Experts call for more guidance on baby sling use

New parents should be given better guidance on the safe use of baby slings, researchers say.

Baby sleep experts at Durham University found that almost nine out of 10 slings were purchased online with parents learning how to use them from manufacturers' instructions, social media or internet blogs.

They surveyed 1,470 parents of babies less than a year old and found even those who were experienced had difficulty with positioning and securing the child.

Prof Helen Ball of the Durham Infancy and Sleep Centre said: "As most parents start using slings and carriers when their babies are at their most vulnerable, it is crucial they know how to choose the most appropriate product and use it safely."

With incorrect fitting, a baby's nose or mouth can be pressed against the parent's body or blocked by fabric.

In other cases, the baby can slump down in the carrier and their windpipe can become pinched.

"Many parents are unaware of the safety guidance around baby slings and carriers," Prof Ball said.

Jenny Ward, chief executive of The Lullaby Trust which promotes safety for infants, said: "This research highlights the need for clearer, more accessible guidance.

"Many families value slings and carriers, but it is important that they have access to trusted information on how to use them safely, particularly during the early months when babies are most vulnerable."

In October 2023, six-week-old James Alderman was being breastfed in a sling but was in an unsafe position too far down the sling and lost consciousness after five minutes.

Attempts were made to resuscitate him but he died three days later.

At the conclusion the inquest into James's death, a coroner issued a warning about the dangers of slings.

Lydia Brown wrote: "There is very little information available to inform parents of safety and positioning advice of young babies in carriers/slings and in particular nothing in relation to breastfeeding.

"Consideration should be given to industry standards to promote the safe use [and] warn users of the risks and whether any such standards should be voluntary or mandatory."

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