By now most people have heard of the tragic death of 4-year-old Exodus Tyson, daughter of boxer Mike Tyson.  If you haven’t, you can read about it here.

Exodus was playing on or near a treadmill and got caught up in a cord, which strangled her, cutting off her air supply.  She was on life support, then died Tuesday.

What happenend to Exodus is tragic, but extremely common.  Airway obstruction injuries, which include any injury that keeps a child from breathing properly, are the leading cause of accidental death for children 4 and under.  These injuries can include suffocation, choking, or strangulation.  Most of these deaths occur in the home.

Here are some things to be aware of to keep your child from being a victim of one of these accidents:

Choking

• Most choking incidents are related to food.  Risky foods include hot dogs, grapes, nuts, carrots, and popcorn.
• Babies and toddlers are at high risk for choking on non-food items, because they put everything in their mouths.  Toy parts, coins, and balloons are frequently the cause.

Suffocating

• Most of these accidents have to do with a child’s sleeping arrangements.  Make sure crib sheets are pulled tight, and don’t give small children a pillow.  In fact, it’s usually better to dress them warmly for sleep and not give them heavy blankets at all.
• I don’t want to get into family bed arguments, but many children suffocate when sleeping in their parents’ bed.  They can fall down the side and get pressed between the mattress and wall, or get tangled up in quilts, blankets, or comforters. Adults have even been known to roll over onto a baby, completely unaware.

Strangulation

• So many common things can strangle a small child.  In Exodus’ case, it was the cord to a treadmill.  Sometimes it’s the cord to a window blind, a drapery tie, or a sparkly necklace that gets caught on something. 
• Sometimes it’s the crib itself that strangles a child.  If the bars aren’t spaced right, they can get their heads caught and end up with bars pressing against their throat, cutting off their breathing.  Other furniture hazards include high chairs and bunk beds. 

We’ve got to keep an eye out for these everyday dangers.  Another thing you should seriously consider is taking a Red Cross class in infant/child CPR.  You never know when you’ll need it.

Related posts:

1. 10 Interesting (and Scary) Things about Kids and Accidents
2. Kids and Back Pain