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An analysis of deaths in portable cribs and playpens: what can be learned?
Allison Jackson1, Rachel Y Moon
1Freddie Mac Foundation Child and Adolescent Protection Center, Children's National Medical Center, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20010, USA. amccarle@cnmc.org
Abstract:
To assess the risk of using portable cribs and playpens as sleep surfaces for infants, data from playpen/portable crib deaths occurring between January 1, 1999, and February 4, 2004, that were reported to the Consumer Product Safety Commission were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-one playpen/portable crib deaths were identified. Two-thirds of the deaths were in infants. Asphyxia, positional asphyxia, and suffocation were the leading causes of death. Several deaths were the consequence of risks unique to playpens and portable cribs: playpen collapse, modifications to the playpen, and improper assembly. The data demonstrate some unique risks posed by playpens/portable cribs, including risks from improper assembly and setup. Programs recommending and using playpens/portable cribs as routine infant sleep surfaces must be aware of the need for additional guidance regarding use of playpens/portable cribs.
