Policy Statement For Hammocks Intended To Be Used By Infants
And Young Children
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Our file 05-100428-383
August 17, 2005
Mechanical and Electrical Hazards Division
Consumer Product Safety Bureau
Policy Statement
Although any person may inadvertently become strangled in a hammock,
Health Canada recommends that hammocks not be used by children
under 6 years of age. Furthermore, the Department recommends that
hammocks intended for use by children under 6 years of age not
be sold, advertised, or imported into Canada.
Background
It is the position of Health Canada that hammocks intended to
be used by infants and young children may be unsafe as they present
considerable fall, strangulation, and suffocation hazards to the
user. Health Canada is aware of one death and one near-death incident
in Canada associated with these types of products.
Hammocks intended to be used by infants and young children are
designed for either outdoor or indoor use (Figure 1), as well as
use in a crib or playpen (Figure 2).
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| Figure 1 |
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Figure 2 |
Hazards
These products expose the user to the following safety hazards:
- Hammocks intended to be used by infants and young children
can suddenly twist around the child's neck resulting in
strangulation.
- Infants placed on soft bedding (including hammocks) can become
wedged in positions in which they cannot breathe.
- Infants and young children using hammocks can fall from this
elevated surface resulting in injuries.
Recommendations
Given the potential for strangulation and suffocation, Health
Canada recommends that infants always be placed to sleep in a crib
(manufactured after 1986) that is free from pillows, soft bedding,
and bumper pads, and that has a firm, tight fitting mattress.
Conclusion
Hammocks unnecessarily expose infants and young children to the
hazards of suffocation, strangulation and falls. Accordingly, Health
Canada recommends that hammocks for children under the age of 6
years should not to be sold, advertised, or imported into Canada.
For your information,
Megan Fairfull
Project Officer
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