Baby Slings Can Kill, Feds Warn

Infants can smother if they slip into wrong position
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 10, 2010 4:32 AM CST
Baby Slings Can Kill, Feds Warn
The US government is preparing a safety warning about baby slings.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Baby slings can suffocate infants, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning. The agency is preparing to issue a warning on the popular infant carriers, AP reports. "We know of too many deaths in these slings and we now know the hazard scenarios for very small babies," agency chief Inez Tenenbaum said yesterday. "The time has come to alert parents and caregivers."

Tenenbaum said the agency aims to help parents "make a decision that is best for the safety of their baby, while realizing that slings play a role in the bonding of baby and mother in many cultures." No specific brand or design of sling was mentioned. Experts say the slings can be dangerous if the baby falls into a chin-to-chest position, restricting its ability to breathe.
(More baby stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X