CPSC recalls Infantino Sling Rider "Bag Slings"
The deal: On March 24, the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commision recalled Infantino "SlingRider" and "Wendy Bellissimo" slings. These slings pose a safety risk to infants under 4 months (the age for which they were supposedly designed) and three infant deaths have been reported. Consumers are urged to stop using them immediately. The press release indicates that consumers can receive a free "replacement" although this is actually a choice of several other products which are not slings.
Additionally, on March 12, the CPSC issued a warning about proper use and positioning of infants in baby slings. They recommended that parents be cautious when using sling carriers with babies under 4 months of age, ensuring that baby's face is not covered and is visible to the wearer at all times. If nursing baby in a sling, CPSC recommended that wearers change the baby's position after wearing so that the baby's face is facing up and is clear of the sling and of the wearer's body.
What the SlingLady wants you to know about this recall: Only one sling has been recalled. Contrary to what some media outlets have reported, baby slings as a group are NOT being recalled.
Moreover, the although the Infantino slings being recalled are referred to as "slings," they are NOT the same type of carriers as pouches and ring slings. The infantino carriers are known in the babywearing industry as "bag slings," because they were designed to carry baby as in a bag. Babywearing advocates such as the Sling Lady (aka Laurel McCarthy) and others have been warning against these carriers long before this recall. These carriers have never allowed for proper positioning on baby in a sling. Tragically, it took infant deaths to prompt this recall, even though Infantino was made aware of the issues.
Pouches and ring slings (both of which are sometimes also called "slings") hold babies snugly against the wearer's body and allow for proper positioning of baby in an upright position, to allow for proper airflow to baby's nose and mouth.
The bottom line: If you have an Infantino bag sling, don't ever use it for carrying your baby. Don't give it to friend or pass it on to a thrift or consignment store. If you have friends using this carrier, tell them about the recall. If you see other carriers that don't allow for proper positioning of baby in a carrier (even if they have not been recalled), do not use these carriers!
Please see information provided on the SlingLady's blog about proper positioning of a newborn in a baby carrier. If you have questions, please contact us. We are happy to look at pictures you send or even set up a live appointment via Skype to assist you in achieving proper positioning of your infant in your carrier.
The deal: On March 24, the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commision recalled Infantino "SlingRider" and "Wendy Bellissimo" slings. These slings pose a safety risk to infants under 4 months (the age for which they were supposedly designed) and three infant deaths have been reported. Consumers are urged to stop using them immediately. The press release indicates that consumers can receive a free "replacement" although this is actually a choice of several other products which are not slings. Additionally, on March 12, the CPSC issued a warning about proper use and positioning of infants in baby slings. They recommended that parents be cautious when using sling carriers with babies under 4 months of age, ensuring that baby's face is not covered and is visible to the wearer at all times. If nursing baby in a sling, CPSC recommended that wearers change the baby's position after wearing so that the baby's face is facing up and is clear of the sling and of the wearer's body.
What the SlingLady wants you to know about this recall: Only one sling has been recalled. Contrary to what some media outlets have reported, baby slings as a group are NOT being recalled.
Moreover, the although the Infantino slings being recalled are referred to as "slings," they are NOT the same type of carriers as pouches and ring slings. The infantino carriers are known in the babywearing industry as "bag slings," because they were designed to carry baby as in a bag. Babywearing advocates such as the Sling Lady (aka Laurel McCarthy) and others have been warning against these carriers long before this recall. These carriers have never allowed for proper positioning on baby in a sling. Tragically, it took infant deaths to prompt this recall, even though Infantino was made aware of the issues.
Pouches and ring slings (both of which are sometimes also called "slings") hold babies snugly against the wearer's body and allow for proper positioning of baby in an upright position, to allow for proper airflow to baby's nose and mouth.
The bottom line: If you have an Infantino bag sling, don't ever use it for carrying your baby. Don't give it to friend or pass it on to a thrift or consignment store. If you have friends using this carrier, tell them about the recall. If you see other carriers that don't allow for proper positioning of baby in a carrier (even if they have not been recalled), do not use these carriers!
Please see information provided on the SlingLady's blog about proper positioning of a newborn in a baby carrier. If you have questions, please contact us. We are happy to look at pictures you send or even set up a live appointment via Skype to assist you in achieving proper positioning of your infant in your carrier.
|