Parents should cautiously use baby slings--CPSC

In a latest warning, Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has cautioned that parents should be very careful while carrying babies in the slings.

The U.S. agency, created in 1972 to protect consumers “against unreasonable risks of injuries associated with consumer products,” has warned that baby slings pose the risk of suffocation and could prove deadly.

CPSC probing deaths linked to slings
CPSC is currently investigating 14 deaths--which took place in the last 20 years--associated with these baby carriers.

Researching the incidents, the agency has found that out of the total deaths, 12 involved babies as young as four months or less.

Explaining the reason behind the deaths, CPSC stated that babies died in the slings due to suffocation.

Majority of the babies who died were either born premature, were underweight, or had breathing problems.

In one of the incidents reported on May 7 last year, a one-week-old Derrik Fowler died in a sling, attached to his mother. The cause of death mentioned was “accidental compression asphyxia/suffocation.”

Potential dangers of slings
There are “two different types of suffocation hazards” that could prove lethal.

In the first few months, infants are not capable of controlling their heads due to weak neck muscles. If the fabric of the sling presses against an infant’s nose and mouth, it can block air passage, thus leading to death.

CPSC has recommended that when the infant is placed in the sling, parents should ensure that his face is not covered and is visible all the time to the sling wearer.

Further, since the baby remains in a curled position in the sling, the chin bends towards the chest. As a consequence, there is a possibility of air passage being cut off.

Also, there could be other injuries, like skull fractures, broken bones, and serious bruises, all linked to baby slings.

Safety measures while using slings
CPSC has not banned the use of slings as they know that slings offer several benefits to both baby and the mother/caretaker.

Considering the benefits associated with slings, the agency has issued safety measures aimed at ensuring that baby is carried in the sling correctly to prevent injury or death.

CPSC has recommended that when the infant is placed in the sling, parents should ensure that his face is not covered and is visible all the time to the sling wearer.

If the baby is nursed in the sling, his position should be changed after feeding to make certain that his head is facing up.

Further, parents should frequently check the baby’s position and also evaluate how the baby feels in the pouch. They should ensure that the air passage is not blocked and there is enough oxygen supply.