Baby Slings – Caution Needed
Baby slings have become an increasingly popular choice for parents, who wish to keep their babies close.
Baby slings are made of soft fabrics that wrap around the chest. They provide comfort and support for the baby and allow the parent to keep their hands free as they go about their everyday tasks. Slings have also been promoted by baby experts as a way to calm fussy babies or as a way for mothers to breastfeed more comfortably. There are a wide variety of carriers available from wraps and ring slings to soft structured carriers and mei dai’s. The number of styles and sizes of carries can be overwhelming. Different slings and carriers will appeal and suit different people so it is important to find one that is best for you and your little one.
The safest method of baby wearing is in a carrier that keeps the newborn baby solidly against the parent’s body, in an upright position. Parents should ensure that they keep their baby’s chin off their chest, thereby keeping the airway free for breathing.
RoSPA advises parents to be careful with their selection of the type of sling and to be aware that there are risks attached.
A sling’s fabric can press against a baby’s nose and mouth, blocking the baby’s airways and causing suffocation within a minute or two. Suffocation can occur where the baby is cradled in a curved or “C-like” position in a sling, nestling below the parent’s chest or near their stomach. Because babies do not have strong neck control, this means that their heads are more likely to flop forward, chin-to-chest, restricting the infant’s ability to breathe.
When you’re wearing a sling or carrier, don’t forget the T.I.C.K.S acronym:
- Tight
- In view at all times
- Close enough to kiss
- Keep chin off the chest
- Supported back
Breastfeeding a young baby hands-free in a sling is considered to be unsafe due to the risks of suffocation and not being able to meet every aspect of T.I.C.K.S.
See the poster below for more information about T.I.C.K.S and for more information about baby sling safety visit the RoSPA website.
