New parents should receive more comprehensive guidance on the safe use of baby slings and carriers, according to researchers at Durham University. A study conducted by the university's baby sleep experts highlights a concerning lack of safety awareness among parents, particularly those who purchase these products online.
The research, published in BMJ Paediatrics Open, surveyed 1,470 parents of infants under one year old. It found that nearly 90% of them bought a sling or carrier online, with only 3% assisted by a virtual sales assistant or chat function. In contrast, just 30% of purchasers received advice when buying a sling in person from a shop.
How Parents Learn to Use Slings
Instead of professional guidance, most parents relied on manufacturers' instructions, social media, or internet blogs to learn how to use the sling. Some attended so-called sling libraries, where carriers can be borrowed or hired and safety advice should be available. However, the study revealed that even experienced parents struggled with positioning the baby correctly, ensuring comfort for the carrier, and securing the infant safely.
Risks of Incorrect Use
Unsafe use of baby slings has been linked to accidental deaths from suffocation or falls. In 2023, six-week-old James Alderman died in a carrier during hands-free breastfeeding, prompting a coroner to issue a warning. With incorrect fitting, a baby's nose or mouth can be pressed against the parent's body or blocked by fabric. In other cases, the baby may slump down in the carrier, pinching their windpipe.
Professor Helen Ball, director of the Durham Infancy and Sleep Centre, said: "Many parents are unaware of the safety guidance around baby slings and carriers. As most parents start using slings and carriers when their babies are very young and at their most vulnerable, it is crucial they know how to choose the most appropriate product and how to use it safely. Although deaths linked to using a baby sling or carrier are not that common, they could be avoided with better access to guidance before or as soon as parents buy the product."
Calls for Better Education
Jenny Ward, chief executive of The Lullaby Trust, which promotes infant safety, said: "This research highlights the need for clearer, more accessible guidance to help families use slings and baby carriers as safely as possible. Many families value slings and carriers, but it is important that they have access to trusted information on how to use them safely, particularly during the early months when babies are most vulnerable."
The researchers recommend that parents receive education before purchase or at the point of sale, especially since most buy online without professional advice. They urge retailers and manufacturers to provide clearer safety information and consider offering virtual or in-person demonstrations.
