Question

The baby is just 40 days old and has been in good health. My family told me not to block her mouth and nose to prevent suffocation. Besides this, are there other causes of sudden infant suffocation at around 40 days old?

Answer

  1. Couch: When people lie on the couch, their bodies can easily sink in. Especially when a child rolls over, their face might press against the soft couch surface, and their nostrils could be blocked. If no one is careful, young children may not be aware and could suffer from respiratory difficulty or even suffocation and death.
  2. Soft Pillows and Cushions: Some parents use pillows for their babies to sleep comfortably, or they place pillows on soft cushions or adult pillows. The soft filling can cause a baby’s head to sink deeply into it. When the baby rolls over, the soft material can cover the baby’s mouth and nose, increasing the risk of suffocation.