The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall alert for "Ring Slings" -- a sling used ty carry infants up to two years of age. The agency said a 10-day-old boy had suffocated while being carried in one of the slings in 2007.
There was no explanation of why it took three years to issue the recall.
The Sprout Stuff-brand infant ring sling is fabric/natural muslin and comes with or without a shoulder pad. The sling is worn by parents and caregivers to carry a child up to two years of age. Sprout Stuff is printed on the back side of the tails hem.
Sprout Stuff sold the recalled infant slings, which were made in the United States, directly to consumers between October 2006 and May 2007 for between $35 and $45. Sprout Stuff is directly contacting known purchasers of the recalled infant slings.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled slings and contact Sprout Stuff to return the sling for a full refund. Contact Sprout Stuff toll-free at (877) 319-3103 anytime, email the firm at sproutstuffrefunds@gmail.com or contact the firm by mail at Sprout Stuff Refunds, P.O. Box 612, Buda, Texas 78610.
In March, CPSC issued a warning about sling carriers, saying they pose two different types of suffocation hazards to babies.
In the first few months of life, babies cannot control their heads because of weak neck muscles. The slings fabric can press against an infants nose and mouth, blocking the babys breathing and rapidly suffocating a baby within a minute or two. Additionally, 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.
CPSC said it has determined that a mandatory standard is needed for infant sling carriers and said it is working with "concerned companies" to develop a voluntary standard until the mandatory regulations are enacted, a process that can take years.
