3/15/2010

Alert to Parents About Baby Sling Dangers

Many parents rely on soft fabric baby slings as a convenient way to carry their babies and keep them close. However, the federal government is now warning parents that these slings may be dangerous to small children.

When a sling holds your baby in a curved position (in a C-like position), your baby’s head may fall forward, making it difficult for him or her to breath. Babies may also roll toward their parents’ bodies, posing a suffocation risk. Sadly, at least fourteen babies have died in baby slings. Safe Kids recommends that these “bag style” slings not be used for small babies, particularly those younger than four months old.

Check out Safe Kids’ baby safety basics at: http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/babies/ page to learn more about keeping baby safe. You can also visit the product recalls list at: http://www.safekids.org/our-work/recalls/page for important information on dangerous children’s products.