Consumer Alert: Baby Sling Recall

The Consumer Products Safety Commission just issued a recall for more than 1 million Infantino “SlingRider” and “Wendy Bellissimo” slings in the United States and 15,000 in Canada.  Reportedly, the concern is over three recent infant deaths linked to the Infantino sling in the past year.

 

Baby Sling WarningThe Consumer Products Safety Commission just issued a recall for more than 1 million Infantino “SlingRider” and “Wendy Bellissimo” slings in the United States and 15,000 in Canada.  Reportedly, the concern is over three recent infant deaths linked to the Infantino sling in the past year.

Earlier this month, the CPSC issued a general warning about sling-style baby carriers because of a potential suffocation risk to infants, especially babies under 4 months.  In addition, babies who had a low birth weight, were born prematurely or had breathing problems, even colds, were also at risk.  Here are their two main concerns:

  • A sling’s fabric can press against a baby’s nose and mouth, blocking the baby’s breathing and suffocating a baby within a minute or two.
  • The baby is cradled in a curved or “C-like” position, nestling the baby below the mother’s chest or near her belly. That curved position can cause a baby who doesn’t have strong neck control to flop its head forward, chin-to-chest, restricting the infant’s ability to breathe. “The baby will not be able to cry for help and can slowly suffocate,” warned the commission.

At the time of the initial investigation which began in 2008, the commission did not single out a specific type of sling or manufacturer.  While investigating at least 14 deaths that have occurred over the last 20 years associated with baby slings, the three recent deaths involving the Infantino sling became a red flag in comparison.

In response, Infantino President Jack Vresics said the company has been working closely with the CPSC on its sling concerns.  “Our top priority is the safety of infants whose parents and caregivers use our products,” Vresics said in a statement.

Please keep in mind that not all slings are dangerous, but if you are affected by this recall of slings purchased between 2003 and 2010, contact the company for a free replacement baby carrier, activity gym or shopping cart cover at 866-860-1361.  For more information, visit https://www.infantino.com or https://www.cspc.gov.