Slings Recalled: Safety Tips for Safe Sling Use

I read with great sadness about the death of babies in infant slings and the recent Sprout Stuff Sling recall.   The CPSC issued a warning about sling use back in March.

I used all sorts of baby carriers when my two girls were infants-- the Biorn, the Maya Wrap, a sling, and the Ergo Baby.  I carried my babies on hikes, neighborhood walks, while cooking, and kept them close as much as possible.  Many of us parents read about the benefits of babywearing, and of course we want to do the right things to help our babies adjust to the outside world.

Baby carriers are so important to new parents, too.  By getting out and active, moms can recover physically from the birth, and reconnect with the world around them.  

I feel both lucky that my girls were not harmed by my use of the sling, and deeply saddened that some families have lost their sweet babies because of this.  So, as I read this email from Good Housekeeping, I thought I would repost it here on Non-Toxic Kids.

The CSPC’s announcement yesterday to recall Sprout Stuff baby slings and an earlier recall of one    million Infantino baby slings due to infant deaths are raising major concerns associated with this product category.

While cribs, high chairs, and strollers are certified by the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA), thereby offering consumer guidance about which tend to be safe, the JPMA does not certify baby slings.  In addition, there isn’t an American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International standard for the category – or weight recommendations for baby sling use.

The Good Housekeeping Research Institute, Good Housekeeping’s product testing laboratory with a staff of scientists who are dedicated to consumer advocacy, strongly urges consumers to not use baby slings for infants under 4 months.  The baby who died after suffocating in a Sprout Stuff baby sling was only 10 days old. 

It’s important that a child is old enough to have control of his or her head before being carried in the sling.  If parents choose to use a sling for an older baby, the Research Institute recommends following this advice:

*Make sure your child’s face is visible at all times.  It shouldn’t be covered by any fabric.

*Be able to see your child’s entire face when he or she is in a sling.

*Make certain your child isn’t hunched over so that his or her chin touches the chest.

*Make sure your child’s face is not pressed tight against you.

*Be vigilant about checking on your child while he or she is in the sling.

Babywearing can be safe and healthy for all-- with some careful attention.  I know some will disagree with the recommendations to not use a sling until a baby is 4 months old. In those first sleepless months, you need some sort of baby carrier that keeps baby close.  Choosing one where you can monitor the baby's face, and make sure they are "close enough to kiss" is recommended-- and there are more sling safety tips here.  But I thought I would share this, just in case it might save one family from heartbreak.

image: CPSC