There have been multiple recalls recently of baby slings, including over one million Infantino baby slings and, more recently, Sprout Stuff baby slings, due to infant deaths associated with this product category.
Since baby slings are not regulated like other baby things are (such as strollers and cribs) here are some guidelines for safe baby wearing.
Do not use baby slings for infants under 4 months. The baby who died after suffocating in a Sprout Stuff baby sling was only 10 days old. It’s important that a child is old enough to have control of his or her head before being carried in the sling. If parents choose to use a baby sling for an older baby, follow this advice:
* Make sure your child’s face is visible at all times. It shouldn’t be covered by any fabric.
* Be able to see your child’s entire face when he or she is in a sling.
* Make certain your child isn’t hunched over so that his or her chin touches the chest.
* Make sure your child’s face is not pressed tight against you.
* Be vigilant about checking on your child while he or she is in the sling.
Baby carrying is a great way to transport your child, but it is imperative that parents do so safely. If using a baby sling is difficult, consider using a baby carrier instead, and follow safety instructions for the baby carrier as well.
There was a thing on TV the other day, not just about the baby slings, but something about in Texas that about every three babies in ten that die there is because of parents rolling over on their babies while they sleep in the same bed.
They actually think the SIDS death rate is higher due to this cause than is actually reported truthfully by the parents. They are even encouraging parents not to fall asleep in a chair holding their babies because they believe this could lead to suffocation deaths too.
Texas said all babies should sleep in their own crib without bumper pads too. The crib can be in the parents room so the parents have quick and easy access to the baby, yet they are encouraging parents not to have baby actually sleeping in the same bed as them.
That is scary!! I've fallen asleep with little man. I don't think I'll be doing that again (the idea of rolling over on the poor thing 🙁 that is terrifying). Little man's crib is at the foot of my bed.