CPSC Baby Sling Recall of 1 Million Infantino Infant Slings – Are Baby Slings Safe?
Infantino Infant Slings Recalled
Today the CPSC announced a mandatory baby sling recall of Infantino infant slings–1 million of the infant slings in the United States and 15,000 in Canada. Due to the risk of infants suffocating in these baby slings, consumers are urged to stop using the slings immediately. Infantino is offering replacements–but with other products, not with baby slings. CPSC is still interested in hearing reports of injuries or other safety issues related to these products, whether for this same issue or a different hazard. You may submit your own report here or call the CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772.
CPSC Recently Issued an Infant Sling Safety Warning
This recall follows shortly after the 12-Mar-2010 CPSC warning about infant sling safety, in which the CPSC cautioned about two different suffocation risks for infants in baby slings. The CPSC warning notes that:
“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.”
History of Baby Sling Recalls
The current CPSC recall is for a specific type of carrier from a single manufacturer. According to the CPSC website, there have been 5 recalls for infant slings since 2005–4 voluntary and 1 mandatory. This is the second recall for Infantino’s infant slings–the first was a voluntary recall in 2007 for a fall hazard due to the plastic slider on the strap breaking and causing the strap supporting the carrier to release and allow the baby to fall out of the carrier. Only in the two Infantino recalls have injuries been reported. I find it noteworthy that the recalled Infantino infant slings were made in China.
Are Baby Slings Safe?
This official warning and mandatory recall may have you wondering whether it is safe to use a baby sling with your baby. Let me assure you that, YES, it is safe if done properly and with a properly designed carrier. By “done properly” I mean by following the safety tips and guidelines at trusted resources like Mothering Magazine and Babywearing International. By “properly designed carrier” I mean one that is, at a minimum:
- made of breathable, natural (ideally organic) fabric
- allows you to see your baby’s face
We sell baby slings from New Native, Inc. and California Diversified Marketing (CDM)/Over the Shoulder Baby Holder. All of the baby slings that we sell:
- have never been subject to a recall
- are made in the USA
- are made from 100% pure, breathable organic cotton
- do not have buckles that may break
- do not have elasticized edges that can increase the risk of suffocation
My Personal Baby Sling Experience
I used a New Native Baby Carrier baby sling with my son, Jared, from birth until he was about 6 months old. From that time until he was 3 years old I used both the New Native Baby Carrier and an Over the Shoulder Baby Holder (OTSBH). He was 6 years old when I wore him in the OTSBH sling for the last time. He practically lived in his sling for the first 6 months, as it allowed me to keep him close enough to breastfeed on demand while still keeping up with my very active toddler daughter (she was 3 1/2 years old when was born). I had first learned about baby slings at a La Leche League meeting when my daughter was only a few months old. While I became very familiar with them at the time, learning various positions in a variety of carriers, my daughter never did like being in a sling. I just carried her in my arms everywhere.
My son, Jared, in his Over the Shoulder Baby Holder baby sling.
Conclusion – Benefits of Infant Slings Outweigh the Risks
With the numerous benefits of babywearing, for both mamas and babies, so well-documented, I still wholeheartedly recommend using baby slings. When used properly, baby slings can be a safe and essential parenting tool that promotes bonding, reduces colic, facilitates breastfeeding, and makes it easier for mamas to go about their day while still meeting their baby’s needs.
I will be happy to address any concerns/questions you may have, about safety or babywearing in general. Just post a comment below or contact me.
