The CPSC has issued a warning to parents about the safe use of Sling Carriers, after identifying at least 14 deaths associated with carriers of this type.
If your baby is less than four months old, then the CPSC advises particular caution. This is because babies have poor head control during their first few months of life – meaning that the sling may pose a suffocation hazard. If the fabric of the sling is pressing against baby’s nose or mouth, then it’s possible that the baby could suffocate extremely quickly.
Another hazard is posed when the sling keeps the baby in a curled position, with the chin bent towards the chest. This position may restrict the airways, reducing baby’s oxygen supply. As a result, the baby would not be able to cry for help and could slowly suffocate.
In their warning, the CPSC pointed out that many of the babies who died in these slings either had breathing issues (like a cold), were a low birth weight twin or were born prematurely – so parents of babies such as these are being urged to discuss the use of these types of slings with their pediatricians.
For your baby’s safety when using a sling, the CPSC recommends…
- Making sure that your baby’s face is not covered and is visible to you at all times.
- Changing your baby’s position after nursing in the sling, so that his head is facing up and is clear of both the sling and your body.
- Checking your baby often whenever he is in the sling.
Recall of Infantino SlingRider Baby Slings | The Homemade Baby Food Recipes Blog
Wednesday 24th of March 2010
[...] couple of weeks ago we told you how to CPSC was advising parents to be careful when using infant slings. Today, in conjunction with Infantino, the CPSC is announcing a free replacement program for the [...]