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By Catherine M. Pruissen

Though you wouldn't think so, strangulation poses a very real threat to children.

But like all accidents, strangulation can be prevented by applying a few simple safety measures as follows:

• Never tie a pacifier or, for that matter, any object around a baby's neck.
• Tie or fasten Venetian blind or drapery cords out of a child's reach.
• Remove the chains between vertical blinds.
• Never place a crib, bed or chair near a blind or drapery cord.
• Avoid children's clothing with drawstrings, or remove all drawstrings from existing clothing. Many a child has been strangulated on play equipment by drawstrings.
• Pay close attention to the clothing children wear to the playground: scarves, ties, hoods, and loose clothing can get caught on playground equipment.
• Avoid accordion style safety gates which, if spread too far, could entrap a child's head.
• Remove mobiles with dangling cords once a child is able to grab at the objects.
• Remove toy box lids that can slam down on a child's neck.
• Keep extension and appliance cords wrapped up and out of reach.
• Do not remove the centre strap from high chairs, car seats, swings, etc., as a child could easily slide down and catch his/her neck on the waist strap.

From our excludive Safety Tip of the Month Cards.

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