What is positional asphyxia?
Positional asphyxia can occur when the airway of an infant becomes obstructed due to an abnormal position of the baby’s neck or body. A baby’s airway is very soft. Because of this, when the baby’s neck is bent too far onto the chest, too far back, or too far to the side, the airway can become compressed making it harder for the baby to breath. Infants aged one year and younger are especially susceptible due to their lack of head and neck control. In many reports infants placed in an unsafe sleep environment are at the highest risk; however positional asphyxia can also occur anytime the infant’s neck is not properly positioned and the baby is not appropriately monitored. “Babies positioned correctly should have their chin up, with nose and mouth free of any type of obstruction at all times,” said Eileen Tyrala, M.D., a general pediatrician at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. “Infants are especially at risk for positional asphyxia, and parents should frequently ch
