5996 Reviewing the evidence of the safety of baby slings

Objectives Following a Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP) meeting where the death of a baby in a sling was reviewed, a literature review was carried out looking at the safety of baby slings and carriers. Methods Literature review using 'PubMed' and 'Embase' searching for terms 'baby sling', 'baby carrier' 'injuries' 'deaths' 'safety'. Results Babywearing has been practiced for many centuries around the world. In industrialised societies the use of a baby sling or carrier has become increasingly popular in recent decades with growing evidence of the benefits, including maternal-infant bonding and attachment, optimal breastfeeding outcomes, positive neck and muscle development, soothing and calming for the baby and convenient for the parent. However, there is a body of case reports/evidence that the use of baby slings and carriers can lead to adverse outcomes when not used properly, including hip dysplasia, falls, head injuries and death due to suffocation. Babies that appear more at risk include those that are less than 4 months of age, those born prematurely or with a low birth weight and those with breathing difficulties. Data collected in Canada in the 1990's and in the United States of America in 2011–2020 showed around half of injuries are in babies less than 6 months old, with causes including the carer tripping or falling whilst carrying the baby, the baby falling from the carrier and other injuries happening whilst the carrier is being taken on and off. The majority of the injuries were to the face or head and included skull fractures. Conclusion Due to the risk of injury/death the consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers provides the TICKS acronym for advice; (Tight, In view at all times, Close enough to kiss, Keep chin off the chest, Supported back). This is to ensure the airway is kept clear, the baby can be checked on regularly, is able to breathe easily and is not overheating. It also supports the following of safety advice and manufacturers guides when choosing a baby carrier.