Are Baby Slings Safe?

Are baby slings safe?

Q: I've heard that slings aren't safe, but I really love the idea of "wearing" my baby. What do I do?

A: You're already on the right track by simply asking this question. Due to the recent warning issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission regarding the use of baby slings, you're not alone in your concern. The warning was directed at parents of babies younger than 4 months and didn't single out one particular brand, but it did strongly urge parents to take extra precautions when using any over-the-shoulder sling with their newborns. Nothing wrong with that! So here are some important guidelines to keep in mind when baby wearing:

A baby's face should never be covered by the sling fabric, clothing, or a blanket, etc.

The baby shouldn't sit too low in the sling. If Baby is down by your belly button, then they need to be adjusted to a higher position.

The distance between Baby's chin and chest should be at least two fingers to avoid cutting off the air passages.

Make sure Baby's face isn't pressed up against the wearer.

So while we realize all of this might sound scary, remember: If you use common sense and follow these tips, baby wearing is a great option.

When it comes to slings, many manufacturers even have an online demo or DVD included in the packaging. Watch it! The simplest advice for fans of "hands-free" baby wearing (which includes The Baby Planners), is chin up, face visible, nose and mouth free of obstructions. You'll be happy and Baby will be safe and secure.

More than a million baby slings recalled over infant death fears

MORE than one million baby slings have been recalled in the US and Canada over infant death fears.

US manufacturer Infantino advised parents to stop using its SlingRider and Wendy Bellissimo slings "for infants younger than four months of age due to risk of suffocation".

The slings, which have been available in the US and Canada since 2003 and have been made trendy by stars such as Nicole Kidman, were linked to the deaths of three babies.

The recall follows a warning by health and safety authorities that all baby slings pose a safety risk if used incorrectly.

Young babies who cannot control their heads risk being suffocated because the sling’s fabric can block their nose and mouth.

Slings that keep the baby in a curled position, bending the chin towards the chest, can also restrict its ability to breathe.