Baby slings recalled after three deaths

The fabric of the carrier can block their nose and mouths, causing death within minutes. Also, their airways can become restricted while their bodies are curled up in the carriers, according to the CPSC.

If you own an Infantino Slingrider or Wendy Bellisimo sling ...

... you should

--- either a Wrap & Tie infant carrier or a shopping cart cover or an activity gym.

Here's a link to the list of affected SlingRider and Wendy Bellisimo model numbers. For more information, families can also call Infantino at (866) 860-1361 from 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Pacific time on weekdays. These were sold between 2003 and March 2010 at stores like Burlington Coat Factory and Walmart as well as online at Amazon.com. The Wendy sling was sold by Babies"R"Us only.

Slings were one of the five products Consumer Reports has said for years that new parents not to buy for babies, although many comments defended most of the items on the list. Babies have also fallen out of the slings, for which no mandatory safety standards exist --- although industry is now working with the CPSC to develop voluntary standards.

photos: Infantino sling carrier (top); Wendy Bellisimo carrier (bottom)