As with any piece of equipment you may use with your baby, diligence and observation are the keys to keeping your precious bundle safe. Very rarely, injuries have occurred to babies or children being carried in a sling or carrier - more often as a result of a faulty clip or ring. There are also risks to very young babies when positioned incorrectly . Please take the time to read and understand the instructions for using your sling safely, and both you and your baby will enjoy your sling experience.
For more information on the benefits of using a sling click The Benefits of Babywearing

HOW DO I USE MY SLING SAFELY?

Read and follow the instructions in the booklet that accompanies your sling before  use your
•    DO NOT use a sling until you have read and fully understand the safety instructions.
•    Slinglings are designed to carry full-term babies (over 37 weeks gestation) weighing 6 lbs (2.8kg) or more. We recommend a maximum weight of 35 lbs (16kg).
•    Use common sense. While learning to use a pouch sling keep a hand on your baby at all times.
•    Ensure that your baby is positioned in the sling according to the directions.
•    Use the correct size sling. A sling that is too large is less secure and makes it difficult to position the baby correctly.
•    Use carrying positions that are appropriate for your baby’s age and development.
•    Use the sling hands-free only with a cooperative baby.
•    Do not leave a sleeping baby alone while enclosed in the sling.
•    Keep a hand on your baby while bending. Bend at the knees, not your waist.
•    Check your sling before each use for weakening seams or fabric. Email info@Slinglings.com if you need your sling repaired.
•    Do not use your sling in situations that could harm your child. Be cautious around hot or sharp objects.
•    Whether you carry your baby in your arms, or in a baby carrier, there is always the possibility that an accidental trip or fall could result in injury to you or your baby. Please be careful when walking on stairs, wet, slippery, or uneven surfaces.
•    If you have any concerns or questions about the safe usage of your Slinglings baby sling, please do not use your sling until your questions have been answered. Please email your questions to info@slinglings.com

If you lend, sell, or give away your Slinglings baby sling, please include a copy of our Safety, Care and Wearing Instructions. You can download a PDF copy of this instruction booklet at: http://www.slinglings.com/instructions.pdf

In addition, you can view our wearing and safety instruction web pages at:
Wearing instructions: http://www.slinglings.com/instructions.html
Safety web page : http://www.slinglings.com/safety.html

The safety of your baby is the responsibility of the wearer. Neither Slinglings Baby Slings LLC, nor any of its distributors, can be held responsible for accidents due to misuse or inexperience.

Newborn Safety
When using a sling with a newborn, the most important safety issue is to ensure that the baby’s airway is open at all times. Failure to follow these guidelines could result in injury or death.
For a safe babywearing experience with newborns, please follow the following rules:
1. Baby should not be curled tight “chin to chest” because this position can partially close baby’s airway. When correctly positioned, there should always be at least one finger’s width of space under baby’s chin.
2. Baby’s face should NEVER be pressed against the sling fabric. No matter how breathable a fabric looks, if it is difficult for you to breathe through the fabric it will be difficult for baby as well.
3. Baby should not be rolled so that his face is pressed tightly against the parent’s body. Position baby’s face upward when he or she is not actively nursing. When nursing, ensure that baby’s nose is not blocked.
4. Babies born with a low birth weight (less than 5.5 lbs) or prematurely can have respiratory problems and low muscle tone. It is best to wait until they are more developed, and reach 6 lbs (2.8kg) before carrying them in a pouch baby sling.
 
Often parents assume that if the baby has difficulty breathing he will fuss or cry. The majority of infants will protest if they are struggling to breathe; however newborns, babies born prematurely or infants with low tone or developmental delays may not communicate their distress. Check your baby’s breathing often. An infant should be repositioned if he is having any sign of respiratory difficulty. Symptoms include: rapid or labored breathing, grunting or sighing with every breath and/or restlessness.