Necklaces: a danger to sleeping children
Whether worn for cultural reasons or to soothe a teething baby, necklaces are a danger when a child is sleeping.
They may cause breathing difficulties or strangle a child. Necklaces with beads can also cause choking if they come loose.
Educators are required to protect children from harm and hazard. Allowing necklaces on sleeping children will put them at risk. Services need to consider how/if this is meeting the National Quality Standard in relation to ‘Each child is protected’ (Standard 2.2)?
Red Nose is the national recognised authority on safe sleeping practices for infants and children. Guidelines about safe sleep are very clear, and Red Nose does not recommend having anything around the neck of a sleeping baby or child.
Services should ensure that practice decisions always reflect a best-practice approach and follow recognised guidelines.
For more information:
- ‘Is it okay for babies to wear a necklace or beads?’ from Red Nose
- ‘Safe sleep and rest practices’ from ACECQA