The Consumer Product Safety Commission is preparing a safety warning about baby slings, the popular baby carriers that parents can strap around their chest. The concern is that infants can suffocate, and there have already been several instances.
According to CPSC head Inez Tenenbaum, “We know of too many deaths in these slings and we now know the hazard scenarios for very small babies. So, the time has come to alert parents and caregivers.”
Concerns about baby slings were raised as early as 2008, when Consumer Reports experienced two dozen serious injuries when children fell out of the soft fabric slings. Though the baby slings are both fashionable, and advertised as an important way for new moms to bond with their babies, it’s clear that the safety risks aren’t worth it.
More at the Baltimore Sun. Photo by N.R.
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Actually, it’s not clear that ALL slings cause problems. If you check out a similar post on Strollerderby, you’ll find a more balanced article and comments.
http://blogs.babble.com/strollerderby/2010/03/09/baby-deaths-prompt-warnings-about-sling-dangers/
I used a ring sling with my son, starting when he was about 6 months old. If you keep the baby in a sitting position (for lack of a better term) it can be a great comfort to both mother and baby.