The research, led by leading baby sleep experts at Durham University, calls for a UK-wide campaign to ensure parents have access to trusted sources and expert advice before or at the time of purchase.
This research BMJ Pediatrics Open.
Unsafe use of baby slings and baby carriers has been linked to rare accidental deaths from suffocation and falls. Suffocation can occur when the baby’s nose or mouth is pressed against the parent’s body or blocked by a cloth. It can also occur when the baby collapses in the carrier, pinching the windpipe and making it impossible for the baby to breathe.
Researchers say they could be avoided by raising awareness about baby safety.
In December 2024, A coroner has warned of the dangers of baby slings after six-week-old James Alderman died while breastfeeding his baby ‘hands-free’..
Despite the growing number of parents using slings to carry their babies, there is currently no comprehensive evidence-based national guidance on sling safety.
The study found that manufacturers provide little safety guidance and many parents are unaware of specialized resources such as the Sling Library.
Researchers surveyed 1,470 parents of babies under the age of one.
Guidance on the selection and safe use of slings and carriers was rarely provided at the time of purchase, especially when purchasing online.
The majority of families (89 percent) purchased a sling or carrier online, but less than 3 percent received support from a virtual sales assistant or chat feature.
Even when parents purchased a sling in a brick-and-mortar store, only 30% received advice.
Parents typically learned how to use slings and carriers by reading manufacturer instructions and engaging with social media, babywearing websites and blogs, and sling libraries.
At the Sling Library, parents can borrow or rent slings and receive safety instruction from babywearing consultants. When parents visited a sling library or babywearing specialist, the majority (76%) received personalized advice on product selection and use.
Many cities and towns in the UK have sling libraries, but it is not clear how well known or used they are.
Research has revealed that a quarter of parents feel the most commonly used guidance, known as TICKS*, lacks important advice about baby position, holding time, feeding and sleeping in a sling.
Professor Helen Ball, director of the Durham Early Childhood and Sleep Center at Durham University, said: ‘Many parents are unaware of safety instructions regarding baby carriers and baby carriers.
“Most parents start using slings and carriers when their baby is young and most vulnerable, so knowing how to choose the best product and how to use it safely is critical.
“Although fatalities related to the use of baby slings and baby carriers are less common, they may be avoided if parents receive guidance before or soon after purchasing the product.”
Researchers recommend that safety information should include awareness of hypothetical asphyxia, the importance of active monitoring, and safe eating and sleeping while babies are carried in slings or carriers.
This study highlights the need for clearer and more accessible guidance to help families use slings and baby carriers as safely as possible. Many families value their slings and carriers, but it’s important to have access to reliable information about how to use them safely, especially during the first few months of life when your baby is most vulnerable.
The Lullaby Trust is currently working with leading charities, healthcare organizations, research organizations and experts to develop and test new sling and carrier safety guidance for families. Families need to feel supported to make informed decisions when choosing to use a sling or carrier. ”
Jenny Ward, Lullaby Trust CEO
Parents used slings to help them move more easily, soothe their babies, bond with their babies, be close to them, and do household chores hands-free. Most mothers kept their babies in slings for up to three hours per day.
Both new and experienced parents struggle with using baby slings and baby carriers. Common challenges included baby position, parent comfort, and securing the baby in the sling.
Parents are encouraged to contact the Sling Library or Babywearing Consultant if they need information or assistance with using a sling or carrier. Information can be found at https://www.carryingmatters.co.uk/guide-to-slings/.
This research was funded by The Lullaby Trust and Teddy’s Wish.
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Reference magazines:
strong RLJ, Others. (2026) Safety of adult-worn slings and baby carriers: exploring parents’ habits, knowledge, and information needs. BMJ Pediatrics Open. DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2026-004696. https://bmjpaedsopen.bmj.com/content/10/1/e004696
