Infantino Baby Slings Recalled
Infantino has recalled over 1 million bag-shaped baby slings due to suffocation risks. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has received three reports of infant deaths since 2009 due to suffocation in the slings. The children suffocated were 7 weeks, 6 days, and 3 months old.
Consumers with children younger than four months should discontinue use of the slings according to the CPSC. The fabric of the recalled slings can block the baby’s breathing. The shape of the slings can also force the baby’s chin against his or her chest, cutting off breathing. Experts say mothers should be able to look down and kiss their baby’s forehead without making any adjustments to make sure they are lying properly in bag-shaped slings. Babies who are too young to hold their head’s up should be carried by hand rather than in a sling.
The SlingRider and Wendy Bellissimo slings involved in the recall were sold from January 2003 until March 2010 at retailers such as Wal-Mart, Burlington Coat Factory, Target, Babies “R” Us, and at Amazon (online) for between $25 and $30.
Consumers who have this product should contact Infantino Monday through Friday between the hours of 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET at (866) 860-1361 or visit the company’s web site (http:// www.infantino.com) for a free replacement sling.