5 situations in which our baby is in danger of suffocation

One of the most common deaths of babies is from suffocation. It is the fourth cause of death in children under 5 years of age, more specifically 15% of deaths in children under 3 years of age are due to suffocation. We have to remember that infants mainly explore the world through their mouths, that is why all objects that pass through their hands we have to keep in mind that they will also do so through their mouths, all that fits there are objects that can cause suffocation. potential.

Not only that, but our baby could also suffocate depending on what postures, foods he takes or depending on the environmental conditions in which he is. If in the end we start to add, we would be surprised by the situations that, although we see them on a daily basis, are potentially dangerous.

Therefore, although it is not a pleasant topic to talk about, it is important to stay informed about those situations in which our baby could be at risk of suffocation in order to prevent this fatal outcome.

1. CAR SEATS

It is a great invention that allows us to transport the baby by car without being dangerous in the event of an accident. They are mandatory and no one hesitates to put them. There are even parents who introduce them inside the house to leave their babies instead of using a flat surface such as the crib. However, if we do not use it properly, it can be dangerous for the baby due to the danger of positional death. The explanation is that when the baby sits in one of these chairs, his body will flex in the shape of a C on himself, due to the force of gravity itself. This makes breathing difficult , and it is also common for babies to drop their head forward, resting their chin on their chest. As a consequence the air inlet is cut off and can lead to death by suffocation.

How to avoid it: Car seats, as their name suggests, should only be used inside the car. In addition, the baby has to be well positioned, adopting the harness to its size and making sure that the head does not rest on the chest, but that it is straight, aligned with the rest of the body. On the other hand, while the baby is in this position, the baby has to be constantly monitored and not for more than an hour and a half at a time , after which it is advisable to take a break on the journey, remove it from the chair, air it out and rest from that position. .

2. AT BEDTIME

Many of the sudden deaths in infants under one year of age at night are due to positional asphyxia as well. During the hours of sleep the baby can turn and lie face down , making it difficult to take in air or breathing the one that has already expelled and has little oxygen.

How to avoid it: never put him to sleep on his stomach. The baby must always be on his back. Sideways is also dangerous because it could turn on its own and face downward. On the other hand, remove from the crib all kinds of stuffed animals and soft things that could cause a risk of suffocation such as pillows, duvets, fluffy bumpers, etc. The surface of the crib has to be flat and firm, with just an adjustable sheet. If you suspect that your baby may be cold, put on warmer pajamas. Finally, the protectors that cover the four sides of the crib are not recommended or necessary at all , they will only take away the baby’s visibility in case something could happen and make it difficult for oxygenated air to enter the interior of the crib.

3. BABY SLING.

The baby slings are a great alternative to the shopping car and PregDream support them fully. Many personalities have defended it and explained its benefits for both motor and intellectual development of the baby. However, one misplacement foulard may occur again asphyxiation. The baby (as was the case with the car seat) may rest his chin on his own chest or make it difficult to breathe.

How to avoid it: the fabric of the scarf never has to cover the baby’s head, it has to be free to ensure correct oxygenation. Nor should we press it too much towards the wearer’s body (it could drown with our own body). Finally, the position of the baby has to be sitting on the buttocks and straight , with the knees at the same height as the hips and ensuring that his head does not fall forward.

4. AT MEALTIME

Food is also one of the main causes of suffocation in children under 4 years of age and perhaps one of the best we can prevent if we are the one who takes care of their diet.

How to avoid it:

-You should never give hard foods to children before the age of 4 : nuts, popcorn, candies, raw vegetables, fruits with seeds, fruits without seeds but that are hard like apple, etc. Even from 4 to 7 years it is recommended that they are not taken without adult supervision and always advising them to chew well before swallowing, since it is not until 7-8 years of age that we perfect chewing.

-Soft foods should be eaten carefully and cut into small pieces up to 4 years old. For example, did you know that hot dogs are the leading cause of food choking in the United States and part of Europe? It is because the consistency, size, and circular shape of the sausage are anatomically perfect to fit in the child’s esophagus if not chewed enough. Other foods such as cheese cubes and grapes are also dangerous. Break them into very small pieces. In the case of grapes, it is better to remove the seeds.

5. WALKING AROUND THE HOUSE

When babies begin to crawl they are a danger with legs and the objects they can find on the ground and put in their mouths are unimaginable. From the button battery of our alarm clock to the cap of the pen that has fallen on us, they are dangerous enemies and pose a great risk, not to mention the small parts that many of the toys include …

How to avoid it: it is best to constantly monitor it or at least control that the place where it is going to crawl does not contain anything that it can put in the mouth. If you have older siblings, they should always pick up their toys.