While many of us seasoned, sling-wearing parents look at the stories in the news with disbelief it is not difficult to see that clearly there is a break down of the fine line that seperates the safe slings that we use and these inexpensive “bag-like” slings that have been the root of all the controversy and the assumed cause of atleast 14 infant deaths. How sad is it to hear of another parent’s baby suffocating because of something that could have been prevented? We know that babywearing has been around since the beginning of time and there are very safe and effective ways to do it, but all slings are not created equally and its important to do your research before chosing the products that you use with your children and family.
I will post the CPSC’s warning at the bottom of this post, but as a member of mothering.com as I am sure many of you also are, I did read their press release and felt like a few of their points were worth re-posting.
1. Only choose a sling that allows you to see your baby’s face.
2. Be sure baby is not curled up tightly, chin to chest. This position can restrict breathing, especially in newborns or in infants who cannot yet hold up their heads.
3. Make sure that the sling fabric is “breathable,” and keep baby’s face clear of fabric.
4. Do not press baby’s face tightly against the sling wearer’s body.
5. Position the baby’s face upward.
6. Reposition baby if there are any signs of respiratory difficulty: rapid or labored breathing, grunting or sighing with every breath, restlessness.
At MCDC we feel that its important to just be super aware of you baby’s needs and to observe whether they appear comfy or not. What may be comfortable for you as the carrier, may not be for your baby and on the other side, what may look extremely uncomfortable for your happily snoozing baby may be the most comfortable and soothing position for them! Most infants will let you know pretty quickly that they are not happy, but like the CPSC warning states, they are most concerned about preemies, low birthweight twins and other infants that might have respirtory issues for one reason or another. Just for your information here is the warning from the CPSC’s website.
Infant Deaths Prompt CPSC Warning About Sling Carriers for Babies
WASHINGTON, D.C.- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is advising parents and caregivers to be cautious when using infant slings for babies younger than four months of age. In researching incident reports from the past 20 years, CPSC identified and is investigating at least 14 deaths associated with sling-style infant carriers, including three in 2009. Twelve of the deaths involved babies younger than four months of age.
Slings can pose two different types of suffocation hazards to babies. In the first few months of life, babies cannot control their heads because of weak neck muscles. The sling’s fabric can press against an infant’s nose and mouth, blocking the baby’s breathing and rapidly suffocating a baby within a minute or two. Additionally, where a sling keeps the infant in a curled position bending the chin toward the chest, the airways can be restricted, limiting the oxygen supply. The baby will not be able to cry for help and can slowly suffocate.
Many of the babies who died in slings were either a low birth weight twin, were born prematurely, or had breathing issues such as a cold. Therefore, CPSC urges parents of preemies, twins, babies in fragile health and those with low weight to use extra care and consult their pediatricians about using slings.
Two months ago, the Commission added slings to the list of durable infant products that require a mandatory standard. Additionally, CPSC staff is actively investigating these products to determine what additional action may be appropriate. Until a mandatory standard is developed, CPSC is working with ASTM International to quickly complete an effective voluntary standard for infant sling carriers.
CPSC recommends that parents and caregivers make sure the infant’s face is not covered and is visible at all times to the sling’s wearer. If nursing the baby in a sling, change the baby’s position after feeding so the baby’s head is facing up and is clear of the sling and the mother’s body. Parents and caregivers should be vigilant about frequently checking their baby in a sling.
