XP PSA - Sling Safety - Please read and pass on!!

ncbelle

Hi 2nd tri!  Barging in...

Barging in...

I'm a big babywearing fan and have done a ton of research on carriers - I just wanted to point out a few helpful resources in light of the "slings are dangerous" CPSC warning that came out today.

Most slings are safe - when worn correctly!!  The slings that are dangerous are those like the Infantino Slingrider - bag slings.  This site has an excellent explanation as to the dangers: https://babyslingsafety.blogspot.com/

Infantino was alerted to this mama's work years ago and did nothing aside from adding mesh to their carrier - not enough to prevent recent deaths.  This carrier and others like it are not safe - there is no way to properly position a baby in them.  

Ring slings, pouches, wraps, mei tais, and buckle carriers are all safe options - when worn properly.  While there are ways to safely cradle carry a newborn, I advise people to use the upright tummy to tummy position as it is much easier to get right.  Most babies prefer this position anyway and it can be done in any carrier, even a ring sling.

For more information on babywearing safety, please visit the Facebook group Babywearing Safety.

This handout is also useful: https://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.thebabywearer.com%252Farticles%252FHowTo%252FPositioning.pdf&h=ac2e1c70aa3fc25d49c53f6453a1a099&ref=share

thebabywearer.com is an excellent resource as well - tons of videos and instructions in the forums. I have other links in my siggy on wraps.

If you are interested in babywearing, you may want to see if there is a babywearing group in your area or a store that sells good carriers that can assist you with proper positioning.  Sadly, most carriers that you can purchase at big box stores are either not great for long term wearing or are down right dangerous (like the Slingrider).

If you have any questions, come on over to the AP board.  Many of us are avid babywearers and happy to answer questions.

 Please pass this info on!!

 

HayleyandMark

I'm so glad you are posting this! I work for a community newspaper and the story will be running in our paper tomorrow but the editor who did that page cut the whole bottom of the story (which is common newspaper practice. There isn't enough space for the whole story ever). The whole part about the slingrider is cut from the story. I know I'm personally going to have some explaining to do to my own mother tomorrow after she reads the part of the story that made it into our paper. I'm sure this is going to happen in other newspapers around the country.

Dobie_Mama

Thanks, ncbelle!  You rock, mama!

SparkleK

Thanks for posting this.  My mom called me today and asked if I heard about the reports on the news.  I figured it was going to be something like what you posted, so that's good.  I have 2 dogs and plan on using the Becco when I take them out to potty.