Adult-worn sling and baby carrier safety: exploring parental practices, knowledge and information needs

This project responds to concerns regarding infant deaths occurring in adult-worn slings and carriers (AWSC), the use of which is increasing in the UK. We aimed to explore how and why UK parents and carers use AWSC, their knowledge of AWSC-safety and where they find information about using AWSC.

An online survey for parents/carers about AWSC-use was designed in collaboration with a parent advisory group who also tested the survey usability. The survey was circulated via mail-lists and social media by the Durham Infancy and Sleep Centre, as well as AWSC-user groups and baby safety organisations.

The survey captured 1470 responses from mainly white UK mothers aged 26-45 years with infants under 12 months. 96% had used an AWSC for multiple reasons (mobility, bonding, soothing, being 'hands-free'). Most AWSC-use began in early infancy; families purchased AWSC from physical or online shops. Manufacturers provided little safety guidance and many parents were unaware of specialist resources (eg, sling libraries). Social media, blogs and websites were popular sources of information. 25% of respondents were unfamiliar with existing UK AWSC safety guidance and a further 25% felt it lacked crucial information.

The survey outcomes highlight the importance of universal AWSC-safety information provision in pregnancy and early post-partum, targeted to mothers, fathers and other infant-carers. This should be disseminated via widely used and trusted platforms with signposting to specialist sources of support and guidance.