{
  "abstract": "Background Adult-worn slings and carriers (AWSC) are common components of infant care globally. Several widely publicised deaths of babies have occurred during AWSC-use, raising concerns about their safety and the strength of existing parental guidance. As part of a wider project to inform recommendations for UK guidance for the safe use of AWSC, this review was undertaken to assess the risks, benefits, harms and parental motivations for AWSC-use.Methods A systematic review of databases PubMed, Web of Science and CINAHL (2000–2024) was undertaken following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Searching and sifting were conducted between January and April 2025, followed by a narrative summary and analysis of extracted data.Results 62 papers were included in the final review. Most research involved small numbers of participants and was undertaken in North America but papers were included from Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. The reviewed studies found benefits associated with AWSC-use for both caregivers and infants. However, AWSC were also linked to infrequent accidental infant deaths (primarily asphyxia) and injuries (namely falls) co-occurring with AWSC being poorly fitting or positioned. Ill-fitting AWSC were associated with pain and discomfort for adult wearers. Parents’ primary motivation for AWSC-use was the desire to be responsive to their baby while enabling their own mobility.Conclusions The research reviewed confirms that multiple benefits accrue to babies and caregivers with AWSC-use. There is also evidence of infrequent accidental infant deaths and injury linked to poor fit and improper use of AWSC. Parents need clear guidance on how to babywear safely while achieving their goals of responsiveness and mobility. National guidance focusing on infant safety, specifically highlighting the need for appropriate use and fit of AWSC to prevent asphyxia and falls, should be provided to all parents and should signpost them to specialist AWSC education and support.PROSPERO registration number CRD420251001795.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Durham Infancy & Sleep Centre, Anthropology, Durham University, Durham, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Sophie R. Lovell-Kennedy"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Durham Infancy & Sleep Centre, Anthropology, Durham University, Durham, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Rebecca L J Strong"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Durham Infancy & Sleep Centre, Anthropology, Durham University, Durham, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Laura M Grieve"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Durham Infancy & Sleep Centre, Anthropology, Durham University, Durham, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Helen L Ball"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Safety and benefits of adult-worn slings and baby carriers: a narrative systematic review to inform guidance for parents",
  "uid": "8a12ecfb-cc99-5ba1-893c-e4ae335db8ff"
}