Parents warned by coroner on baby sling risks after tragic death of five-week-old

The coroner has urged the HSE to spread more awareness of the dangers as a five-week-old boy was found unresponsive while being carried in a sling at a Christmas market in Dublin almost two years ago

A coroner has urged the HSE to spread more awareness of the dangers of baby slings following the tragic death of an infant just under two years ago.

The five-week-old boy was found unresponsive while being carried in a sling at a Christmas market in Dublin in December 2022.

He sadly passed away later at Temple Street Hospital due to severe brain injuries caused by oxygen deprivation.

Read more:Cost of living: Exact dates for two €280 double Child Benefit payments confirmed

Read more:Ireland weather: Met Eireann warns of thunder and flooding as orange warning comes into effect

The inquest took place this week and Pathologist Michael McDermott said that the death was "extremely unusual", while coroner Dr. Crona Gallagher also called the death “very unfortunate and tragic”.

Dr. Gallagher said that she would notify the HSE and request that safety information on baby slings be distributed to all maternity hospitals across Ireland, Her Family reports.

She noted that parents should be equipped with the necessary guidance on how to use slings safely in order to avoid any tragedies.

A paediatric intensive care consultant also spoke on Newstalk about the issue and how to use them most safely

“The risks are really around making sure that your baby’s head is gently turned to the side so that you’re sure that your baby always has a clear way of breathing,” she said.

“If you look like you’re going to go to sleep, take the baby out of the sling and pop the baby into the cot beside you.”

She also said that it's good to see the coroner highlight this issue as the general public aren't widely aware of the risks associated with slings.

“A small baby is held very closely to your chest, which is great for soothing them, but it also means there’s a risk they won’t be able to breathe properly, especially if their head turns inward,” she explained.

Parents are encouraged to follow the ‘TICKS’ rule:

• T – Tight: The sling should be tight enough to hold the baby securely.
• I – In view at all times: The baby’s face should always be visible.
• C – Close enough to kiss: The baby should be close enough to your chin to kiss their head easily.
• K – Keep chin off chest: The baby’s chin should not rest on their chest to avoid restricting their breathing.
• S – Supported back: The baby’s back should be well supported, maintaining a natural, upright position.

Join RSVP Live's WhatsApp community to get celebrity news and our top stories