Consumers Warned About Sling Carriers After Infant Deaths
March 12, 2010 – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is advising parents and caregivers to be cautious when using infant slings for babies younger than four months of age.
In researching incident reports from the past 20 years, CPSC identified and is investigating at least 14 deaths associated with sling-style infant carriers, including three in 2009. Twelve of the deaths involved babies younger than four months of age.
Slings can pose two different types of suffocation hazards to babies. In the first few months of life, babies cannot control their heads because of weak neck muscles. The sling’s fabric can press against an infant’s nose and mouth, blocking the baby’s breathing and rapidly suffocating a baby within a minute or two. Additionally, where a sling keeps the infant in a curled position bending the chin toward the chest, the airways can be restricted, limiting the oxygen supply. The baby will not be able to cry for help and can slowly suffocate.
Many of the babies who died in slings were either a low birth weight twin, were born prematurely, or had breathing issues such as a cold. Therefore, CPSC urges parents of preemies, twins, babies in fragile health and those with low weight to use extra care and consult their pediatricians about using slings.
Two months ago, the Commission added slings to the list of durable infant products that require a mandatory standard. Additionally, CPSC staff is actively investigating these products to determine what additional action may be appropriate. Until a mandatory standard is developed, CPSC is working with ASTM International to quickly complete an effective voluntary standard for infant sling carriers.
CPSC recommends that parents and caregivers make sure the infant’s face is not covered and is visible at all times to the sling’s wearer. If nursing the baby in a sling, change the baby’s position after feeding so the baby’s head is facing up and is clear of the sling and the mother’s body. Parents and caregivers should be vigilant about frequently checking their baby in a sling.
March 12, 2010 – A 21-year-old Menifee motorcyclist died Thursday after he crashed into a van that was making a left turn in front of him at an intersection in that city, according to Riverside County sheriff’s and coroner’s officials.
March 11, 2010 – Six people were injured in a multi-car crash on southbound I-805 just north of Market Street early Thursday morning and investigators say at least one of the drivers may have been intoxicated.
March 11, 2010 –Frontier Natural Products Co-op is voluntarily recalling several of its products manufactured with non-organic black pepper that were sold under the Frontier brand and under the Whole Foods Market brands listed below that contain black pepper supplied by Mincing Overseas Spice Company. The black pepper has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
March 11, 2010 –Quaker Snack Mix Baked Cheddar is being voluntary recalled due to potential Salmonella contamination.
March 11, 2010 –Ventura Foods, LLC is voluntarily recalling seven of its Dean’s® Dip products, with specific production dates, because a flavor enhancer may be contaminated with Salmonella.
March 11, 2010 – Orval Kent announced today that it is voluntarily recalling multiple dips as a precautionary measure because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.
March 11, 2010 – According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defect Investigations (ODI), Toyota is recalling certain Model Year 2010 Tundra vehicles with four wheel drive.
March 11, 2010 – According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defect Investigations (ODI), Chrysler is recalling Model Year 2010 Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee vehicles.
March 11, 2010 – According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defect Investigations (ODI), Volvo Trucks is recalling certain Model Year 2010-2011 VNL trucks.
