breathe. Many
of these deaths occur when a baby naps at the home of a
friend who doesn't have a crib or doesn't know the
importance of having the baby sleep on his back.
Another cause of suffocation in young infants should be
mentioned. Small babies have been smothered by mothers who
inadvertently fell asleep on top of them. If you nurse your
baby in your bed at night, be careful. Keep your baby in a
crib next to your bed.
There's another reason not to let your baby sleep in your
bed during the first 6 months. The mattresses in most adult
beds are too soft for babies. Blankets and pillows also
increase the risk of suffocation.
Suffocation deaths account for some crib deaths (sudden
infant death syndrome, or SIDS). Despite extensive
research, the cause of other crib deaths remains unknown.
True SIDS can't be predicted or prevented. There is one
exception: smoking in the house greatly increases the risk
of SIDS and should be avoided.
Prevention of Suffocation in Infants
To be safe, always place your young baby to sleep on his
back in a crib with a firm mattress. Also do this for naps.
This is the sleep position recommended by the American
Academy of Pediatrics for healthy infants during the first 6
months of life. Sleeping on the side is not an acceptable
alternative because it is an unstable position and has a 2
times greater risk of SIDS then sleeping on the back.
Sleeping on the tummy (face-down) has a 5 times greater
risk.
Soft surfaces are unsafe for babies even if they are placed
on their backs. Someone, such as another child or baby
sitter, might turn them over.
You can prevent these tragic deaths by suffocation by never
putting young infants down to sleep on the following soft
surfaces:
waterbeds or featherbeds
sheepskin rugs or mattress covers
any weak, spongy surfaces, including soft mattresses and
comforters
mattresses covered with plastic bags
soft pillows, such as bean-bag or bead-filled pillows.
Also, avoid stuffed toys, quilts, comforters, blankets, or
other soft objects that could bunch up around your child's
face. Dress your child warmly enough so blankets are not
needed.
Prevention of Suffocation in Toddlers
Older infants and toddlers can be suffocated by plastic bags
or sheets of plastic. These accidents usually occur when
they pull the plastic over their heads or crawl into plastic
bags. Carefully dispose of any plastic bags or keep them
away from children less than 3 years old. Examples of such
products are:
