SynthesisBMJ paediatrics open2026
Safety and benefits of adult-worn slings and baby carriers: a narrative systematic review to inform guidance for parents.
Synthesis in BMJ paediatrics open, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Adult-worn sling and baby carrier safety: exploring parental practices, knowledge and information needs.BMJ paediatrics open · 2026Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundAdult-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.
methodsA 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.
results62 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.
conclusionsThe 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.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.