Slings
Safety
Slings and baby carriers are useful for holding a baby hands free. Unfortunately they are not always used safely.
Do not feed your baby in a sling.
Some babies have been injured and even died in baby slings and carriers. Non-fatal injuries were mainly caused by dropping, while deaths were caused by positional asphyxiation. Positional asphyxiation is where the baby’s body position blocks their breathing and they suffocate if this goes unnoticed.
These risks have led to tighter safety standards for slings and carriers. Safety guidelines can also help you keep your baby safe.
- parents should always seek information about safe use of slings
- suffocation can also occur where the baby is cradled in a curved or ‘C’ shaped position in a sling, nestling below the parent’s chest or near their stomach
- the risk appears to be greatest when a baby’s airway is obstructed either by their chin resting on their chest or their mouth and nose being covered by a parent’s skin or clothing
New babies have a strong need to be close to their parents, as this helps them to feel secure and loved. When babies feel secure they release a hormone called oxytocin, which acts like a fertiliser for their growing brain, helping them to be happy babies and more confident children and adults.
Holding, smiling and talking to your baby also releases oxytocin in you, which helps you to feel calm and happy.
More information
You can ask your midwife, health visitor or peer support worker to help you with slings.
Your local area
Visit your local area page for details of support available to you locally.
Out of hours support
You can also call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212.