The Recall Desk
Our severity:CriticalCPSC·10254·Announced 2010-06-02

Sprout Stuff Infant Ring Slings Recalled Due to Suffocation Risk

Sprout Stuff is recalling about 40 infant ring slings sold between 2006 and 2007 due to a suffocation hazard. One infant death was reported in connection with the product.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 5/5 (Critical).

Highest-severity recall. The hazard can cause serious injury or death. Stop using the product now and follow the agency's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly reports one death of a 10-day-old infant, which meets the rubric criterion for a Critical severity score of 5.

Plain-English summary

Sprout Stuff, of Austin, Texas, is recalling about 40 infant ring slings. The slings are made of fabric or natural muslin and may or may not include a shoulder pad. They are designed to be worn by parents and caregivers to carry children up to two years of age. The brand name "Sprout Stuff" is printed on the back side of the tail's hem.

The recall is prompted by a suffocation hazard. In the first few months of life, babies have weak neck muscles and cannot control their heads. The sling's fabric can press against an infant's nose and mouth, blocking breathing. Additionally, if the sling keeps the infant in a curled position with the chin bent toward the chest, airways can be restricted, limiting oxygen supply. In these situations, a baby may not be able to cry for help and can slowly suffocate. CPSC and Sprout Stuff are aware of one report of the death of a 10-day-old boy in Round Rock, Texas, in 2007.

Sprout Stuff sold the recalled slings directly to consumers between October 2006 and May 2007 for between $35 and $45. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled slings and contact Sprout Stuff to return the sling for a full refund. The company can be reached toll-free at (877) 319-3103, by email at [email protected], or by mail at Sprout Stuff Refunds, P.O. Box 612, Buda, Texas 78610.

The recalled product

Product
Sprout Stuff infant ring slings
Manufacturer
Sprout Stuff, of Austin, Texas
Category
Consumer Product — Infant Carriers
Hazard
Affected units
40

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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