Page 83 - GreenBook

E. Strangulation, Choking, and Smothering Prevention:
1. strangulation;

• The crib, playpen, railings and baby gates can sometimes be a source

^ of danger to an infant. When choosing furniture be certain the bars,

slats or trim are no greater than 2 3/8 inches apart, so that baby can't fit
his head between them. The end panels should be solid, without
decorative cutouts. Cutout areas on panels can trap an infant's head.
• Corner posts should be flush with the end panels or else be very, very
tall (such as posts on a canopy bed) so that clothes and ribbons cannot

catch on them.

• Keep crib and playpen away from Venetian blinds, curtain cords or lamp
wires. Curtain and drape cords should be tied up high enough to
prevent children from playing with them.

• Do not put necklaces or pacifier cords around baby's neck. When
playing outside, a scarf should be placed inside of the coat to prevent it

^ from catching on something or being pulled by someone or something.

2. Choking: Your child will explore his/her world by putting anything and
everything into his/her mouth.

• Never leave small objects in your child's reach even for a moment.

^ •Do not allow your baby to play with toys which have small pieces,

buttons or ornaments that can easily be detached and swallowed.
• If you have older children, make them aware of how dangerous small

pieces of their toys and belongings are to younger children.
" •DO NOT MAKE YOUR OWN PACIFIER WITH A BABY BOTTLE

NIPPLE. As the nipple ages and softens babies have been known to
suck the nipple out of the ring and choke.
• Some foods can cause choking, making them dangerous for your

^ young child. Children have small throats and do not understand howto

chew food carefully. Round, hard foods are especially dangerous.
Young children (under the age of four) should not be given nuts, hard
candies, carrots or popcorn. Hotdogs and grapes should be cut into
^ small non-round pieces.
• Do not let your child run or lie down while eating.
• Learn how to save the life of a choking child. All parents should know
how to perform back blows for infants and the Heimlich Maneuver for

^ children and adults. CPR courses which include this maneuver are
available at the local Red Cross, and at HealthAlliance.

3. Smothering:
w • Plastic bags, large floppy stuffed toys and soft pillows should be kept

away from babies.
• Abandoned refrigerators and trunks also are very dangerous. Children

love to hide in them and suffocation may result. Remove the doors and

wi| lids.

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