A weighted blanket child death is not exactly the most common type of way someone can wrongfully die. Weighted blankets are an emerging therapy. They are known to help with a variety of mental health disorders. There are many parents who wonder about the risks of weighted blankets on children. This article is to inform parents and guardians that there is a risk for death in infants when using these types of blankets.
Weighted Blankets: What Are They and How Do They Work?
A blanket that includes beans, flaxseed, poly pellets, or other materials sewed in between the cloth is referred to as a weighted blanket. While you can make certain blankets at yourself, you’ll need to buy other types from medical supply companies.
People have reported feeling less anxious and irritated when using a weighted blanket. Some medical professionals advised using this blanket for individuals who experience sleep disorders including narcolepsy, night terrors, sleep apnea, or restless leg syndrome. Some healthcare professionals advocate using these blankets for treating such needs.
Child Death at Childcare Center with Weighted Blanket
It is possible for parents and employees in childcare centers to be unaware of the severity of risks that weighted blankets can cause to children.
Use of this kind of blanket has the potential to be fatal. The infant’s airflow may be blocked from the blanket choking him/her. If a caregiver detects an unconscious newborn and behaves irresponsibly, the case will be a wrongful death.
The death of a child at a childcare center is never easy. What’s even worse for the family, friends, and co-workers is that the death was due to suffocation by a weighted blanket. Weighted blankets are purposeful to help calm an individual with anxiety or stress. They do this by applying pressure to specific points on the body while they sleep. In theory, it sounds like it would work well in helping individuals sleep better; but in practice there have been complications.
Information for Parents About Weighted Blankets
The majority of websites that offer the product or discuss using it for a kid with these needs contain a weighted blanket warning. Not every child has the same requirements for sensory integration. After the approval of therapists and/or healthcare providers, weighted blankets can be used. They should also be of use under adult supervision.
Weighted Blankets Are Dangerous for Children
What is the purpose of these advising weighted blanket warnings? A medical professional must examine the individual’s age, height, and weight to ensure that the weighted blanket is appropriate for the person wearing it. Medical practitioners are also concerned about weighted blankets and their weight distribution. As illustrated in this child’s instance, if a weighted blanket is overly thick, an infant might suffocate or suffer from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Parents want their childcare providers to provide proper supervision for their children while they are awake and asleep. Both parents and childcare providers understand that children are vulnerable to harm or death when resting. Infants are more likely to suffer from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, suffocation, or asphyxiation.
The cribs in daycare facilities should be free of anything that might prevent a baby or young kid from breathing. Daycare providers should talk with parents before utilizing a weighted blanket on a child.
The Relevance of Legal Counsel
If your child has wrongfully died due to a weighted blanket, please give our office a call today. We are reachable at 310.943.1171.
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