Washington (CNN) -- Video and audio baby monitors are intended to give parents peace of mind, but the federal government is warning parents that the devices can be deadly if not placed out of reach of small children.
Since 2002, seven children have died and three nearly strangled when they became entangled in the cords of devices intended for their protection.
On Wednesday, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, along with the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, an organization representing makers of children's products, launched a baby safety campaign to alert parents and caregivers about cord strangulation dangers.
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The key message -- keep baby monitors at least 3 feet away from cribs.
"Children are curious, they'll reach out if they can get it within their grasp, and that cord ends up around their neck and strangling them," CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum said.
