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).

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