The CPSC announced today that the The Infantino “SlingRider,&#8221– a soft fabric baby carrier with a padded shoulder strap — has been recalled after three reports of deaths that occurred in these slings in 2009; a 7-week-old infant in Philadelphia, Pa.; a 6-day-old infant in Salem, Ore.; and a 3-month-old infant in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Our safety expert cousins over at Consumer Reports have been calling for a recall of this product since before the most recent death and are understandably relieved.

From CR:

We brought our concerns about the hazards of the Infantino SlingRider to the attention of the CPSC last November after we learned of two infant deaths associated with its use. At that time, we requested that they seek a recall of the product before any other babies were hurt. Sadly, another baby died in December after being carried in a SlingRider. We repeated our push for a recall in a blog post on March 10. Part of Consumers Union’s mission is to reduce the number of unsafe products in the marketplace; we are very relieved to see this recall.

Consumers should stop using the recalled slings immediately and contact Infantino to receive a free replacement product, with a choice of a Wrap & Tie infant carrier, or a 2 in 1 Shopping Cart Cover, or a 3 in 1 Grow & Play Activity Gym. A Jittery Pals Rattle will also be provided. Contact Infantino toll-free at (866) 860-1361 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.infantino.com

One million Infantino slings recalled after three infant deaths [CR]
Baby deaths raise concerns about Infantino slings [CR]
Infantino Recalls to Replace SlingRider Baby Slings; Three Infant Deaths Reported [CPSC]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.