Over the past 11 years, there have been not one but 7 recorded deaths from a baby sling. The causes were ranging from suffocation, falls, and the baby’s head bumping against something hard like a door. There is even a write up from the Consumer Reports that includes baby slings as one of the baby products to avoid buying.

While the benefits for the both mother and baby are apparent when using a baby sling, the dangers are potentially devastating. Simple risks involve carrying hot drinks while using the baby sling; or cooking, driving, holding sharp object, or reaching for something over your head while using the baby sling. Here is what you might have to go through if you fail to be conscious of the dangers of baby slings.

Baby Slings Are Not Regulated

There are no safety regulations pertaining to the manufacture and use of baby slings. Thus, a baby product company can design their version of the baby sling, and there is no one governing its design. This is why you have different kinds of baby slings in the market. Some are a step above a cut sheet of cloth, while other have reinforced stitching, head rest, and other safety measure.

One such product that was recalled last March 2010 were the baby slings of Infantino, a San Diego-based company. Apparently the baby would slide deep into the sling pocket and restrict oxygen supply should the baby turn towards his mother.

The Baby Sling Does Not Come With A Harness

The sole support for the baby will come from the mother. If she does not tie the ends properly, she risks dropping the baby. Also, many mothers assume that they can go hands-free when using the baby sling, and this is dangerous because the sling can swing and cause the baby to hit something. In addition, a baby 6 months or younger still has that soft spot in his skull and a weak neck which requires the adult to hold gently as additional support.  It gets even more dangerous when the adult bends down because you can smother the baby or weaken the hold on the baby.

Some Baby Slings Just Have Too Much Cloth and Not The Right Kind

Aside from the design, some baby slings are too big for your baby. You should try them on for size before buying them. Your baby’s head should not be covered by the cloth, and you should be able to see your baby easily without having to deal with any folds. Also, some cloths used for baby slings are not made of cotton which heightens the risk of smothering. Choose only natural all-cotton baby slings to be sure that your baby will not feel hot or have difficult breathing under synthetic material.  Finally, never get the bag baby sling designs because these are the most dangerous of all.

Demas Law Group remains one of Sacramento’s most highly respected and accomplished personal injury law firms. We’ve been successfully representing clients since our firm first opened its doors back in 1993. Every Demas Law Group attorney takes pride in obtaining the full compensation and complete justice owed to every client.