Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Infant Deaths Prompt Safety Commission Warning About Sling Carriers

After fourteen (14) deaths associated with sling-style infant carriers, twelve (12) of which involved babies under four (4) months old, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission ("CPSC") is cautioning parents about using infant slings.

Slings pose two (2) different types of baby suffocation hazards.

First, because of weak neck muscles during the first few months of life, babies are unable to control their heads and the sling's fabric can press against the nose and mouth, block breathing, and suffocate a baby within a minute.

Second, where a sling keeps the infant in a curled position bending the chin toward the chest, airways are restricted limiting the oxygen supply suffocating the baby and preventing cries for help.

Further, because many of the babies who died in slings were a low birth weight twin, born prematurely, or had breathing issues, parents of preemies, twins, babies in fragile health and those with low weight are urged to use extra care and consult pediatricians before using slings.

Slings were recently added to the "infant products requiring a mandatory standard" list and the CPSC recommends that the infant's face is not covered and kept visible to the sling's wearer.

Further, if nursing in a sling, change the baby's position after feeding so the infants head is facing up and clear of the sling and the mother's body.

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