Infantino Recalls to Replace SlingRider Baby Slings; Three Infant Deaths Reported
What's being recalled
Infantino "SlingRider" and "Wendy Bellissimo" infant slings
Units: About 1 million in the United States and 15,000 in Canada
The Infantino "SlingRider", is a soft fabric baby carrier with a padded shoulder strap that is worn by parents and caregivers to carry an infant weighing up to 20 lbs. "Infantino" is printed on the plastic slider located on the strap. "Infantino," "SlingRider" and the item number are printed on the instruction/warning label inside the baby sling carrier. "Wendy Bellissimo" branded sling carriers were sold exclusively at Babies "R" Us and have a sewn-in label on the inside of the sling strap that says in part "Wendy Bellissimo Media, Inc." and lists Item numbers 3937500H7 and 3937501H7.
The problem, in CPSC's words
Slings can 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 sling's fabric can press against an infant's nose and mouth, blocking the baby's breathing. 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.
Incidents and injuries reported to CPSC
CPSC is aware of three reports of deaths that occurred in these slings in 2009; a 7-week-old infant in Philadelphia, Pa.; a 6-day-old infant in Salem, Ore.; and a 3-month-old infant in Cincinnati, Ohio.
What CPSC says to do
Consumers should stop using the recalled slings immediately and contact Infantino to receive a free replacement product, with a choice of a Wrap & Tie infant carrier, or a 2 in 1 Shopping Cart Cover, or a 3 in 1 Grow & Play Activity Gym. A Jittery Pals Rattle will also be provided.
How to contact the company
Infantino toll-free at (866) 860-1361 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at https://infantino.com/pages/recalls-product-infantino-slingrider-wendy-bellissimo-sling-march-2010
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Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice 10177, cpsc.gov. Text in quotes is from CPSC. Photos: CPSC.