For many parents babywearing is convenient way to keep your child close while you run errands or get chores done around the house. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has put together some information to make sure that parents and caregivers are aware of important safety information related to the proper use of slings.
Proper use of a sling. Baby’s face is at or above the rim of a sling or wrap and is clear of the fabric and obstructions.
CPSC is taking this opportunity to urge everyone to use slings and wraps safely, as CPSC has identified 14 infant suffocation deaths with sling-style carriers over the past 20 years. After reviewing numerous cases, child safety experts at CPSC have determined that parents with infants younger than four months of age, premature, low-birthweight babies, and babies with colds and respiratory problems should take extra care in using a sling, including consulting their pediatrician.
Suffocation/asphyxiation can occur when babies are contained entirely within the pouch of a sling with their face, including nose and mouth, pressed against the adult’s body, blocking their breathing. Suffocation can occur within minutes.
Because of the nature of the product and its use, some slings tend to keep an infant in a curled, chin-to-chest position, which can interfere with breathing. When an infant is in the chin-to-chest position, suffocation can occur. Both scenarios are serious concerns to CPSC. Many of the babies who died in slings were twins in separate slings and infants with breathing issues.
CPSC recommends that parents and caregivers:
- Make sure you can see your baby’s face or eyes in the sling and that your baby can see you. Also, you should place the baby’s face at or above the rim of a sling or wrap so that their face is visible.
- After nursing your baby, change the baby’s position in the sling, so that the baby’s face is at or above the rim of a sling or wrap and that their face is visible and clear of fabric and the mother’s body. You should be vigilant about frequently checking the baby in a sling.
A new voluntary consensus standard for slings is being worked on by ASTM International. This is a positive step toward providing manufacturers with an effective safety standard.
This warning is not intended to characterize all slings as being dangerous to babies. CPSC has identified (1) specific situations that can pose a risk of serious harm to babies, and (2) simple safety tips that they hope the babywearing community can share with new parents.
Improper use of sling. Instead, keep the infant’s head above all fabric and away from the mother’s body. Make sure the infant’s face is not covered by the sling.
Infants can suffocate in this position against the mother’s body or the sling’s fabric
Parents need to know that a baby can be placed in any carrier wrong. We always suggest that new parents try a new baby carrier on for the first time with a friend or partner. They can hold the baby and help you get everything adjusted for the first time. This will ensure that everything is ready when you are rush and need to just pop the baby in and go. Additionally, most baby carrier/sling websites have instructional videos on how to use their product.
Regardless of which way you choose to wear your baby, they should be close enough to kiss and you should always be able to see their face – even if they’re sleeping.
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- CPSC To Warn About Baby Slings After Suffocation Deaths
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