A six-week-old boy’s death prompts urgent safety warnings for baby sling use
London: Parents are being urged to double-check how they use baby slings after a heartbreaking incident. A six-week-old boy named Jimmy collapsed while being breastfed in a sling and sadly passed away three days later.
It turns out he was positioned too low in the sling, which led to the tragic outcome. A coroner has now raised alarms about the dangers of baby slings, stressing that many parents might not know how to use them safely.
During the inquest, it was revealed that Jimmy was being breastfed hands-free while his mom moved around the house. Unfortunately, he was in an unsafe position and collapsed after just five minutes.
Even though resuscitation efforts began immediately, he died on October 11, 2023. The coroner pointed out that there’s a lack of safety information available for parents, especially since baby slings have become more popular.
While some believe that baby-wearing helps with bonding, the coroner noted that there’s no clear guidance on the risks of breastfeeding a young baby in a sling, particularly regarding suffocation.
She called for better industry standards to promote safe sling use, mentioning that there aren’t enough visual aids showing safe versus unsafe positions. The NHS also doesn’t provide adequate advice on this matter.
The Lullaby Trust, a charity focused on safer sleep for babies, highlighted that the risk of suffocation is highest when a baby’s airway is blocked. This can happen if their chin is resting on their chest or if their mouth and nose are covered.
They emphasized that while slings can be handy, they need to be used safely. Although there’s no solid evidence linking slings to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), there have been fatal accidents related to their use.
To keep babies safe, the best carriers allow parents to see their baby’s face and ensure their airways are clear. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has complete guidance on this.
The Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers also shared some tips for safe sling use. They recommend following the TICKS guidelines: keep your baby tight, in view, close enough to kiss, with their chin off their chest, and their back supported.
A Government spokesperson expressed condolences to Jimmy’s family and assured that they would look into the coroner’s concerns and take necessary actions. They also reminded that product safety laws require manufacturers to ensure their products are safe and come with clear usage instructions.
