Around 40 Sprout Stuff infant ring slings are being recalled as they pose a risk of suffocation to babies. According to the CPSC website, a 10 day old boy in Texas died in 2007 in one of these slings.
The Sprout Stuff infant ring sling is made of fabric/natural muslin and is sold either with or without a shoulder pad. It was recommended for use with children up to two years of age. “Sprout Stuff” is printed on the back side of the tail’s hem.
The United States-made recalled slings were sold directly to consumers between October 2006 and May 2007 for between $35 and $45.
If you have one of these slings, please stop using it immediately and contact Sprout Stuff to return the sling for a full refund. You can contact the company toll-free at (877) 319-3103 anytime, email them at sproutstuffrefunds@gmail.com or contact the firm by mail at Sprout Stuff Refunds, P.O. Box 612, Buda, Texas 78610.
Please note the following warning from the CPSC regarding these types of carriers, originally issued on March 12 2010…
Slings can pose two different types of suffocation hazards to babies. In the first few months of life, babies cannot control their heads because of weak neck muscles. The sling’s fabric can press against an infant’s nose and mouth, blocking the baby’s breathing and rapidly suffocating a baby within a minute or two. Additionally, where a sling keeps the infant in a curled position bending the chin toward the chest, the airways can be restricted, limiting the oxygen supply. The baby will not be able to cry for help and can slowly suffocate. CPSC has determined that a mandatory standard is needed for infant sling carriers. While a mandatory standard is being developed, CPSC staff is working with ASTM International to quickly develop an effective voluntary standard for slings. There currently are no safety standards for infant sling carriers.