Baby sling warning
Are you a babywearing mom or dad? If so, you may want to take note of a new baby sling warning that’s about to be issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Concerns about first cropped up two years ago after nearly two dozen babies sustained injuries from falling out of soft slings over the passed 20 years. Now, the commission is responding to claims of infant suffocation caused by improperly-worn slings.
The benefits of babywearing abound: It fosters bonding and helps babies regulate heart rate and breathing. Studies have even shown that babies who are carried in a sling tend to cry less than their non-sling counterparts. The danger occurs when infants are cradled in a “C-like” or curved position. Since very young babies have little to no control over their head and neck movement, this chin-to-chest posture can restrict airflow and result in asphyxiation.
There’s no word yet on whether or not the warning will single out specific sling models or brands. However, most experts still agree that babywearing is a safe—when done properly. The recommended method? Keep baby sitting upright and facing tummy-to-tummy with the babywearer.
We want to know what you think. Is the warning enough to scare you away from babywearing, or will you continue to use slings?
-Nicole McGovern
6 comments
I found that my kids differed in which sling they were more comfortable in. Plus this changed along with the positions that worked as they grew. I checked them often when really small to make sure they could breathe. And I always kept a hand on them even if it was just to pat them.
My daughter never much liked being the cradled position, she always preferred to be tummy to tummy (when she was a newborn) and now facing out (at 6 months). I too try to keep a hand on her especially when she falls asleep.
Our experience with a sling couldn’t have been better. My first born was very easily overstimulated and putting him in his cocoon-like sling was the most comforting thing for him since birth. He spent the first 12 weeks of his life in the sling attached to me for almost 12 hours a day. This was 6 years ago before slings were popular so we got some strange looks, especially when we traveled outside of Portland. We also heard comments that we were suffocating him, it didn’t look natural and that he needed to stretch in order to properly develop.
For us, it was very natural – it’s practically how he spent previous months in the womb. I loved having him close to me all day long and the sling allowed me to carry on with things while still creating that bond. My son and I have a very close and special relationship and I truly believe that it started back then.
The most important thing to us though, was that it made him happy to be there. He slept well. He was content. It’s not for every baby though, as proven by my second child who preferred vertical positions in the front & side carriers. We all do what works for us and our unique babies.
There is no way I would give up babywearing. You have to do it properly, but most people do and the benefits are huge. I also find this post to be misleading as the CPSC article states they are investigating 14 deaths in the last 20 years, not 2. The CPSC statement is here: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10165.html On another note the CPSC is known for their flawed research, but for my part I will continue to wear my children and encourage others to do so.
I am SOOO on board with baby wearing. I wore both of my babies as much as possible and still even wear my 9 month old, 22 pound son!
My daughter is very petite and I wore her for a long time- she was probably almost two when I stopped! When my daughter was young, I tried a sling and didn’t like how her chin was pushed against her chest, just like this blog says. So, I got a wrap instead and I LOVE IT. I now have the Ultimate Baby Wrap and the Moby Wrap and they are so great. The UBW is wonderful and it was enough for my daughter. My son needed more support because he is bigger- NOT because he would fall out but because he stretches the fabric so much. The Moby Wrap is perfect for him.
I really recommend wraps over slings. Plus, I love really being chest to chest with my babies. I love them better than other carriers like Bjorns because there is less between me and my baby and wraps are also much more supportive for my back and shoulders.
Also, with wraps, there is a way to but your baby in sideways in a cradle hold. That is how I carried my babies when they were young and then I switched to facing in so we could see each other and I talk to them.
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