The US Consumer Product Safety Commission came out with a warning today against sling-style baby carriers for newborns. You can read the entire press release below. Apparently, in the past 20 years, 14 infants have died while in slings, 3 in 2009.
Although my heart aches for the parents who lost their babies, I really do not want to see this warning discourage parents from wearing their babies. Babywearing is a great way to bond and keep baby close, while still allowing mom and dad the freedom to go about their day--cooking, playing with older kids, shopping, etc. Asher was always much happier as a little one being worn than in the stroller. Plus, popping your baby in the sling is so much easier than lugging around the infant carseat!
Of course you must wear your baby safely. I think for small infants, the best way to be carried is upright. You obviously want to make sure their face isn't blocked by your body or the carrier. Here is Asher when he was about 2 months old in a sling.
Although we didn't have one when he was a newborn, another great option for tiny babes is wrap style carriers like this one, which I plan on using a lot with the next baby.
The CPSC put together this graphic to show the proper placement of infants in slings (click on it if you can't see it all):
Please keep wearing your babies! Do it safely and smartly, but keep doing it!
The New York Times just did an article on babywearing too. Check it out!
Here is the entire CPSC press release:
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.
I totally agree!! I LOVE my ring sling and wouldn't trade it for the world! But I never liked it much when my babies were tiny babies. I used my snuggli for that. But once they could sit on my hip I used the ring sling! My 18 month old is still always in the sling! I love it! And I sooo agree about the bonding and the ease of a sling!
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