On Monday, October 4, 2010, The Canberra Times ran an article on Babywearing titled “Parents Like Children Riding High”. It featured a lovely image of three ERGObaby fans: Ashley and Kirsten Randle and their gorgeous son Oliver. It was lovely to see the ERGObaby featured as well as a direct Babes in Arms mention.
Please read see the press clippings below and, as they are possibly too small to read, a copy of the article for you to read.
Wearing a baby in a sling is not just for hippies and fans of “continuum parenting” any more. Baby slings and carriers have become increasingly popular in recent years and a huge variety of styles and brands can be bought in stores and over the internet. But there is no current Australian safety standard for the devices, prompting warnings to parents about selecting and using slings and baby carriers. Safety will be one of the key themes of Baby Wearing Week, being celebrated by the Australian and New Zealand Baby Wearers Association this week.
Gordon couple Ashley and Kirsten Oliver started using a sling to carry their son, Oliver, almost as soon as he was born six months ago. Mrs Oliver, 29, said the sling and then a baby carrier had been particularly helpful for comforting Oliver, who suffered from reflux. “He’s a lot happier when he’s being held upright in the [carrier] or in the sling, than when he’s lying down.” she said. “It’s made him a happier baby. He knows that mummy’s close by or daddy’s close by. Therefore it’s not an issue. Especially now that he’s getting to that clingy stage.” Mr Oliver, 25, said using a carrier had been a good way of keeping Oliver warm during winter. “He would just cuddle up and the whole close to the heartbeat thing really worked,” he said.
Anita Lincolne -Lomax, whose company Babes-in-Arms distributes baby-wearing devices, said although there were no current Australian standards for slings and carriers, parents could check if devices complied with strict US safety rules.
The primary risk to babies in slings is from suffocation, particularly among babies with a low birth weight, who were born prematurely or had breathing issues. Ms Lincolne-Lomax said parents should carefully check written or video safety instructions after purchasing a carrier. “Make sure your baby has always got good airflow, that you can see your baby at all times without peeling back layers of fabric. “You didn’t want your baby down too low you want them riding up nice and high so that you could kiss the top of their head.” Ms Lincolne-Lomax said carers using slings should ensure that the baby’s chin was not pressing against the chest.
The Australian and New Zealand Baby Wearers Association will host an event at Stage 88 in Commonwealth Park at noon tomorrow.
Written by Peter Jean
Canberra Times
Monday 4/10/2010
Page: 5
Section: General News
