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Statement from La Leche League of Southern California/Nevada on Baby Sling Safety Warning from U.S. CPSC

Many LLL Leaders have expressed concern over recent media reports of a Consumer Product safety Commission statement on the dangers of using baby slings. http: The baby carriers in question are the one-shouldered, sling type ones commonly sold in mass-retail stores.  The use of other types of baby carriers such as mei-tais, podegis, wraps, or structured carriers are not in question at this time, although the positioning guidelines detailed below would apply to the safe use of any type of baby carrier. Wearing a baby in a sling or other type of baby carrier is a tool that many mothers have utilized to help meet their babies' needs. Mothers and babies need to be together early and often to establish satisfying relationships and adequate milk supplies.  In the early years, babies have an intense need to be with their mothers, which is as basic as their need for food.

Some LLL Groups have chosen sell slings to raise funds for their Groups. If your Group sells slings, please make very sure that you have a certificate of insurance from the manufacturer and a hold harmless agreement. If you do not have these documents, please do not sell slings in your capacity as an LLL Leader until you have them.  LLL Groups should not have baby carriers available for loan or homemade carriers for sale.

It is very tragic and heartbreaking that babies have been injured and died while in slings.  Leaders are strongly encouraged to reinforce to parents that babies need responsible care, and that parents need to be aware of their babies at all times. While being worn in a sling, babies should ideally be in an upright position on the mother's chest.  She should be able to kiss her baby's head.  If being held in a cradle position, such as for breastfeeding, the baby's face should be visible. After breastfeeding, the baby should be turned facing up or in the upright position. Any time the sling is used, the baby should have his chin up and off his chest, and there should be no obstructions to his breathing. Baby's head should be outside the sling, chin up, and face visible, nose and mouth free, to ensure there is nothing compromising breathing. The sling should fit the wearer properly and should hold the baby high and firmly to the mother. Young babies and babies who have tone problems or developmental delays should not be under the mother's breasts or hanging down by her hips. Ideally, a sling should mimic the way a mother would naturally hold and carry her baby in her arms.

Some slings, by their design, may put babies in a position that can compromise their proper breathing. Small, premature and newborn babies are especially vulnerable. These slings can look a bit like handbags.  Many have elastic in the rails and usually a buckle adjustment. Some have a firm surface inside. The baby is encased entirely in the sling, making it difficult for the mother to see the baby without moving the rails. These slings have a tendency to force babies into a chin to chest position, which can cause positional asphyxia. Positional asphyxia is a compression of the airway that reduces or blocks airflow. Babies can also shift position in some slings and roll so their faces are buried in their mothers' clothing or breasts, again compromising breathing.  This is a link that depicts proper and improper sling positioning with drawings.: http:

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As LLL Leaders we can encourage parents to be proactive in learning babywearing safety tips that can be followed while using slings. Even the best designed sling, like any tool, is not safe if it is used improperly. Parents are responsible to educate themselves about the safety of the products they choose to use with their babies. Leaders may also direct parents to LLLI's webpage on babywearing. http:

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Southern California La Leche League Board of Directors Inc.