Earlier in March, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning about two different baby slings. According to the CPSC, both the Infantino brand “SlingRider” and “Wendy Bellissimo” baby slings could pose potentially hazardous conditions to young infants causing them to suffocate. Since that warning, more than one million of the infant slings were recalled last week.
The baby slings, which have become a popular item for parents of young babies everywhere, have caused at least three known deaths of small babies. It is expected that other deaths may have occurred because of the slings as well, but they were blamed on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome instead. The “SlingRider” was sold at many different stores nationwide and in Canada such as Walmart, Target, and Burlington Coat Factory to name a few. The “Wendy Bellissimo” sling was sold only at Babies ‘R’ Us. Any purchases of the products from January of 2003 until March of this year are included in the recall.
It is the design of the slings that seems to be causing the issue. The soft, padded baby carriers keep infants in a curled position, with the chin bending toward the chest. By doing so, the airways can be restricted in the babies, causing suffocation to occur. The baby will not be able to cry out due to the lack of oxygen, and the parents may not even realize anything is happening. It has also been determined that the fabric in the sling may potentially press against the nose and mouth of the babies, causing the air supply to be cut off, which will also lead to suffocation.
Just in the last year, with the cases of a three-month old Cincinnati child, a seven-week old Philadelphia child, and a six-day old Salem, Oregon infant, suffocation has been the cause of death linked to the Infantino slings. The slings, which allow parents to have the use of their hands and arms, while still holding their baby close-by are widely used and seem to be a must-have item for parents. However, consumers need to be aware that there are currently no safety standards for infant sling carriers. The CPSC is working towards developing mandatory safety standards at this time, but until then, parents may want to consider not using baby slings.
Obviously, those using the products issued in the recall need to immediately stop using them. Those that own the “Slingrider” or “Wendy Bellissimo” can visit www.infantino.com for information regarding free replacement products.
If you or a loved one has experienced injuries due to children’s products, contact Newsome Law Firm and fill out a case evaluation form today. Our team of attorneys has experience specific to complications associated with defective products. Not only can they give you the legal guidance you need, they can help you get the compensation you deserve.