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Mesh-sided cots--yet another potentially dangerous infant sleeping environment
R W Byard1, A J Bourne, S M Beal
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Adelaide, Australia.
Insights
Accidental asphyxia in infants can occur when their heads become trapped in mesh cots with ill-fitting mattresses. Careful death scene investigation, including cot examination, is crucial for determining the cause of sudden infant death.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Forensic Pathology
- Public Health
Background:
- Sudden infant death during sleep is a significant concern.
- Mesh-sided cots present unique entrapment risks for infants.
- Improper mattress fit can exacerbate these risks.
Abstract:
Two cases of accidental asphyxia involving an 11.5 month old boy and a 3.5 month old boy who each died after being trapped between the elastic mesh side of their cots and the cot mattress are reported. In both cases the original cot mattress has either been replaced or augmented by a less well fitting, thicker mattress. Particular problems that exist with these type of mesh sided cots are the potential for considerable stretching of the side of the cot admitting the relatively larger, poorly supported infant head, with elastic recoil of the mesh holding the head in potentially dangerous positions. To help determine whether accidental asphyxia has occurred, death scene examination in cases of sudden infant death during sleep should include reconstruction of the position of the body in the cot or bed, with careful examination of the structure of the cot/bed.