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Philly Infant among Three Deaths Prompting Recall of Over 1 Million Baby Slings

By Paul Napoli

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada (HC) have announced today that Infantino LLC, of San Diego, CA, is recalling all 'SlingRider' and 'Wendy Bellissimo' infant slings because they are a suffocation hazard to infants younger that four months of age.

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.

The Infantino 'SlingRider' is a soft fabric pouch-like carrier with a padded should strap used to carry an infant 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.

Because infants who are only a few months old have weak neck muscles, making them unable to control their heads, these slings can pose a suffocation hazard. If the soft fabric of the sling covers the child's nose or mouth or the sling presses the child's face into the wearer's body, it could obstruct the breathing and suffocate the infant in a matter of minutes. The infant's breathing may also be restricted or obstructed if the sling holds the infant in a curled position with the chin toward the chest, causing the infant to suffocate while unable to cry for help.

Consumers may have purchased these recalled baby slings at Wal-Mart, Burlington Coat Factory, Target, Babies 'R' Us, BJ's Wholesale, various baby and children's stores and other retailers nationwide, and on the Web at Amazon.com for between $25 and $30.

Infantino lists the following models recalled on the company website.

SlingRider - Black Toile

Model 141-210 – UPC 773554512106

Model 151-210 – UPC 773554512106 - with Coolmax

Model 151-528 – UPC 773554515282

Model 151-602 – UPC 773554516029

Model 551-710 – UPC 773554517101 (** Sold To UK Only)

Model 741-710 – UPC 773554517101

Model 751-710 – UPC 773554517101

Model 751-728 – UPC 773554517286

SlingRider - Black Elegance Model 151-321 – UPC 773554513219

SlingRider - Charcoal/Monet Model 151-322 – UPC 773554513226

SlingRider - Blue Denim/Check Model 151-518 – UPC 773554515183

SlingRider - Denim/Stripe Model 151-519 – UPC 773554515190

SlingRider - Black/Bandana Model 151-520 – UPC 773554515206

SlingRider - Khaki Shabby Taupe Model 151-534 – UPC 773554515343

SlingRider - Pink Sprockets Model 151-614 – UPC 773554516142

SlingRider - Black Lace Model 151-617 – UPC 773554516173

SlingRider - Black/White Damask Model 151-655 – UPC 773554516555

SlingRider - Black/Damask Model 151-773 – UPC 773554517736

Model 551-773 – UPC 773554517736

SlingRider - Chocolate/Pink Circles Model 151-776 – UPC 773554517767

SlingRider Wendy Bellissimo Model 3937500H7 – UPC 717851375002 - Girl

Model 3937501H7 – UPC 717851375019 - Boy

SlingRider - Burgundy Floral Model 751-613 – UPC 773554516135

SlingRider - Brown/Pink Flowers

Model 151-603 – UPC 773554516036

Model 751-623 – UPC 773554516234

SlingRider - Khaki/Shabby Taupe Model 751-734 – UPC 773554517347

This recall affects one million of these infant slings in the United States and 15,000 in Canada.

Infantino is initiating a free replacement program for these recalled slings. Consumers can contact the company at (866) 860-1361.

The use of a baby sling, called 'babywearing,' and has become popular in recent years. On March 12, 2010, the CPSC issued a warning to parents and caregivers about the suffocation hazard of all baby slings and wraps used with infants younger than four months of age.

Products liability is the branch of law that deals with the liability of parties involved in the manufacturing of a product for any damages caused by the product. Defective products can cause a great deal of property damage or physical injury, even death. If your child was injured or killed as the result of a defective baby sling or other product, you need the services of an experienced attorney who has successfully handled product liability cases. At Napoli Bern Ripka LLP, our attorneys will work with you to begin the process of filing a claim for payment of medical expenses incurred and compensation for the injury or loss. Call 888-529-4669 today.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli

Full post as published by New York City Personal Injury Lawyer on March 29, 2010 (boomark / email).