A seven‑week‑old boy died in 2023 while his motheer breastfed him hands‑free in a baby sling, prompting a Durham University study to call for stronger safety education. The research, published in BMJ Paediatrics Open, found that most parents rely on manufacturer manuals, social media or blogs rather than professional advice when using slings or carriers.

Nearly 90% of Parents Bought Slings Online, Study Finds

The Durham team surveyed 1,470 caregivers of infants under one year and discovered that 89% of them purchased a sling or carrier via the internet. Only three percent received help from a virtual sales assistant, and a mere 30% said they got any in‑store advice at the point of sale. This heavy online reliance limits exposure to safety briefings that are often only offered in physical retail environments.

One‑Third of Purchasers Received No Safety Guidance at Purchase

When parents bought slings in person, just 30% reported receiving any instructions on proper positioning or safe use. The study highlighted that even experienced parents struggled with correctly positioning infants, creating comfort for the carrier, and securing the baby safely.. As Professor Helen Ball of Durham Infancy and Sleep Centre noted, “many parents are unaware of the safety guidance around baby slings and carriers.”

Hands‑Free Breastfeeding Linked to Fatal Suffocation in 2023 Case

The tragic death of six‑week‑old James Alderman in 2023, while his mother breastfed him hands‑free, triggered a coroner’s warning about sling safety. The coroner’s report, cited by the researchers, emphasized that improper positioning can quickly lead to suffocation or falls, especially in the first months when infants lack head control.

“Sling Libraries” Offer Limited Relief, Survey Shows

Some communities operate “sling libraries” where caregivers can borrow carriers and receive safety advice. However, the Durham survey revealed that usage of these resources remains low,and even parents who accessed them reported ongoing difficulty mastering safe positioning. This suggests that existing support mechanisms are either under‑utilised or insufficiently comprehensive.

What Remains Unclear: Manufacturer Responsibility and Regulation

The study does not determine whether sling manufacturers provide adequate safety instructions or how regulatory standards might be enforced. it also leaves unanswered whether mandatory safety briefings at the point of online purchase could reduce accidents.. As the researchers stress, “Deaths linked to using a baby sling or carrier are not that common, but they could be avoided with better access to guidance.”

According to the study, clearer, more accessible guidance—delivered before or at the moment of purchase—could dramatically improve outcomes for vulnerable infants. Until such measures are standardised, parents will continue to navigate a fragmented information landscape that puts babies at risk.