Certain factors can increase the risk for suffocation of a small child during sleep.
Bed-sharing with a parent or caregiver who is:
(1) obese
(2) intoxicated
Bed-related factors:
(1) soft pillows or other bedding (unsafe sleep surfaces) that can cover the head and face
(2) entrapment of the head (sleep positioner, bed siding, etc)
Infant:
(1) sleeping prone
(2) with respiratory compromise
To avoid suffocation an infant should sleep supine on a a firm sleep surface with minimal risk of head covering or head entrapment.
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Specialty: Clinical Laboratory
ICD-10: ,