Baby sling safety warning as experts urge better guidance for new parents
New parents need more guidance on the safe use of baby slings, new research suggests.
Baby sleep experts at Durham University are advocating better education for parents, both pre-purchase and at the point of sale.
A survey of 1,470 parents of children under the age of one found that nearly nine in ten had purchased a sling or carrier online.
Of these, only three percent received assistance from a virtual sales assistant or chat function; This highlights a significant gap in direct support.
In stark contrast, only three in ten buyers who purchased their hangers in person from a store received direct advice.
Instead, most parents relied on manufacturer instructions, social media, or internet blogs to learn how to use the equipment safely. While some parents do access ‘hanger libraries’ (services that offer carrier loans and safety guidance), these appear to be a minority resource.
Researchers emphasize the need for more accessible and comprehensive security information to prevent possible abuse.
The survey found that even experienced parents have difficulty positioning the baby in the sling, ensuring comfort for the carrier, and securing the baby safely.
Unsafe use of baby slings has been linked to accidental deaths from suffocation or falls.
In 2023, six-week-old James Alderman died in a carrier while hands-free breastfeeding, prompting the coroner to issue an alert.
If the sling or carrier is worn incorrectly, the baby’s nose or mouth may be pressed against the parent’s body or obstructed by fabric.
In other cases, the baby may fall in the carrier and the windpipe may become compressed.
Professor Helen Ball, director of the Durham Infancy and Sleep Center at Durham University, said: “Many parents are unaware of the safety instructions on baby slings and carriers.
“As most parents start using slings and carriers when their babies are very young and at their most vulnerable, it is crucial that they know how to choose the most suitable product and how to use it safely.
“Although deaths related to baby sling or carrier use are not as common, they could be prevented by providing parents with better access to guidance before or once they purchase the product.”
Jenny Ward, chief executive of The Lullaby Trust, which promotes baby safety, said: “This research highlights the need for clearer, more accessible guidance to help families use slings and baby carriers as safely as possible.
“Many families value slings and carriers, but it’s important they have access to reliable information on how to use them safely, especially in the early months when babies are most vulnerable.”
The research was published at: BMJ Pediatrics Open.
