title: Infant deaths in slings.
abstract: Although the incidence of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) decreased markedly after campaigns to promote supine positioning during sleeping, it has remained unchanged over the last decade. Epidemiological data suggest a role for new causes such as suffocation, asphyxia, and entrapment. Health authorities in several countries have issued warnings about slings used to carry infants. However, few reports of infant deaths in slings have been published in medical journals. Our paediatric intensive care unit has admitted two infants who experienced cardiorespiratory arrest while carried in a sling. Diagnostic investigations including a post-mortem examination established asphyxia as the mechanism of death. In conclusion, baby slings may carry a risk of SUDI, either by compression of the baby into a forward-flexed position or by direct suffocation. European recommendations for the cautious use of baby slings should be disseminated to families and professionals involved in caring for infants, as done recently in Australia, Canada, and the USA.
authors.affiliation: Surgical Paediatric High Dependency Unit, AP-HP, Hôpital Robert Debré, 48 Boulevard Sérurier, 75019, Paris, France.
authors.forename: Chrystèle
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Madre
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rambaud
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Avran
authors.forename: Charlotte
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Michot
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sachs
authors.forename: Stéphane
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dauger
mesh_terms: D001238:Asphyxia Neonatorum / Q000150:complications*; D001512:Bedding and Linens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D016684:Prone Position; D012890:Sleep; D013398:Sudden Infant Death / Q000209:etiology*