The Herald Sun (Melbourne) covered babywearing yesterday, writing a lovely piece on the benefits of father babywearing. We were so excited to see an ERGObaby wearing dad featured and both Babes in Arms and Anita mentioned! What a great way to wrap up Australia & NZ Babywearing week, don’t you think?
Here it is:
By Elissa Doherty From: Herald Sun October 12, 2010 8:06PM
DADS are carrying the bundle – and embracing it with open arms. The baby-wearing craze is now hooking men, with specially tailored carriers and slings. Having evolved from the hippie-style cloth slings, baby carriers now feature pockets for mobile phones, added functionality and longer straps.
The chief executive of distributor Babes in Arms, Anita Lincolne-Lomax, said, “The more involved the man is early on with the baby, the better it is for their relationship long term. Baby-wearing means a man is able to get out of the house without all the fuss. “They don’t have to lug a pram around or try to navigate it over sand. “They can still lead an outdoor healthy lifestyle.” She said baby-wearing helped parents and bubs bond, aided with reflux and helped prevent hip misalignment and flat-head syndrome.
But the absence of Australian safety standards for baby carriers is a growing concern. One style of sling reportedly caused three baby deaths in the US last year. Concerns have also been raised about the risk of suffocation and the potential for babies to fall out. Monash University Accident Research Centre said at least 16 children under the age of two had been treated in a Victorian emergency department for injuries resulting from a sling in the past nine years.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has also cautioned parents, saying injuries include fractures, open wounds, head injuries, bruising and abrasions. The commission is working with international, state and territory counterparts to determine if a proposed US standard is suitable here. It recommends parents position their infants in a manner that allows parents to regularly monitor their infant’s breathing.
Ms Lincolne-Lomax, who founded Australia and New Zealand Babywearing Week, also advised avoiding risky activities that could lead to a fall, and being mindful of what the baby can reach. She said the baby should be carried high and tight against the chest.
Father of three Richard Delahoy, 42, has carried all his girls in an ERGO baby carrier. “The kids love it for a start, it’s easy for you and comfortable,” he said. “It’s also good when they are sick because all they want to do is be held. “You can hold them like that for a few hours.”
You can read the article here.
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