Sling Carriers....

I just got this from CPSC. If you're a mom of a little baby please read, If you're not, please share with any new moms you might know. I have a sling carrier, but I bought it for when I carry my kids on the hip, to help even the weight out since I have a neck problem. After reading this I will definitely not put baby H in it until she's older!

Infant Deaths Prompt CPSC Warning About Sling Carriers
for Babies

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.

CPSC is interested in receiving incident or injury
reports that are directly related to infant slings.
You can do this by visiting
www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx or call CPSC's
Hotline at (800) 638-2772.