What is the leading cause of injury-related death in children under the age of 1?

Suffocation is recognized as the leading cause of injury-related death in children under the age of 1 due to several critical factors. Infants are particularly vulnerable to suffocation hazards, which can result from unsafe sleep practices, such as sleeping on soft surfaces, sharing a bed with adults, or having loose bedding and toys in the crib. These conditions can easily obstruct an infant's airway, leading to accidental suffocation.

Moreover, as infants lack motor skills and the ability to reposition themselves, they are at a heightened risk when placed in environments that do not adhere to safety guidelines. Educational initiatives focusing on safe sleep practices have highlighted the importance of creating a safe sleep environment, which contributes to reducing the risk of suffocation-related deaths in this age group. Understanding these risks allows caregivers and healthcare providers to implement preventative measures, aiming to protect infants from conditions that could result in suffocation and promote a safer sleeping environment.