While babies can breathe when held upright and properly positioned in a sling, there is a significant risk that their airways can become obstructed, preventing them from breathing safely.
Understanding the Risk in Slings
According to safety information, a baby's ability to breathe in a sling depends heavily on their position. A key danger is when the sling's fabric presses against the baby's nose and mouth.
Specifically, a sling's fabric can press against a baby's nose and mouth, blocking the baby's airways and causing suffocation within a minute or two.
This dangerous situation is often linked to the baby's posture within the sling. Suffocation is particularly a risk where the baby is cradled in a curved or "C-like" position. In this position, the baby's chin can be tucked down towards their chest, and they may nestle below the parent's chest or near their stomach, making it easy for fabric to cover their face and block their airways.
The Danger of Suffocation
The consequence of blocked airways in a sling is rapid suffocation. As highlighted by safety warnings, suffocation within a minute or two is possible when a baby's breathing is obstructed in this manner. This emphasizes the critical importance of ensuring a baby's face is visible, clear of fabric, and their chin is not tucked into their chest while in a sling.
To ensure a baby can breathe safely in a sling, caregivers must always follow safe babywearing guidelines, ensuring the baby is in an upright position with their face visible and airways clear.
