Promoting Well Being

An article on Baby Slings has been published by the Child Accident Prevention Trust following reports in the media of a number of deaths in the United States related to the use of one style of sling, The Infantino Slingrider.

As a safety precaution 10,000 slings have been recalled in the UK with parents and carers being advised to stop using this style of sling and return them to the manufacturer for a free replacement.

The concern surrounding the slings is that they cause an incorrect positioning of the baby, which is thought to cause them to suffocate. The baby is encased in the sling in a "C" position with their chin being tucked into their chest, potentially blocking airways or their nose and mouth is smothered by the fabric of the sling itself.

Parents are advised to check on correct positioning of their child with the sling manufacturer?s instructions, but if their baby is premature, of a low birth weight, one of a multiple birth, or born with respiratory difficulties, then they should be cautious and check with their doctor or paediatrician before using one.

Advice provided by the Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers is that when you?re wearing a sling or carrier, don?t forget the TICKS mnemonic:

• Tight
• In view at all times
• Close enough to kiss
• Keep chin off the chest
• Supported back

Further updates on this issue will be available from the CAPT website - www.capt.org.uk

Please note that these concerns relate to "soft? slings where the baby is in a horizontal position, not the more rigid baby carriers where it is upright.