Are slings safe?

[NoTeaForMe]

Hi,

The recent news of the babies dying in slings in America have really put me off getting a sling. Until then I liked the idea and I saw a small baby in one at the weekend and they looked SO cosy!
So....are they safe? What brand was it that the babies died in - is that an unsafe brand then? What do people recommend?

Thanks for your help!

It was only one brand, which is significantly different from others for sale in the UK (google, you'll probably find it).
I had a diagonal one, it was great and perfectly safe.

Only bag slings that are the problem. Wraps, pouches, mei teis etc. are all fine. Wraps e.g. Moby are especially lovely for teeny tiny babies, definately get one.

Most slings are safe.

The slings that were taken off the market were more akin to carrying your baby in a bag.

When looking for a sling, make sure you buy one that does not cover the baby's face with material; that has the baby high up on your chest,close to your face; directly next to your chest with just thin fabric separating you and the baby (ie. no sling made of fleecy/sheep skin material - the baby could over heat especially added to the warmth of your body). The baby needs to be supported without pressure on the hips.

You need to be aware of your baby breathing at all times - you should be able to feel the baby breathing against you.

I have been using slings for the best part of 6 years and have had no problems.

What others have said, poor journalism not to differentiate between BAG slings, which most of the carrying parents I know/have spoken to wouldn't dream of using and pouches, ringslings, wraps mei tais etc which are all perfectly safe and better for the baby most of the time (than being kept in bendy car seat in a buggy anyway)

I think this is the best site which explains the difference fully, and also shows how to make sure any sling holds your baby securely, which should help protect against badly made slings which may still be on the market (I think this is unlikely though, especially if you stick to known and trusted brands like Ergo, Moby, Ellaroo, etc)

www.sleepingbaby.net/safety.php