The Consumer Product Safety Commision has issued a new warning to parents, this time concerning baby slings and suffocation, especially of infants under four months of age.
The CPSC has investigated at least 13 cases of infant death in the last twenty years involving baby slings and has found those at greatest risk are infants with low birth weight, born prematurely, and those with cold-like symptoms.
The two primary concerns of the CPSC are those of fabric blocking the child’s mouth and nose which can suffocate an infant is one to two minutes; and the c-like curve of the sling which can cause a child’s chin to touch the chest, restricting breathing and causing slow suffocation.
Consumer Reports reported concerns of baby slings in 2008 over head injuries caused when a child would fall out.
The CPSC is not issuing a recall at this time, but they are encouraging parents and caregivers to pay special attention when using one of these devices. Their advice includes: keeping the child’s face clear of the fabric, position the child so that it is not hunched over and that the chin is not touching the chest, do not carry the child low in the sling, and check the child often.
The CPSC issued a warning, and it was in reference to a few tragic accidents that occured over the past two decades. Those slings were quickly recalled and taken off the market.
As a retailer of baby carriers, slings and wraps, and a father who uses many different types at home, I know first hand how important the safety of these products is. I also know it is a top priority of all the manufactures in the industry, and an enormous amount of time is spent ensuring it stays that way.
Most baby carrier products come with precise instructions, as well as an 800 support number if mothers/fathers have any questions. If worn correctly, 99% of the baby carriers, slings and wraps on the market are completely safe to use.
We welcome future regulation of the industry to ensure the slings, carriers and wraps being produced are safe for our family, friends, clients and the public to use.
Kyle K
Founder of http://www.organicbabycarriers.net