Dangers of Suffocation from Baby Slings Focus of Warning Soon to Be Released by CPSC

The Consumer Product Safety Commission will soon be issuing a warning to parents concerning the dangers of baby slings, which have become increasingly popular in the last few years. Now, instead of using strollers, parents have taken to carrying their babies or "wearing them" in baby slings. These slings have been tied to a number of incidents of suffocation, which is why CPSC chairperson Inez Tenenbaum is preparing the safety warning.

While the slings seem to be a fashion statement for urban couples, there are risks associated with the baby slings. No specific manufacturers have been targeted by Tenenbaum, but several infants have suffocated in these baby slings. This seems to happen when a very small infant settles in to a "C" position in the sling. When babies are in this position, it makes it difficult for them to breathe which leads to suffocation. So far, there have been at least seven reports that infants have died after suffocating in a baby sling.

Several babies were injured after falling off of the fabric slings in 2008, which was followed by a warning related to the suffocation dangers of the baby slings. At this time, it isn't known whether the warning by the CPSC about the suffocation risks will include information about the risks of babies falling off of the slings.

During a meeting of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, Tenenbaum gave a speech in which she made her concerns with the baby slings very clear. This association is a trade group that participates in certifying products for children.

Consumer groups and California injury lawyers have been trying to raise awareness among parents of small babies about the risks associated with these baby slings. The "Slingrider" by Infantino has been named by Consumer Reports as being particularly dangerous, as these slings are bag-like in design and ride just below the chest or on the stomach of the mother. Since the baby is held in a curved C position, concerns about suffocation have come to the forefront. These slings put a very small baby, such as one three months old or less, into a C position that puts them at risk of suffocation, since babies this young are not yet able to control their head or neck. The head flops onto their chest, which could block their nose and prevent breathing. The baby could also turn his face toward the mothers chest or stomach, and smother that way as well.

As the CPSC tries to increase awareness about the risks associated with these baby slings, California product liability lawyers will follow closely. This topic is certain to gain momentum as the weeks go by.

The Reeves Law Group is a team of experienced California personal injury lawyers dedicated to representing personal injury victims, including victims of product liability. Please contact us for a free consultation at (800) 644-8000.