{"id":353206,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:59","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/product-liability\/baby-slings-and-sling-carriers.html"},"modified":"2023-11-24T12:50:06","modified_gmt":"2023-11-24T17:50:06","slug":"baby-slings-and-sling-carriers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/baby-slings-and-sling-carriers.html","title":{"rendered":"Baby Slings and Sling Carrier Recalls"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Baby Slings and Sling Carrier Recalls<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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While convenient, baby slings and carriers have been linked to suffocation risks and serious injuries due to design flaws and improper use. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled over a million units for failing to meet safety standards.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Sling-style baby carriers or wraps have been a popular choice for parents because they allow parents to carry their baby close while keeping their hands free. A baby sling consists of cloth and is slung around the adult’s shoulder like a giant handbag. As practical and convenient as these slings can be, they pose a serious fall hazard for the child.<\/p>\n

Not surprisingly, baby slings and carriers require enormous trust in the quality of the design and manufacturing process. This article discusses why these products cause a health risk for babies. It also explains what to do if your child gets hurt in a sling or carrier.<\/p>\n

Parents trust that the products they use to care for their babies are safe. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case, and manufacturers sometimes fail to meet safety standards or issue timely recalls. If your baby has been harmed by a sling-style carrier, you may have legal grounds to hold the company accountable for the harm caused. Contact a product liability attorney<\/a> in your area to discuss your case.<\/p>\n

Debate Over Baby Sling Safety<\/h2>\n

Baby slings have come under fire for causing suffocation fatalities and dozens of injuries. Still, experts remain divided on whether the slings and carriers are safe.<\/p>\n

Some groups\u00a0claim the slings are safe<\/a>\u00a0if parents and caregivers use common sense. These groups also provide practical tips to prevent suffocation or injury.<\/p>\n

At the same time, Consumer Reports advises against using slings altogether. It provides many safer options, such as front-mount soft baby carriers, hip carriers, backpack carriers<\/a>, and strollers.<\/p>\n

The Dangers of Baby Slings<\/h2>\n

In 2010, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a warning that newborns who can’t control their heads can suffocate when the\u00a0sling’s soft fabric presses against their nose and mouth<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Babies are also at risk if the sling cradles them into a curling position. Bending the chin toward the chest constricts the airway and limits the baby’s oxygen supply. This can also lead to infant deaths.<\/p>\n

Another risk is that the sling fasteners fail to hold the baby’s weight, and the child\u00a0falls\u00a0to the ground. Many slings have failed due to the bending or breaking of aluminum or plastic rings. Dozens of babies have suffered skull fractures, head injuries, and contusions and abrasions as a result.<\/p>\n

Baby Sling Recalls<\/h2>\n

There have been numerous baby sling product recalls for infant carriers. Manufacturers have recalled over one million of these products in the last fifteen years.<\/p>\n

For example, in 2010, the\u00a0CPSC advised consumers<\/a>\u00a0to immediately stop using the Infantino SlingRider and Wendy Bellissimo infant slings. These were sold from 2003 through 2010 at retailers including Target, Babies “R” Us, and Burlington Coat Factory.<\/p>\n

In 2023, the\u00a0CPSC warned consumers to immediately stop using carriers<\/a> sold as:<\/p>\n