Baby Slings Recalled After Three Infant Deaths
More than one million baby slings made by Infantino have been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) because they have been linked to three infant deaths.
The CPSC said that babies could suffocate in the recalled slings—the “SlingRider” and “Wendy Bellissimo”—and warned parents to immediately stop using them for babies under 4 months of age.
According to the CPSC, the slings pose the following two types of suffocation hazards:
- Particularly in the first few months of life when babies cannot control their heads, the sling’s fabric can press against an infant’s nose and mouth, blocking the baby’s breathing. The baby can suffocate in a minute or two.
- A sling keeps the infant in a curled position with the chin bent toward the chest. This restricts the airways, limiting the oxygen supply. The baby won’t be able to cry for help and will suffocate slowly.
The recalled slings were sold from 2003 through 2010 at such retailers as Target, Babies R Us and Burlington Coat Factory.
“The CPSC does a great job of protecting the public against the risk of injuries associated with consumer products,” says Personal Injury Attorney Howard Krepack, a partner with the firm of Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton & Goldstein. “But it is up to consumers to be proactive in order to keep themselves and their families safe from defective products and design defects. The CPSC’s website is a great place to start.”
The commission’s easily-navigable, well-organized website (www.cpsc.gov) includes details regarding recent recalls, case settlements, press releases and much more. You can even conduct your own research by date or product type, and sign up to receive e-mail announcements regarding recalls.
“As parents, we work so hard to keep our children safe, but these three deaths are a wake-up call for all of us to do our homework before purchasing and using products. The CPSC’s website has a ‘Most Wanted’ list, detailing defective products that proved lethal; it includes cribs and children’s toys.”
It took three deaths, but the CPSC has determined that a mandatory standard is necessary for infant sling carriers. While such a standard is being developed, the CPSC will work with ASTM International, one of the world’s largest voluntary standards development organizations, to develop an effective voluntary standard for slings. Presently there are no federal safety rules for baby slings.
Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton and Goldstein has had great success representing clients harmed by unsafe products. If you would like to talk to an Los Angeles attorney about your case, please contact us at 213-739-7000.
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