Carrying your baby upright in a sling is safer.

Over the past 27 years, there have been at least 22 reports of serious injury associated with using slings. They include skull fractures, head injuries, and contusions and abrasions; most occurred when the baby feel out of the sling. A few babies have even died from smothering as a result of being carried in a sling. As you may have heard or read about, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission will be issuing a safety warning on slings. See this link for more info: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35782340/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/

That warns you about the risk. Consider transporting your baby in a stroller, hand-held infant carrier/car seat, or strap-on carrier. It’s a safer way to go, If you insist on using a sling, however, avoid carrying your baby lying down or completely contained by the sling. His chin can press against his chest, blocking his airway. The same thing can happen if his face presses up against you. Your baby’s face should be free. Even better, why not wait a few months until your baby can hold his head up and be carried in an upright position? The “front” (tummy to tummy) or hip carry positions are safer than the prone “C” position.