19/01/2026
I have been saddened to see an advert for these slings just pop up in my newsfeed. While the vast majority of slings available to buy are perfectly safe, when used correctly, this type of sling (bag slings) are considered to be dangerous by babywearing professionals, and some models have even been recalled, due to them being linked with the deaths of babies.
Bag slings resemble large shoulder bags with a deep pocket for the baby to lie or sit in, an elasticated opening and a strap designed to be worn over the wearer's body.
While bag slings may appear, at first sight, to work similarly to ring slings, the pocket for the baby is not adjustable. The shape of the bag makes it very easy to place the baby in a curved position with their chin tucked against their chest, constricting their airways and putting them at risk of positional asphyxia.
The fabric often covers the baby’s face, which is a further suffocation risk.
Bag slings hold baby very low down on the wearer's body, which means they will be less aware of any noises or other distress signals from the baby.
If you have, or are given, a bag sling please do not to use it, sell it or give it away (unless it it is for the purpose of demonstrating the dangers of bag slings).
If you are unsure if your sling is safe to use, please do bring it along to a slingmeet, or contact me, so we can discuss it.
