Infantino, along with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), has issued a defective product recall for more than 1 million baby slings, which pose a suffocation hazard. According to an Associated Press news report, these slings have been linked to three infant deaths. Apparently, babies could suffocate in the soft fabric slings, which wrap around the chest so, parents can carry their babies.

Federal Officials Issue Warning

The federal safety agency had issued a general warning about sling-style baby carriers earlier this month. But the CPSC did not specify a type or manufacturer of slings. CPSC officials say they are investigating at least 14 deaths in the last two decades that are associated with baby slings. Infantino officials say they are also working with CPSC and ASTM International, an organization that sets voluntary safety standards, to develop a safety standard for these slings. The Infantino slings were sold at large retailers nationwide such as Target and Babies ‘R’ Us. If you own or use one of these baby slings, please stop using them right away and contact the company for a free replacement product.

In 2008, Consumer Reports raised concerns about soft fabric slings where children fell out and sustained serious injuries. Another Consumer Reports blog warned consumers about a suffocation risk involving these slings that resulted in at least seven deaths. The brands mentioned in Consumer Repots were SlingRider by Infantino. Whether the product defects involve suffocation or fall, there is the potential for serious personal injuries.

Product Design and Liability Issues

These bag-style slings basically wrap around the parent’s neck and cradle the child in a curved “C” position nestling the baby below the mom’s chest or near the belly. Safety advocates also caution that this curved position can cause an infant, who has little or no head and neck control, to suffocate. The baby’s ability to breathe is restricted in such cases. SlingRiders were the subject of a 2007 recall for problems associated with plastic sliders on the sling’s strap that could break and cause a baby to fall off the sling.

If your loved one has been injured as a result of these slings, please contact a renowned personal injury lawyer who has successfully handled product defect lawsuits. In cases where defective design causes deaths, families of deceased victims may file a wrongful death claim against the product manufacturer, seeking damages.

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.