DORSET parents are being warned about the dangers of babies suffocating or choking on nappy sacks.
The total number of deaths from nappy sack incidents has reached 16 across England and Wales, a report by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents states. All fatalities so far have involved babies under 12 months old and date back to 2001, according to research by RoSPA’s public health team, which compiles national data on nappy sack deaths.
Sheila Merrill, RoSPA public health advisor, said: “While most people are well aware plastic bags can be dangerous to children they don’t associate these risks with nappy sacks so are less likely to take the same safety precautions.
“Nappy sacks are made from light flimsy plastic that is easy for babies and young children to grasp and they instinctively discover the world by putting things in their mouth, but once in their mouths they find it difficult to remove and can suffocate or choke on. We hope families and carers will take on board advice from our campaign.”
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