Said but true, more than a million baby slings from Infantino were recalled today after claims linking that they’ve contributed to the deaths of 3 infants.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has urged parents to immediately stop using the slings for babies under the age of four months. They say that the unit is too soft, and an infant can suffocate in the padded sling.
Items to be concerned about:
- Infantino SlingRider
- Infantino Wendy Bellissimo.
Infantino President Jack Vresics said the company has been working closely with the commission regarding its slings.
“Our top priority is the safety of infants whose parents and caregivers use our products,” says Jack Vresics, president of Infantino. He said the company would offer a free replacement baby carrier, activity gym or shopping cart cover to any affected consumer. ( When my kids were infants, I LOVED my shopping cart cover!!)
Earlier this month, CPSC issued a broad warning about sling-style baby carriers, saying they pose a potential suffocation risk to infants, especially babies under 4 months. So, I suppose, there could be other sling carriers that might be next with a recall? The standard concerns of low birth weight, premature, breathing problems, or babies that are sick are those most likely to suffocate.
How can a child suffocate?
- A sling’s fabric can press against a baby’s nose and mouth, blocking the baby’s breathing and suffocating a baby within a minute or two.
- The other scenario involves slings where the baby is cradled in a curved or “C-like” position, nestling the baby below the mother’s chest or near her belly. That curved position can cause a baby who doesn’t have strong neck control to flop its head forward, chin-to-chest, restricting the infant’s ability to breathe. “The baby will not be able to cry for help and can slowly suffocate,” warned the commission.
Baby experts and breast-feeding advocates insist that not all slings are dangerous. They say carriers that keep a newborn baby solidly against the mother’s body in an upright position are safe.
Good for Infantino
The Infantino slings being recalled were sold from 2003 throusgh 2010 at places like Target, Babies R Us and Burlington Coat Factory. Consumers can call Infantino at 866-860-1361 to receive a free replacement product.
Infantino says it’s working with CPSC and ASTM International, an organization that sets voluntary safety standards, to develop a standard for slings. Maybe other sling manufacturers will fall into the same line as well.
The CPSC specializes in product safety, and often negotiates agreements with manufacturers for recalls, when necessary- I guess this is ONE good thing our government does!
Pingback: What Is Baby Sling Recall | Broadcasting News
We had this sling! I put Gabi in it once and told my husband that I didn’t like the way it scrunched her up. We never used it again (thankfully). Although, I have to say that I’m surprised that people used it at all. It definitely didn’t look safe to me.
Very sad that 3 infants have already died from this. Wish I knew more about what exactly happened and if the carriers were being used correctly. I feel really bad for the parents. Baby slings are supposed to be good for babies, lowering their blood pressure, keeping them calm and bonding them with their parents. But these slings may be dangerous.