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 10, 2010 – According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defect Investigations (ODI), Monaco RV is recalling certain Model Year 2010-2011 Holiday Rambler Campmaster recreational vehicles for failing to comply with Part 567, “Certification,” and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, “Tire Selection And Rims.”
March 8, 2010 – Carlsbad Police said Sunday they are investigating the claims of a motorist, who says she may have unwittingly struck a teenaged boy on El Camino Real, but left the scene after failing to spot any victim.
March 3, 2010 – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with American Electric Lighting, a division of Acuity Brands Lighting Inc., of Conyers, Ga., today announced a voluntary recall of Outdoor Lighting Fixtures.
March 1, 2010 – Samira Chalala, 54, of Cypress, was killed after she was hit by a pickup in Long Beach on Wednesday, authorities said.
February 18, 2010 – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Baycreek Inc., of New York, N.Y., today announced a voluntary recall of Attitude Gold Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts.
This recall involves children’s hooded sweatshirts in sizes small, medium, large and extra large. The sweatshirts were sold in beige, blue, charcoal gray and black and have a random distress designs. Style number ZZJ-2J, ZZJ-01J, ZZJ-04J or ZZJ-5J is printed on the hangtag.
ulation hazard to children. In February 1996 CPSC, issued
No incidents or injuries have been reported.
February 10, 2010 – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada, in cooperation with Britax Child Safety, Inc., of Charlotte, N.C., today announced a voluntary recall of Britax “Blink” Umbrella Strollers.
January 28, 2010 – Toyota Motor Corp. said Thursday it will recall an additional 1.09 million vehicles in the United States over problems with gas pedals and floor mats — a fresh blow to the world’s top automaker as it struggles to salvage its safety reputation.
January 20, 2010 – Linda Jane Flick, 58, of Flint Springs, was found dead Tuesday inside a mobile home crushed by a large tree that blew over at an East County trailer park during Tuesday afternoon’s blustery rain storm, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office.
January 15, 2010 – Ticketed passengers traveling through San Diego International Airport will be able to get the H1N1 vaccine and other preventative shots starting Friday, according to the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.

