Philadelphia stores are removing bag-shaped baby slings from store shelves in response to a federal recall of more than 1 million Infantino manufactured baby slings. Baby slings sold in Philadelphia and other cities in the U.S. and Canada have been linked to severe personal injury risk for infants and implicated in at least 14 inadvertent infant suffocations, three last year. (See our March 19 post on infant sling personal injury risks.)
This week the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission ordered the recall of the SlingRider and Wendy Bellissimo infant slings that are linked to the three infant deaths that occurred last year. Wendy Bellissimo baby slings were sold exclusively at Babies-R-Us, but the SlingRider infant carriers were sold at Wal-Mart, Target, Babies-R-Us and other stores in both the U.S. and Canada. According to the warning issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the defective product fabric slings can block a baby's breathing, resulting in suffocation. As the parent moves about while the baby is in the sling, it is also possible for the baby's chin to be forced against his chest, making it difficult for the infant to breathe and presenting a serious risk of personal injury or suffocation.
Baby slings have been used by various cultures for centuries. Designed properly, experts say infant slings provide a valuable connection between baby and parent. However, some experts say usage instructions included with infant slings may not be clear and that many parents are wearing slings incorrectly or using the slings with infants who are too young. Many slings are safe only for babies who are at least four months old and have developed a degree of muscle tone. When used with younger infants, these slings pose a severe risk to Philadelphia infants.
If you own a recalled baby sling, stop using it immediately. Contact a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer about personal injury and defective product law.
