To maintain safe and easy breathing, your child’s clothes must not cover the tracheostomy. Clothing that allows easy access to the tracheal cannula should be used (eg, V-neck, button down shirts, sweaters and low cut round necked pyjamas).
Do not use bibs that attach with ribbons because they may get tangled up with the tracheal cannula ties.
Avoid clothing in fluffy fabrics or fabrics with ornaments or fibers that may become dislodged and enter the tracheal cannula (eg, small sequins or beads).
Do not put any kind of necklaces around your child’s neck.
Mittens used on babies and very small children can prevent them from accidentally pulling on the tracheal cannula.
Outings:
The use of an artificial nose, a respirator, or other types of protection (a thin scarf or cotton bib) prevents insects or other particles swept up by the wind, from penetrating into the tracheal cannula.
Avoid using plastic bibs to cover the tracheostomy because they may block the entry of air.
Winter/cold weather outings:
In some children, breathing cold air causes narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm) which makes it harder for the child to breathe. If your child is very sensitive to cold air, minimize the time spent outdoors during the coldest times of the year.
If an outing is necessary, keep your infant’s head and neck wrapped loosely in a blanket.
If your child is older, place a scarf loosely around the neck.
Leave the top coat buttons open so that the tracheostomy site is readily accessible.
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