Baby Choking And Suffocation Prevention Tips
Choking and suffocations hazards are a significant danger to infants and toddlers. Below are a few tips and suggestions to help keep baby safe.
Babies should sleep on their back in a safety approved crib. If you are using a second hand or hand- me-down crib check to make sure that it has not been recalled. Head and body supports are available that keep baby on their back and support their head in a position that should they vomit or spit up they will not choke.
Keep heavy blankets, pillows, and toys out of the crib and use a tight fitting crib mattress.
Make sure that there are not gaps between the crib mattress and the bars of the crib.
Use a baby breathing monitor that detects the slight motion of babys breathing and sets off an alarm if this motion stops.
Blind cords can be a significant danger. If you are installing new blinds consider cordless ones. If you already have blinds with a cord get blind cord winders and keep the cords wound up at all times.
Any item that can pass through a toilet tube is a choking hazard. If in doubt put it up. Get down on your hands and knees and check out your home from the viewpoint of your child. You will be amazed at the items you find under the couch that are choking hazards.
Follow the age guidelines on toys and games. Even if the pieces seem large enough the manufacturer has safety tested their product and they are the best authority on the risks associated with their product.
Cut food into small pieces; be especially careful with small round food items like hotdogs, grapes, or nuts. These should be cut lengthwise. Young children should never be given popcorn, hard candies, marshmallows, jelly beans, or peanut butter on a spoon. Children should eat sitting down.
Balloons are a fun cheap decoration but popped or partially deflated balloons are very dangerous. As soon as the party is over pop the balloons and make sure all of the pieces go into the trash.
Once you have done all you can to prevent choking take a first aid course, learn the Heimlich maneuver and CPR for children.
Babies should sleep on their back in a safety approved crib. If you are using a second hand or hand- me-down crib check to make sure that it has not been recalled. Head and body supports are available that keep baby on their back and support their head in a position that should they vomit or spit up they will not choke.
Keep heavy blankets, pillows, and toys out of the crib and use a tight fitting crib mattress.
Make sure that there are not gaps between the crib mattress and the bars of the crib.
Use a baby breathing monitor that detects the slight motion of babys breathing and sets off an alarm if this motion stops.
Blind cords can be a significant danger. If you are installing new blinds consider cordless ones. If you already have blinds with a cord get blind cord winders and keep the cords wound up at all times.
Any item that can pass through a toilet tube is a choking hazard. If in doubt put it up. Get down on your hands and knees and check out your home from the viewpoint of your child. You will be amazed at the items you find under the couch that are choking hazards.
Follow the age guidelines on toys and games. Even if the pieces seem large enough the manufacturer has safety tested their product and they are the best authority on the risks associated with their product.
Cut food into small pieces; be especially careful with small round food items like hotdogs, grapes, or nuts. These should be cut lengthwise. Young children should never be given popcorn, hard candies, marshmallows, jelly beans, or peanut butter on a spoon. Children should eat sitting down.
Balloons are a fun cheap decoration but popped or partially deflated balloons are very dangerous. As soon as the party is over pop the balloons and make sure all of the pieces go into the trash.
Once you have done all you can to prevent choking take a first aid course, learn the Heimlich maneuver and CPR for children.
Source...