CPSC Issues Baby Sling Warning

CPSC Sling Warning

As expected, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a new warning about possible dangers of soft baby slings. According to CPSC, baby slings can cause injury or death by pressing against the baby’s nose and mouth, or by allowing the baby to lay in a curled position that could compromise their airway. At least 14 infant deaths are associated with slings in the past 20 years.

It’s important to note that many of the babies who died were preemies, low birth weight twins, or otherwise were not in good health. If you’re a sling user and your baby falls into one of those categories, take extra caution and consider talking to your pediatrician about whether a sling is appropriate for your baby. Otherwise, be sure to keep baby’s face uncovered while using a sling, and consider using a tummy to tummy hold instead of the cradle hold for infants under 4 months of age to reduce the risk of airway compromise.

In addition to these new warnings about sling safety, you can expect to see voluntary and mandatory federal standards for slings in the future. Currently, there are no federal standards for soft baby carriers.