When Baby Slings Result In Injury Or Death
When parents bring home a brand-new baby, it is one of the happiest days of their lives. There is nothing sweeter than that newborn cuddle. And when the baby sling was advertised as a way to have that infant snuggling while freeing up a parent’s hands to do other things around the house, it seemed like the perfect invention for busy Moms and Dads. But it’s pretty much guaranteed that none of the parents who lost babies to the dangers of the slings would have considered using them had they known of the risks.
Why are Slings so Dangerous?
Advertisers have convinced new parents that carrying their babies close to the breast is the most secure and comforting way to hold them. Unfortunately, infant slings can be suffocation snares for youngsters who haven’t yet developed the ability to control their own head movement. If a baby’s face is up against the fabric, or even the carrier’s body, it can limit, or ultimately cut off the baby’s ability to breathe altogether. The slings can be dangerous in other ways, too. There have been instances where the sliders provided to adjust the sling have malfunctioned, leading babies to actually fall out of the carriers, resulting in injuries such as contusions, broken bones, and even brain damage.
Using Slings Safely
No parent should ever have to deal with the aftermath of a baby sling tragedy. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) provides some basic tips for using slings safely:
- Avoid placing an infant who is younger than four months of age in a sling.
- Always ensure that the infant’s face is visible.
- Adjust the position of the baby after nursing so that the baby’s face is not resting against the mother’s body or the sling itself.
- Use a sling that is able to keep the baby upright, pressed steadily against the carrier.
Additional recommendations come from the UK Consortium of Sling Manufacturers and Retailers. They use the acronym TICKS to help parents memorize the steps to using slings safely:
- T: The sling should be tight, holding the baby snugly to the carrier.
- I: The infant’s face should always be in view of the carrier.
- C: The baby’s face should be close enough to kiss.
- K: It is essential to keep the infant’s chin off their chest.
- S: The infant’s back must always be
When the Worst Occurs
If your child was injured or died as a result of using a baby sling or any other product ill-designed for a baby, it is difficult to imagine your heartbreak. The Baltimore personal injury attorneys at The Law Office of Hasson D. Barnes can assist in the recovery of damages to address your loss. Schedule a confidential consultation in our office today.
