Baby Sling Recall Fallout: What’s the Best Way to Tote an Infant?

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Do the slings come with warnings? I know it seems like common sense, but some people don't have good instincts. I tried a sling for my baby, who is now 4 months old, but was so tense he was going to suffocate I only used it twice. I was unaware of the chin to chest risk or never would have used it at all. People need to be educated...this is my 3rd child-you think I would have known! Even falling asleep while nursing improperly or carrying them incorrectly in the baby bjorn, they can suffocate. It's sad, and nobody wins. I don't think lawsuits should be coming from this...more like life lessons.

Momto3 of MA 3:22PM March 25, 2010

"It's clearly past time for safety standards for baby slings, just as there are for cribs..."
The answer is not more legislation. The answer is for parents to educate themselves. The babywearing community has been warning against bag slings for a long time. These are dangerous because they put the baby in a curved position, with chin to chest, and make it harder for the baby to breathe. Also, the elasticized sides can be a suffocation hazard, and make it harder to check on baby. In one of the deaths, the mother was unaware that anything was wrong until she opened the bag sling. Your baby's face should NEVER be covered by fabric! Traditional carriers, like wraps, adjustable ring slings, mei tais, etc, have been used for most of human history... Parents need to do their research and use their heads.
Babywearing international says
" * Check to ensure that your baby is not curled up tightly in a chin-to-chest position; this compresses your baby's airway. Making sure there is a fingers' width or two between their chin and chest is a good guide.
* Make sure your baby's back is straight and supported.
* Monitor your child at all times. Make sure nothing is obstructing their face.
* Be aware of how your movements affect the baby: avoid any bumping or jarring motions."
Natalie
http://babywearingitup.blogspot.com

Natalie of MO 3:01PM March 25, 2010

I have a grand daughter 1 year old now, but when she was first born my daughter in law would not let me buy her one of the old fashion baby carriers that the baby would sit in facing your chest because she was told they are unsafe for the baby due to the way their legs are when in it. I used one of those old fashion ones with both my kids. My son and daughter in law ended up not using the sling and instead would carry the baby in their arms or put her in the stroller. People tend to put things in the younger generations mind just to sell a product. We need to start thinking on our own again to figure out what is best for our children and not blame every one else.

sad granny of CO 2:31PM March 25, 2010

What kind of mother doesn't pay enough attention to her baby to realize its
suffocating? Its not like its in a different room!
Just carry the baby for heavens sakes!
I always wondered whether the weight of the baby would make the sling break or fall off, too.

paul of OH 2:24PM March 25, 2010

Babies should be CARRIED...not "TOTED" as though they are baggage. I don't know who came up with the idea, or why so many parents have bought off on it, that a parent needs to have their arms free while carrying their child. A parent's primary responsibility is that baby and should be carried in his/her arms or in a stroller and protected at all times. American's have become so LAZY, that companies are even developing products to encourage parents to do things the "easy way" by "toting" babies...we'll they are paying are very high price for not wanting to be bothered with holding their babies. Afterall, we must understand that parents need their hands free to talk on their cell phones.

Jane of ME 2:19PM March 25, 2010

I retired and moved to mexico, which is notable for its cheerful, polite, delightful children. Most of the moms stay home to raise their babies and carry them around in their arms when walking around the cobblestone village. Few Mexicans afford cars, so the kids are not restrained like psychotics in those horrible car seats, where they can't even make eye contact with their moms driving. Strollers don't work well in this environment. The papas carry tots around on their shoulders. this is the norm here, and the babies always seem calm and happy. They are also able to sack out whenever tired, because they are always with their moms, who often carry them around while the babies are sleeping. The moms often work in little shops in front of their homes with their babies present, and the moms just do a lot of things one-handed, like ring up a purchase and/or make change. They teach their toddlers to help them do simple things like stacking items on the shelves, so the kids don't even see a difference between work and play. They like to help their parents. There are also large, affectionate extended families, so the mom doesn't have to do everything. The help is built in. Everybody loves babies here. The big kids gladly help out with the little ones. Folks, this is the way to go. These kids are adorable, a real joy to be around.

e z 1:55PM March 25, 2010

I found that Baby Bjorn worked great for both of my kids. At 7.7 lbs, I didn't feel comfortable putting my son into it until he was 4 weeks old. My daughter was 10 lbs and she went into it right away. I was always really vigilant about their nose and mouth - just because you've got your hands free doesn't mean you shouldn't be paying attention to the baby and how they're doing at all times.
I feel terrible for these sling moms - I never felt comfortable with slings, and now I'm pretty glad about that. Sad story though, very hard to read.

Stacey Reiman of AK 1:52PM March 25, 2010