Infantino SlingRider Baby Sling Recalled; Three Infant Deaths Linked to Use

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), along with Infantino, announced a recall of Infantino's SlingRider baby slings today. According to the release, the Infantino SlingRider recall affects both U.S. and Canadian consumers. More than one million units were sold in the U.S. and 15,000 in Canada. Three infant deaths, one as young as six days old, were linked to the use of Infantino's SlingRider. Wendy Bellissimo slings were also included in this child safety recall notice.

As a result of these tragic deaths, the CPSC also urges parents to not to use the Infantino SlingRider or Wendy Bellissimo baby slings for children younger than four months of age. Earlier this month, the CPSC issued a warning about baby slings, especially for children younger than four months old because babies younger than four months of age may have weak neck muscles and be unable to move from a position that could potentially suffocate them. Premature and low birth weight babies are at higher risk for suffocation when baby slings are used.

What should affected consumers do?

First and foremost, consumers who own the Infantino SlingRider should discontinue its use and contact Infantino to arrange for a replacement product. The company is offering consumers the choice of one of these three items:

Wrap & Tie infant carrier;
2-in-1 shopping cart cover; or
3-in-1 Grow & Play Activity Gym.

In addition to selecting one of the above items, a Jittery Pals rattle will also be included.

How do consumers contact Infantino to obtain a replacement product?

Concerned parents can contact Infantino at its toll-free number (866) 860-1361 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Pacific (11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern) during week days. Consumers who are unsure whether their baby sling is subject to the recall should visit the company's website, http://infantino.com/. The Web site offers a walk through to help parents determine whether or not their infant sling is recalled. A list is provided, including model and UPC number for each product recalled.

The Infantino Web site also includes a link to assist consumers in obtaining their replacement product for their recalled Infantino SlingRider or Wendy Bellissimo baby sling. Only a portion of the sling needs to be returned to the manufacturer, and its return is postage pre-paid by the company. Consumers are instructed to cut the sling in a certain manner, print the pre-paid postage label, and then mail it in to the manufacturer. Within 7-10 business days, the replacement product will be shipped.

Sources:
http://infantino.com/
http://service.infantino.com/SlingRider.html
March 12, 2010 CPSC warning regarding baby slings
http://service.infantino.com/SlingRiderRecall.html
March 24, 2010 Infantino recall notice