Baby slings are a concern

Infantino announced the recall of two infant carriers, the Slingrider and Wendy Bellissimo.

In a statement the Consumer Product Safety Commission said: “CPCS advises consumers to immediately stop using these slings for infants younger than four months of age due to a risk of suffocation and contact Infantino for a free replacement product.”

Adding that they were “aware of three reports of deaths that occurred in these slings in 2009.”

It said these involved an infant of six days in Salem, an infant of seven weeks in Philidelphia and an infant of three months in Cincinnati.

Infantino president Jack Vresics said the recall was being announced to “address concerns raised” by the CPSC.

“Our top priority is the safety of infants whose parents and caregivers use our products,” he said.

Mr Vresics said the San Diego-based company would offer a free replacement baby carrier, activity gym or shopping cart cover to any affected consumer.

The CPSC had earlier issued a broad warning in March about sling-style baby carriers, saying they posed a potential risk to infants, especially babies under four months.

“In the first few months of life, babies cannot control their heads because of weak neck muscles,” it said.

“The sling’s fabric can press against an infant’s nose and mouth, blocking the baby’s breathing and rapidly suffocating a baby within a minute or two.

“Addititionally, where a sling keeps the infant in a curled position bending the chin toward the chest, the airways can be restricted, limiting the oxygen supply. The baby will not be able to cry for help and can slowly suffocate.”

The US watchdog noted that babies who had a low birth weight, were born prematurely or had breathing problems such as colds were also at risk.

By Deepika Dudakia