Practicing Safe Babywearing Techniques

The tragic deaths of 3 precious babies suffocated in Infantino sling baby carriers makes one’s heart grieve. Although the deaths occurred in 2009, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) only yesterday recalled one million Infantino “Slingrider” and “Wendy Bellisimo” baby slings and 15,000 are being recalled in Canada.

“CPSC advises consumers to immediately stop using these slings for infants younger than four months of age due to a risk of suffocation…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.”

If you own one of these slings, do not attempt to fix the carrier but please stop using it immediately. You can contact Infantino to receive a free replacement product.

I am thankful for those product recalls that reach the media’s attention and as a result, rapidly spread throughout households across America. However, we can’t always rely on the government to monitor every product we use with our children. It is shocking to think that the CPSC is just now issuing a recall on slings that caused deaths over a year ago. What other products are we giving our children that might be endangering them? We have to be informed ourselves.

What You Need to Know to Practice Safe Babywearing Techniques Everyday

Use Caution When Using a Sling or Baby Carrier with Newborn Babies

Babies who are so young are still gaining strength in their necks and have limited control of motion. They have difficulty re-adjusting on their own if their breathing becomes obstructed.

Make Sure You Can See Baby’s Head and Are Able to Frequently Monitor His Breathing

The Infantino style bag slings are deep so baby hangs low. The gathered top obstructs the parent’s view of baby making it difficult to monitor any respiratory distress.

Practice Using and Adjusting Your Baby Sling or Carrier Before You Put Baby In It

When I was first introduced to slings, I used a doll to practice the right technique of putting baby in the sling and adjusting the strap inside the ring. Practice until you feel confident!

This will help prevent any falls or injuries that could result from using the sling improperly. It’s best if you can have a friend or babywearing expert show you how to use the baby sling/carrier and practice with them.

Check the Seams, Buckles and Straps Regularly to Ensure They Are Still in Top Condition

With the first Infantino sling recall in 2007, a baby took a fall due to the plastic slider on the strap breaking, the strap supporting the carrier releasing which resulted in the baby falling out of the carrier. Be aware of the wear and tear of your carriers, especially when buying them second-hand.

 Support Baby’s Head and Body With Your Hands When Bending Over

This will help protect baby from falling out or changing positions. Instead of stooping over, bend at the knees.

I also recommend protecting baby’s head when passing through doorways etc. if baby is lying horizontal in a sling. Your awareness of baby’s body parts while wearing him will help keep him safe from harm.

Be Cautious When Wearing Baby in the Kitchen

Do not wear baby while cooking at the stove. Not only could the carrier accidentally catch on fire, but as baby gets older, a little hand can reach out and grab something hot!

Be Aware of Baby’s Body Temperature While in a Baby Sling/Carrier in Hot Weather

Sling style carriers are prone to cause baby to overheat because he is fully covered. The Infantino carrier was made of especially thick material. Monitor baby’s body temperature by touching the back of his neck. If it feels warm and perspiring, remove baby immediately from the sling.

When using a backpack carrier, be aware of exposed little arms and legs in the sun.

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Tagged as: attachment parenting, breastfeeding