Safe Use of Infant Slings

Baby slings have been used for generations all over the world.  I know I used one with my kids. If used properly, a baby sling can be a lifesaver for a busy mom (or dad) who needs both hands free to get chores done while keeping baby close. They can create a wonderful bonding time between baby and caregiver. However, remember that babies must be carefully positioned in the sling to avoid suffocation or bodily harm to the child.  Suffocation can occur in as little as one-two minutes!

Do not use a sling with babies under 4 months old, pre-mature or low-weight babies or infants with respiratory problems (cold, asthma, etc.)  CPSC issued a a safety alert last year emphasizing the proper use of slings.  This alert was based on reports of 14 infant deaths (since 1990) that can be directly attributed to the use of an infant sling. Most of these deaths occurred with infants in fragile conditions as mentioned earlier. 

If you are selecting a sling for an older baby (over 4 months old and between 7 to 25 lbs), consider your child’s size and the size of the sling. If the child is small and the sling is large – the child could settle too far down into the sling and suffocate. Don’t allow baby’s chin to drop too far toward to his/her chest.  This too could make breathing difficult for baby. If the sling is too tight, this could also make it hard for the child to breathe.

Be sure baby is strong and healthy when using a sling, keep baby’s face uncovered at all times while in the sling, and check baby’s position frequently.

Infant slings currently have no mandatory safety regulations, but I recommend that you look for slings that meet the current voluntary standard - ASTM F 2236-10 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Soft Infant Carriers.  There will likely be new federal requirements for these slings in the near future.