Parents have found that using a sling is a convenient way to stay close to their baby and keep their hands free to carry out other tasks, but the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a warning on March 12, 2010, that these devices may pose a risk of suffocation, or trauma from a fall.
Popularity of Baby Slings on the Rise
Baby slings have been used for centuries, in many different cultures. Slings became a necessity especially for mothers in poor economic conditions because they had to keep working to provide for their families. The sling became a way to work and watch over their baby at the same time.
According to CBS News, the use of baby slings rose 43 percent between 2006 and 2008. Many doctors and agencies recommended these infant carriers because they keep the baby in close contact with a parent, where they can hear the parent’s heartbeat. Popularity especially rose among breastfeeding mothers because of the convenience of being able to feed the baby while tending to other responsibilities.
Infant Carriers Have Caused Suffocation
In reviewing incidents, the CPSC found that over the past 20 years 14 infant deaths have been caused by suffocation in this type of baby carrier, three of which occurred in 2009. Because of the way the baby rests in the sling, the infant's head is often pushed forward, resulting in a closed airway. The carrier can also cause suffocation because the child may be pushed too close to the parent’s body. Being so young, not having the neck strength to move or turn his head to find air can cause a baby to suffocate.
Twelve of the babies who suffocated were under 4 months of age. Many of the infants who suffocated were already at risk due to being born prematurely, low-birth weight, or respiratory issues such as colds. The CPSC is especially putting the word out to parents of these children to stop using sling carriers.
Injury Caused by Falls From Baby Pouch Carrier
In addition to the suffocation concerns, the agency knows of 37 cases where infants suffered serious injury, such as skull fractures, while in or falling out of a baby sling. Because of these injuries, there was a recall in 2007 on some baby slings.
Currently there are no recalls on the baby slings, however because of these suffocation and injury concerns, parents are urged to use these products with great caution, especially with very young infants.
March 24, 2010: Update on Baby Sling Recalls
Infantino is announcing a voluntary recall for the Infantino SlingRider and Wendy Bellissimo infant baby carriers to address concerns raised by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The CPSC recommends parents stop using these products immedicately. Anyone who has one of these carriers can contact Infantino for a alternative replacement product.
Source:
CBS News. CPSC Warns of Baby Sling Dangers (March 12, 2010).
ABC News. Baby Slings to Be Pulled From Market (March 24, 2010).
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Laura Wilson - Relatively new to the writing community, Laura Wilson is spending time writing about children, parenting, health, and education. She ...
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