Prevention:

Most children need CPR because of a preventable accident. The following tips may help prevent some accidents in children:

• Never underestimate what an infant can do. Assume the baby can move more than you think.
• Never leave an infant unattended on a bed, table, or other surface from which the infant could roll off.
• Always use safety straps on high chairs and strollers. Never leave an infant in a mesh playpen with one side down. Follow the guidelines for using infant car seats.
• Teach your baby the meaning of "Don't touch." The earliest safety lesson is "No!"
• Choose age-appropriate toys. Do not give infants toys that are heavy or fragile. Inspect toys for small or loose parts, sharp edges, points, loose batteries, and other hazards.
• Create a safe environment. Watch children carefully, particularly around water and near furniture.
• Keep toxic chemicals and cleaning solutions safely stored in childproof cabinets.
• To reduce the risk of choking accidents, make sure infants and small children cannot reach buttons, watch batteries, popcorn, coins, grapes, or nuts.
• Sit with an infant while he or she eats. Do not allow an infant to crawl around while eating or drinking from a bottle.
• Never tie pacifiers, jewelry, chains, bracelets, or anything else around an infant's neck or wrists.