Police are investigating whether a popular baby sling carrier contributed to the death of a newborn.

The lifeless infant was sadly discovered when his mother presented for a post-natal check-up.

As the mum unwrapped her baby from the sling and passed him to a nurse at the Long Jetty Community Health Centre they realised the baby was no longer breathing.

The 36-year-old mother walked to the centre on April 8 carrying her three-week-old boy in a “fabric baby sling on her front”, according to police.

The woman chatted to a nurse for about eight to 10 minutes before unwrapping the infant and passing him to her, when they noticed the child was not breathing.

A police spokesman said staff at the centre performed CPR but the infant could not be revived.

The baby’s body was sent to a morgue to undergo a post mortem.

Police described the sling as a fabric wrap as opposed to a designated baby carrier.

The post mortem results will be presented with a report to the Coroner, who is expected to hold an inquest into the child’s death.

Police are not treating the fatality as suspicious but have not ruled out the baby sling as contributing in some way to the child’s death.

Red Nose Australia urged parents and carers to exercise caution when using slings.

Make sure you can see your baby’s face and that your baby’s airway is free at all times — “not snuggled against fabric or the wearer’s body,” they warned.

“Correctly position the baby in the sling, which means lying your baby in a flat position with a straight back, to ensure the baby’s chin does not rest on his or her chest

“Regularly check your baby. You should be able to see your baby’s face at all times by simply glancing down.”

Ms Wiggill said when using a sling, parents should follow the product instructions and not use products that are described as “womb like” or a “cocoon”.

Share your comments below