Key takeaways: Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas from fuel-burning appliances, cars, and generators. Babies may be affected sooner than adults. Install CO alarms on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas, never run generators or cars indoors or in garages, and have fuel-burning appliances checked yearly.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable. Every home with fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage needs CO alarms.
Common Sources
- Gas furnaces, water heaters, stoves, and dryers.
- Fireplaces and wood stoves.
- Cars running in attached garages.
- Portable generators.
- Charcoal grills and camp stoves used indoors.
- Blocked chimneys or vents.
Why Babies Are at Risk
The CDC notes that infants and young children may be more vulnerable to carbon monoxide. Babies can’t tell you they feel sick.
Symptoms
- Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting.
- Fussiness, sleepiness, or poor feeding in babies.
- Flu-like symptoms without fever, especially if several people at home feel sick.
- Confusion, loss of consciousness.
From the author
From First Breath to First Birthday is my month-by-month guide to your baby’s first year, written as a NICU and postpartum nurse. My book is a month-by-month guide to your baby’s first year, including the warning signs that mean it’s time to call the doctor.
CO Alarms
- Install CO alarms on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas.
- Test monthly and replace batteries as directed.
- Replace alarms according to the manufacturer (often every 5 to 10 years).
Generator and Storm Safety
After hurricanes and storms, CO poisoning often rises.
- Never run a generator inside the home, garage, basement, or near windows.
- Place generators outside at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents, according to CDC guidance.
- Never use gas stoves or ovens to heat your home.
- Never use grills or camp stoves indoors.
Other Prevention
- Have heating systems and appliances inspected yearly.
- Never warm up a car in an attached garage, even with the door open.
- Keep vents clear of snow and debris.
If your CO alarm sounds or you suspect poisoning: get everyone outside to fresh air right away and call 911.
The Bottom Line
Install and test CO alarms, use generators safely outdoors, and have appliances checked yearly.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Related Articles
- Fire Safety With a Baby
- Hurricane and Disaster Preparedness With a Baby
- Babyproofing Checklist by Stage: Before Crawling, Crawling, Walking
- Setting Up a Safe Nursery
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Carbon monoxide poisoning: prevention; generator safety. https://www.cdc.gov/carbon-monoxide
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Carbon monoxide information center. https://www.cpsc.gov
- National Fire Protection Association. Carbon monoxide safety. https://www.nfpa.org
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
