US regulatory body issues warnings on the use of baby slings

The bad news is that the US Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a warning on the use of baby slings after reports of 3 infant deaths in 2009. The good news is that a new set of safety standards is being designed for slings that will assist parents in making safer choices.

So when it comes to safety not all slings are created equal. The culprits in questions are called ‘bag style’ slings, which pose a suffocation risk that has resulted in 14 identifiable deaths in the US over the past 20 years.

They are different from the ‘shallow pouch like slings’ which are more popular in Australia and continue to offer many benefits to parents and their babies.

Children under the age of 4 months, particularly premmies, low birth-weight, small twins and any child with breathing difficulties are at risk of suffocation if not 'worn' in their baby sling correctly.

The CPSC recommends that parents make sure their baby's face is not covered and is visible at all times. That mothers breast feeding their baby in a sling change the baby’s position when finished so the baby’s head is facing up and is clear of the sling and the mother’s body.

They also suggest parents be vigilant about frequently checking their baby while in a sling.

The good news for baby sling lovers is that a new US safety standard is being developed and in the meantime a voluntary standard will be implemented which will make a sling a safer environment.

Any design improvements in baby slings in the US will undoubtedly flow onto the Australian market and benefit all.

For the latest update see our blog post More than 1 million baby slings recalled in the US.