Suffocation Prevention
The majority of all accidental deaths for Oregon’s children under the age of 1 is suffocation/strangulation in bed, with most of these occurring in the home. Between 2008-2010, 37 children under the age of 1 died due to unintentional suffocation in Oregon.
Infants can suffocate when their faces become wedged against or buried in a mattress, pillow, infant cushion or other soft bedding or when someone in the same bed rolls over onto them. Infants can also suffocate when their mouths and noses are covered by or pressed against a plastic bag. Other suffocations happen when children become trapped in household appliances such as refrigerators, dryers, and toy chests.
Oregon Public Health Fliers
Safe Sleep for Babies – Spanish
Safe Kids Facts and Research
Suffocation and Choking Prevention Facts (Pdf)
Resources
Safe Kids USA Website on Suffocation Prevention
Oregon Law
Cribs – Prohibits the sale of a crib at a garage sale, estate sale, or second-hand store that does not meet the safety standards established in ORS 646A.506.
Federal Crib Requirements
All cribs sold in the United States must meet new federal requirements for overall crib safety.
5 New Federal Requirements:
- Traditional drop-side cribs cannot be made or sold; immobilizers and repair kits not allowed
- Wood slats must be made of stronger woods to prevent breakage
- Crib hardware must have anti-loosening devices to keep it from coming loose or falling off
- Mattress supports must be more durable
- Safety testing must be more rigorous
