Using a sling

aubie96

Mom told me they did something on the Today show (sorry I don't have the link) regarding the safety of using a sling. That you shouldn't use one until baby is 4 mos old. There have been cases of death. Just wanted to throw it out there and I'll try to find the link.

amandabrooke81

Early March 2010

https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/dangers-baby-carrying-slings-10092035

https://www.examiner.com/x-29163-NY-Parenting-Issues-Examiner~y2010m3d11-Newest-recall-about-to-be-announced-Baby-slings

 Today {March 24th}

https://www.examiner.com/x-39127-Atlanta-News-You-Can-Use-Examiner~y2010m3d24-Three-infants-under-four-months-old-die-from-recalled-baby-slings

 

HOWEVER, these slings were not being used properly. With any baby gear, using the products properly is vital for safety.

Babywearing Safety Tips:  https://babywearinginternational.org/pages/safety.php

This doesn't mean that a sling shouldn't be used prior to 4 months BUT it does serve as a scary warning that when a sling is used at any time, proper safety precautions should be taken.

uagirl

I read the article this morning. Here's the link. 

It seems to be mostly talking about the Infantino slings, like the ones sold at Target.  I looked at those when we started registering over the weekend.  They look like a big sack to me.  I could never imagine placing my LO in there. 

That said, I would certainly use caution with a sling for a small infant. 

aubie96

Thanks girls!! My mom was going to send the links. y'all are totally right, have to use with caution and properly.

12106mrsmun

Here is a great post on baby-wearing that I got from the SAIF board.

It occurs to me that perhaps no one will have the patience to read my screen below.  If you want to wear your baby but are scared because of the recall/media, read this:

https://www.nurturebabynaturally.com/2010/03/what-is-bag-sling.html

I apologize if this topic is already a dead horse on this board, I haven't been around much because I've been all about babywearing.  

sdkrlm

Fran's link is a great distinction.  Babywearing is not dangerous, it's how you do it.  That is one of hte reasons why the hot sling and peanut shell slings never appealed to me - they just didn't seem very safe.