A baby sling is a length of fabric you wrap over one shoulder and around your waist. It holds a baby nestled in a curved or "C" position. But this position can pose a risk to very small babies.
In their first few months babies have weak neck muscles and poor head control. A sling poses two types of suffocation-risk:
- The curved position can cause a baby’s head to flop forward, restricting its ability to breathe. The baby can’t cry out and can slowly suffocate.
- The baby may be smothered either by the fabric of the sling or by its parent’s clothing pressing against its nose and mouth.
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the US consumer organisation Consumers Union have raised concerns about the safety of baby slings, especially when they’re used for babies under the age of four months.
The CPSC is investigating at least 14 deaths associated with baby slings, including three in 2009. Twelve of the deaths involved babies less than four months old. 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.
As well, the Consumers Union says there have been at least 22 reports of serious injury occurring when a child fell out of a sling. The injuries include skull fractures, head injuries, cuts and bruises.
This month the CPSC issued a safety warning about sling carriers. It recommended that parents be cautious when using slings for babies younger than four months. They should make sure the child’s face isn’t covered and that it’s visible at all times to the sling’s wearer. If nursing a baby in a sling, change the baby’s position after feeding so its head is facing up and is clear of the sling and the mother’s body.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs is working with other agencies here to develop a safety standard for baby slings and hammocks.
Our view
- Baby carriers are great for taking your baby where a stroller won’t go – on bush walks or to the beach. They leave your hands free when you’re out shopping or working around the house. A soft-padded front pack is a safer way to keep your baby close than a sling.
More information
- Baby carriers - our guide to types and features.
- www.cpsc.gov - advice on correctly positioning your baby in a sling.
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The US warning was for a particular type of sling (bag slings) which ARE dangerous. Unfortunately, the US Consumers Union doesn't explain the differences in sling varieties, and the message that readers then take away is that ALL slings are dangerous. I endorse Linda Patterson's recommendation that parents seek advice from Slingbabies (http://www.slingbabies.co.nz/Site/Home.ashx)
Amazing how many people don't seem to read just exactly what is being said.
The article clearly warns for very small babies, i.e. the first few months, a fact seemingly overlooked by previous commenters.
How many millions of babies have survived the sling is totally irrelevant; if there is a risk and only one or two babies die, the warning is relevant.
Agree with previous comments. Seems over the top - would be interesting to compare with stats for pram/stroller deaths/injuries. Simple really - take care with whatever you choose to do!
As Stella said, the message should be "Be Informed". A site like New Zealand's "Slingbabies" is a good place to start - they have (non-commercial) information on safe positioning and the advantages/disadvantages of the many baby carriers available.
It seems irresponsible to warn outright against the use of such slings (as the Consumer view does) INSTEAD of educating about safe versus unsafe use.
slings are a lovely, safe way to carry a baby or toddler if you take care with what you buy and how you use it. Some types of sling, or one that is poorly used can be a risk, but not all slings are created equal!
I used a baby sling similar to the one shown for my second baby (not sure how old she was when I bought it) and thought it was great as I could easily see the baby's face. The baby can also be carried in several positions from lying down to sitting upright. And it can be used to carry toddlers on one's hips, taking some of the weight. Obviously care needs to be taken if you are bending over, but it is easy to provide extra support with one's arms. I tried a front pack with my first baby who was small and it worried me that her face was pressed against my chest and obscured by the pack. Back packs, which I've also used, have the disadvantage of the carrier being unable to see the child. I think the main message should be to use baby slings and packs of whatever type with care. Millions of babies must have safely used these devices worldwide.