Infantino LLC is pulling two of its popular sling baby carriers, the SlingRider and the Wendy Bellissimo, off the market. The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a statement two weeks ago warning parents of the potential dangers of sling carriers for children under four months old.  The deaths of at least three children lead to the recall of over one-million sling carriers.  The CPSC says there is a risk involved with all sling carriers, particularly for newborns. The slings fabric can press against an infant’s nose and mouth potentially blocking the baby’s breathing passages and can cause suffocation. The carriers also keep the infant curled bending the baby’s chin toward the chest further restricting breathing passages and limiting oxygen. Babies’ weak neck muscles make it difficult to move to a better position if they are suffocating. Infants will not be able to cry out and can slowly suffocate. The recalled slings were sold at Wal-Mart, Burlington Coat Factory, Target, Babies “R” Us, BJ’s Wholesale, various baby and children’s stores and other retailers nationwide, and on the web at Amazon.com. Consumers looking for a replacement are urged to contact Infantino at (866) 860-1361 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.infantino.com.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns against the potential suffocation risk of all sling carriers. They advise parents to make sure the infant’s face is not covered and is visible at all times to the sling’s wearer. If nursing the baby in a sling, change the baby’s position after feeding so the baby’s head is facing up and is clear of the sling and the mother’s body. Parents and caregivers should be vigilant about frequently checking their baby in a sling.

For more information about these and other recent recalls, please see www.cpsc.gov.  If you or someone you know has been injured by a defective product and are seeking more information, please go to our “about us” page and contact Hill | Turner LLC.