New federal standards on infant sling carriers in effect after 17 deaths, 67 injuries

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) - The Consumer Product Safety Commission has approved a new federal standard on infant sling carriers following 17 deaths and 67 injuries over a 13-year span.

The new standards apply to all infant sling carriers made or imported after Jan. 30, 2018.

Under the new rules, slings must have warning labels and clear instructions showing how to properly secure a child in the sling. The warnings to be included will notify consumers of the suffocation hazards posed by slings, hazards of children falling out of slings, and reminders to check the sling's integrity to make sure there are no broken parts.

The slings must also be able to carry up to three times the manufacturer's recommended weight, improve durability to avoid breakage, and be able to carry a child without the child falling out during normal use.

CPSC reports from January 2003 to September 2016, there were 159 incidents reported to the agency that included 17 deaths and 67 injuries to infants while a sling was used.

CPSC says caretakers using a carrier should make sure an infant's face is always visible, change a baby's positioning after feeding to ensure the head is facing up and clear of the sling, and frequently check the child to make sure nothing is blocking the child's nose and mouth.

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