Strangulation Prevention Tips
 Consider using cordless window products (shades, blinds, draperies) in homes with children.
- Move all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window cords and keep these out of the reach of children.
- If you live in a building where contractually you are not allowed to replace your window coverings, Safe Kids Worldwide recommends following basic window cord safety rules and ordering free retrofit kits from the Window Covering Safety Council at www.windowcoverings.org.
Remove cords and drawstrings from your child’s clothing, accessories and toys.
- Never use strings or ribbon to tie a pacifier or toy to your baby or around your baby’s neck. Do not use a bib with ties on your baby and remove the bib before bedtime or nap time.
- Do not allow children to wear necklaces, purses, scarves, helmets or clothing with drawstrings while on playgrounds.
- Avoid toys with strings or cords.
Maintain a safe sleeping environment for children.
Openings that permit the passage of a child’s body but are too small for his or her head, can lead to entrapment and strangulation. Hazards include bunk beds, cribs, playground equipment, baby strollers, carriages, and high chairs.
- Use a crib that meets the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA).
- If you are getting a used crib, check to see if it has been recalled at www.recalls.gov. Also, look for the following strangulation hazards:
- Missing, broken or loose parts
- Loose hardware
- Cut out designs in the headboard or footboard
- Crib slats more than 2 3/8 inches apart (width of a soda can)
- Corner post extension over 1/16 of an inch high
- Gaps larger than 2 fingers width between the sides of the crib and the mattress
- Drop side latches that could be easily released by your baby
- Do not have anything hanging on or above a baby’s crib on a string or cord.
- Never place a crib, bed, high chair or playpen near windows, draperies, blinds, or wall mounted decorative accessories with cords.
- If your child has a bunk bed, check the guard rails on the top bunk. Make sure that all spaces between the guardrail and bed frame and all spaces in the head and footboards are less than 3.5 inches so your child’s body cannot slide through.
Learn CPR and First Aid for infants and children.
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