CAUTION
TO PARENTS
Young babies can be at risk of positional asphyxia. Positional asphyxia is a type of suffocation that happens when a person’s body is put in a position restricting airflow. One form of positional asphyxia affecting small babies can occur when their chin is pushed down against their chest. Keep your baby safe by insuring their head is back far enough to insure free air flow. Do not allow your baby’s nose or mouth to become pressed against any soft bedding, soft parent, a pillow, plastic bag or any material that could restrict airflow. This is especially important when your baby is sleeping.
Tips for ensuring your baby’s safety:
Your baby should be visible at all times so you can monitor his/her well being.
Warning signs of positional asphyxia are:
• Frequent or continuous grunting or sighing
• Labored or rapid breathing
Oxygenation studies show that placing a carefully folded receiving blanket behind the baby’s back from bottom to shoulders inside of the carrier will help to lift the baby’s chin off of his/her chest. This improves oxygenation to the safe level.
The New Native infant support pillow can also be used to elevate the chin away from the chest. Place the infant support pillow inside the carrier and position the baby so he/she is supported from the baby’s bottom to the back of the head.
Photo shows baby properly positioned for good air flow, using New Native Infant Support Pillow.
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