The phrase
"infant suffocation" refers to the situation when a baby is unable to breathe properly and dies as a result.
Full definition
More than half
of infant suffocation happens in the crib or bed, and the majority of childhood choking injuries are caused by food.
An article in the Spring 1997 issue of «The Community Perspective,» a newsletter published by Growing Families International (GFI), claims, «Sleeping with your infant, as recommended by controversial attachment parenting advocates, can often result
in infant suffocation...» (emphasis added).
«
While infant suffocation as a result of overlying by the parent in a bed sharing environment is not unheard of, unsafe conditions such as parental intoxication with drugs or alcohol...» (Bass, Kravath, and Glass, 1986; Gilbert - Barness et al., 1991; see also Carpenter et al., 2004; Gessner, Ives, and Perham - Hester, 2001).
The high incidence of
infant suffocation underscores the importance of a safe sleeping environment as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which includes supine positioning, a firm sleep surface, room - sharing without bed - sharing, and avoiding loose bedding (9).
Because
most infant suffocation occurs in the sleeping environment, babies should always sleep in a safe crib, bassinet or pack - n - play.
Likewise, if you secure the straps but don't tighten them, «infants can wiggle out of them and strangle or fall,» explains N.J. Scheers, a statistical consultant and the former product manager of the CPSC's
Infant Suffocation Project.
The recall of 1 million Infantino baby slings following three
infant suffocation deaths may have some parents questioning whether baby - wearing is safe.
The American Association of Pediatrics recommends that parents NOT share a bed with their baby due to risk
of infant suffocation.
API Comments on Baby Sling Safety The recall of 1 million Infantino baby slings following three
infant suffocation deaths may have some parents questioning whether baby - wearing is safe.
In fact, some of these products — which are usually made of soft materials — have led to
infant suffocation deaths.
Please use safe - sleep techniques such as a bedside infant bassinet or «co-sleeper,» rather than sleeping with your infant in bed with you, as co-sleeping has been associated with SIDS and
infant suffocation.
Since 2000, 32
infant suffocation and strangulation deaths were associated with drop side cribs.
Although cute; this is absolutely dangerous and can easily lead to
infant suffocation.
Common examples of defective baby products include baby hammocks, beds and cribs that create dangers of
infant suffocation, baby walkers in which infants can become tangled or stuck and roll down flights of stairs, hazardous clothing with drawstrings that creates the risk of strangulation, products that contain toxic substances like lead paint, and unsafe car seats.