Children can suffocate if something covers their nose and mouth.
For example, if:
- a baby is asleep and presses their face against material
- something clings onto a baby's face
- a child gets caught between the mattress and the frame of the cot or bed
Suffocation is an example of asphyxia. Asphyxia happens when someone cannot breathe properly and oxygen does not get to the body's organs. It is one of the most common causes of childhood deaths.
Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999 or go to your nearest emergency department (ED) if your child:
- is having difficulty breathing or is unconscious
- has other concerning symptoms
Cots
Always keep your baby's cot or crib clear.
Never place soft objects or anything loose or fluffy in it, such as:
- pillows
- duvets
- bumpers
- sleep positioners
- wedges
- bedding rolls
- toys
- comfort blankets
Use cellular blankets. These allow air to circulate.
Cot death (sudden infant death syndrome)
Cot mattress
Make sure your child's mattress is firm, flat and fits the cot correctly. This prevents your child's head or limbs getting trapped in a gap between the mattress and the edge of the cot or bed.
Bed-sharing and co-sleeping
A separate cot is best to keep your baby safe when sleeping.
But you may choose to sleep with your baby in your bed or accidentally fall asleep while feeding or comforting your baby.
It's important to be aware of the risks.
Your baby could:
- slip under the bed covers
- roll under an adult
- get trapped between the bed and the wall
- fall out of the bed
To make your bed a safer place for your baby:
- keep them away from pillows
- make sure they cannot fall out of the bed or get trapped between the bed and wall
- make sure they cannot slip under the bed covers
You may also choose to feed your baby when you are lying in bed. Ask your midwife or public health nurse to help you find a safe and comfortable position. When you're finished, place your baby back in their own cot to sleep.
Never fall asleep with your baby on a sofa, couch, armchair or beanbag.
Car seats and other sitting devices
Never leave your child unsupervised in a sitting device.
For example, in a baby bouncer or high chair.
Make sure they are properly secured using the device's safety harness. If your baby is not strapped in, they may slump down and not be able to breathe.
Sleeping in a sitting position can cause your baby's head to fall forward. This makes it more difficult for them to breathe.
If your baby falls asleep in one of these devices, take them out and put them to sleep on their back as soon as possible.
Buggies and car seats are not recommended for routine sleep or as a main sleeping place. Car seats are designed only to keep your baby safe while travelling.
Safety in baby walkers, bouncers and chairs
Buggy
If your child falls asleep in a buggy for a nap, make sure:
- the seat is tilted back
- they are lying on their back as flat as possible
- they are safely strapped in
- they are not at risk of overheating - remove layers if you're moving from outdoors to indoors
- to check on them frequently
Do not hang a blanket over the front of the buggy. This stops air circulating and your baby may overheat. It also prevents you from being able to see your baby.
Car seat
If your baby falls asleep in a car seat while driving, make sure:
- their head is always tilted back
- you can see their face and they can breathe easily - their nose and mouth should not be pressed against the seat
Babies should never be left sleeping in a car unattended.
Do not use head support straps
Do not place straps across your child’s forehead in the car seat.
These straps are a suffocation risk if the strap slips down over your child's nose and mouth.
Head strap products are sometimes described as a:
- car seat head safety strap
- neck protection belt
- holder belt
They are also marketed for use in buggies or strollers.
There is no evidence that these products are safe to use.
Head support straps and car seat safety
Baby carriers and slings
Baby carriers and slings can be useful for carrying your baby and freeing up your hands. But they can be a suffocation risk.
Always follow safety advice if you choose to use one.
Plastic bags and nappy sacks
Plastic can cling to your baby's face and cause suffocation. Store plastic packaging out of your child's reach at all times.
This includes:
- plastic bags
- plastic nappy sacks
- dry-cleaning packaging
Bibs
Always remove your child's bib after eating and before they go to sleep.
Hairbands and headbands
Do not put hairbands or headbands on children under age 3. Hairbands and headbands can slip down. They can cover your child's mouth and nose. This can cause suffocation.