Baby Sling Deaths Lead to CPSC Warning

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Federal regulators are preparing to issue a warning to parents about potential baby sling problems after receiving reports that at least seven babies have suffocated in the harness-like devices.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Chairman Inez Tenenbaum said on Tuesday that the agency would issue a warning on the safety of all baby slings sometime later this week.

“We know of too many deaths in these slings and we now know the hazard scenarios for very small babies,” Tenenbaum said. “So, the time has come to alert parents and caregivers.”

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The seven infant baby sling suffocation deaths have occurred over the last 11 years, and there have been other deaths of infants in slings that have been classified as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which generally refers to unexplained infant deaths. This year, according to Consumer Reports, at least two infants have suffocated in baby slings manufactured by Infantino of San Diego, California.

The Infantino baby sling deaths include 6-day-old Derrick Fowler of Oregon, who suffocated against his mother while she was shopping, and a 7-week-old boy from Philadelphia who also suffocated while in the sling being held by his mother. In both cases, the mothers were unaware that their infants were in trouble until they looked into the sling to check on them.

Consumer Reports placed the baby slings on its list of products parents should not buy for their babies in April 2009, saying that the bag-like shape of the slings can lead to the infant’s smothering without the mother being aware of it. At that time, there were only four suffocation deaths known to be connected to the use of the slings.

In 2007, CPSC announced an Infantino SlingRider baby sling recall due to the risk of the straps breaking. The recall was issued after the company received eight reports of children falling out of the slings. One of the infants suffered a fractured skull. Chairman Tenenbaum did not say that the upcoming baby sling warning would specify any one baby sling product.

Tags: Baby Sling, Children, Infant Carrier Recall, Infant Death

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6 Comments

Misha
I think it’s important to keep everything in perspective. There are more deaths from strollers and cribs than anything else. I still see them being sold by the thousands. I do feel it’s important to use the best safety possible when carrying your baby in sling. I found some great safety articles at www.modmum.com.
Christie
Have we taken cribs off the market yet? I do believe that is one of the leading places where infants are found victims of SIDS or deaths of unknown causes. I would not think that 7 infants in 11 years is proof enough to cause a panic with all baby slings. We still continue to put infants in vehicles knowing there is a risk that there “could be” an accident. I am sure the injuries on the sling that the plastic broke should be examined because I agree the sling may have been poorly manufactured, but don’t put all slings on the chopping block, they are a great parenting tool and have been used for centuries. I would be interested in hearing the statistics of infants found not breathing in car seats, probably much higher, but where is the outrage there?
Amanda A.
I actually bought one of these and took it back the very next day. It actually covers the baby completely and looks like it covers their face completely. Not to mention it wasn’t comfortable to wear AT ALL. I instead spent a few bucks extra and bought a Moby Wrap which is more like the old sling method.
C.D.
Perhaps focus should be on the kind of baby sling? I used a sling with my daughter from infanthood and had no problem. However my sling was not one of the one size fits all type that holds the child in a dangerous position. In addition my sling came with tips on how to use the sling for each age range making it known that the child should not be in a position where s/he could have his/her airway close or suffocate on material. I hate to see ALL slings given a bad rap when it might be one or two from certain companies. If I ever have more children I will certainly use a sling with them as well.
katherine
Yeah! to John R. and I agree that it is upsetting when infants die for any reason, but a sling is not a substitute for parental attention, but it is a very effective tool in bonding with infants. Care must always be taken with newborn babies and babywearing in a sling, when done properly is ALWAYS a desirable and safe option for parents.
John R.
This is ridiculous. How can a method for carrying a baby that has been used for centuries suddenly be unsafe? It’s tragic that 7 infants lost their lives. But 7 in 11 years is hardly cause for alarm. The one sling in question was probably poorly manufactured. You shouldn’t be blaming all the slings. Slings are a great method for keeping a child close to a mother and promote discreet nursing. Blame inattentive parents not the sling.

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