Child safety advice saves lives: how to safely position a child in a baby sling carrier
It is deeply upsetting to hear that a child has died, particularly if this may have been prevented if the parent had received advice about the correct use of an everyday item of baby equipment.
The recently published coroner's report into the death of a child while being carried hands-free in a baby sling carrier, follows a number of deaths worldwide of babies linked to incorrect positioning in harness and sling type carriers.
Noting the risk of future deaths if no action is taken, the Coroner’s report raised matters of concern including:
- 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 in carriers/slings.
- Consideration should be given to industry standards to promote the safe use of slings/carriers, to warn users of the risks and whether any such standards should be voluntary or mandatory.
The coroner calls on manufacturers to provide better instructions about the use of baby slings, in particular the importance of keeping the baby's face uncovered. They highlight raising awareness of the simple T.I.C.K.S. rules, promoted by child safety organisations, to help parents and carers remember how to safely position a child in a baby sling and avoid the risk of suffocation or other harm:
T – Tight. Keep the sling tight, avoid loose straps or flapping fabric
I - In view. Make sure you can see the baby’s face, that it is not covered or restricted, at all times
C – Close enough to be able to kiss their face/head.
K – Keep their chin off their chest, not curled over into their chest which can restrict breathing
S – Supported so the baby’s back is supported in an upright position.
Reliable child safety advice and information is available from a number of UK organisations such as:
CoramBAAF encourages our members to make parents and carers aware of good sources of child safety advice, and for carers to pass this on when delegating the care of children to their support network.
Pippa Bow, Advice Manager, CoramBAAF.