Are Slings Dangerous?
Every year, some pieces of news breaks out – the kind that tends to change the way we look at things. In the realm of parenting, the latest controversy is lambasting the tried and tested baby sling. I don’t know about you, but this contraption has been so useful to me and countless other parents I know. In spite of the fact that so many people have been using the baby sling for as long as anyone can remember, new “developments” have arisen that question its safety and efficacy.
The Health News Digest tells us more:
It seems the CPSC was alerted by Consumer Reports, an independent, nonprofit agency that tests and rates the quality of a wide range of products. Consumer Reports raised valid concerns when they reported thirty-seven infants who were seriously injured in the past eleven years from falling out of slings and seven deaths from suffocation. They specifically cited the Infantino “SlingRider” and the “Wendy Bellissimo” carriers as a major culprit in the suffocation deaths of two infants (largely due to its pouch-like design) and asked the CPSC to issue a recall noting that it had previously been recalled in 2007 for the breaking of shoulder strap adjusters. Such a recall was not included in their March 12th statement; however Consumer Reports insists that “Because of those incidents, and the lack of safety standards, infant slings are on our list of products not to buy for your baby.”1 They do so without considering product design or track record and without assessing the relative risks (in other words comparing the percentage of babies worn in slings to the considerably small percentage of deaths.)
(For your information, CPSC stands for the Consumer Product Safety Commission.)
So anyway, why the sudden attention on baby slings? I just don’t get it! Think about the countless issues regarding car seats, cribs, play pens, and similar other contraptions used regularly for babies. They have been under scrutiny for a long time, and yet they have not really been banned. Why? Because they are necessary and steps have been taken to ensure that children will be safe.
When it comes to baby slings, I think the same approach should be taken. My children have outgrown the sling, and they are just fine. I am sure that many other mothers will agree with me on this. What do you think? Are baby slings safe enough or should they be banned?
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March 28th, 2010 at 3:28 am
I tried to use a sling with my daughter but found it too uncomfortable. With my son I fell in love with my wrap, because it allowed me the use of both of my hands for other things. I could see the arguement that they could be unsafe – but only if they are not used properly. Slings have been around and used in many different versions by many cultures for eons. If they were that dangerous, moms would have given up using them a long time ago.
April 5th, 2010 at 11:08 am
We tried the sling as well, but just couldn’t get it to work right or feel comfortable with it. I know many moms who swear by them but didn’t work for us. I think for the most part, though, they are probably safe with as many people that there are using them.
April 5th, 2010 at 5:17 pm
@Jennifer
I totally agree, it is all about using these products properly and with a lot of common sense. If your child doesn’t seem comfortable in a sling then consider alternatives, but slings have been used for thousands of years and I hope this research doesn’t stop parents from continuing to use them.
April 13th, 2010 at 11:04 am
Oh I just loved my sings and when bubs out grew them or didn’t want to be in them anymore I went to the Ergo. Rather than banning them parents need to make sure they have read the instructions and are using the slings properly
April 15th, 2010 at 11:39 pm
The new head of the CPSC, Inez Tenenbaum, appointed by President Obama, has been extremely proactive in recalling a lot of dangerous baby products. Over the past few years, the agency has been pretty slow to take any action, so it’s nice to see that hazardous products are finally being taken off the market more quickly.
It’s also worth pointing out that only one type of baby sling is considered dangerous by the CPSC. The rest seem to be perfectly safe.
April 25th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
“Rather than banning them parents need to make sure they have read the instructions and are using the slings properly.”–>Couldn’t agree more! And yeah, if it’s comfy for the baby and the mum, why not?
April 27th, 2010 at 8:59 pm
If there is even a slight danger involved when using a baby product, I would rather be warned about it. When it concerns babies’ safety, I don’t think there is such a thing as “too much attention”.
May 4th, 2010 at 2:51 am
I’ve posted about this on my blog a million times, written articles, done TV segments: it’s all about positioning and education. People have been safely been wearing their babies in slings and carriers since before recorded history, but modern “twists” for profit and lack of education are leading to real dangers. You are right Kara, nothing is too much when it comes to a child safety, but there are some real benefits to babywearing that should not be thrown out with some terribly made slings. YES slings are safe, and YES those “slings” should have been recalled.
July 14th, 2010 at 6:59 am
I’ve heard that slings, as well as baby pouches should not be used for girls… Can cause bending of the cervix in babies which can then cause difficulties with pregnancy… Same reason as why baby girls should not be seated until they are a few months old…
We bought a baby pouch ourselves, but now I’m a bit concerned on whether we should be using it…