Baby Slings Pose Significant Risk, But Are Parents Using them Correctly?

Baby Slings Pose Significant Risk, But Are Parents Using them Correctly?

In light of the recent lawsuit settlement for $8 million dollars to a mother whose baby suffocated in an Infantino LLC sling, and the several other infant deaths related to baby slings, there are a few safety tips we thought we would share.

Although most of the sling carrier companies have placed recalls or have changed the warnings on their packaging to share the risk of suffocation for infants, there are some reoccurring trends that seem to be resulting in death. The majority of babies, who have suffocated from these sling carriers, are all babies who are under four months old.

In 2010, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a warning that baby slings pose a risk of suffocation. Their research showed that out of the 12 out of the 14 deaths associated with sling-style carriers, infants under four months old. Don Mays, from Consumer Reports, shared that “A very young infant’s head will be folded forward. That cuts off the airway, and they essentially suffocate. Another problem could be if the baby’s head could be nestled up against the carrier’s body.” The CPSC also noted that most of the babies who died were a low birth weight twin, born premature, had breathing issues, or a cold.

What most parents don’t know is that there are no federal safety standards for sling carriers. This can make it difficult to determine which ones are safe to use. The Cooper Firm suggests not using a sling at all unless your baby is much older. There are many other safe ways to help you carry your baby. For more information you can visit http://www.cpsc.gov/onsafety/2010/03/parents-use-extra-caution-when-wearing-baby-slings/.