Babes in Arms – blogging about select baby carriers and slings from around the world

With the recent publication of an Associated Press article regarding the American Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) government warning on baby slings and the Consumers Union’s concerns about “bag-style” slings, Babes in Arms, an Australian based business specialising in baby slings and carriers, takes a stand to help educate the public on the differences between safe vs. unsafe baby slings and carriers as detailed below.

“When worn correctly, baby carriers are safe to use with premature babies to preschoolers. Babywearing provides both parents and babies important health benefits that extend far beyond the convenience of hands-free baby carrying,” explains Anita Lincolne-Lomax, the director of ’Babes in Arms’ which was founded soon after the birth of her first child in 2004.

The traditional practice of babywearing made its way into western culture in the 1960s and its popularity with parents worldwide has grown because of its vast benefits. Unfortunately, this has led to the creation of several potentially unsafe baby slings and carriers. Slings and carriers of safety concern are popularly categorised under the token term ‘bag-style’ slings. In such slings, the deep pouch where baby sits puts the baby in a potentially suffocating curved or “C” like position. Also, excessive fabric with an elasticised edge may cover baby’s face inhibiting breathing. Furthermore, the design may cause the baby’s face to turn in toward a caregiver’s body, potentially smothering the baby.

In contrast, shallow pouch-style slings, ring slings, soft structured carriers, mei tais and wraps hold baby in proper alignment and they fit snugly by design and instruction. They have been engineered, developed and tested by parents, often the manufacturers themselves with their own children. These carriers are often simple and without gimmicks.

Lois Balster, MD, FAAP, IBCLC, a pediatrician and a member of Babywearing International’s board of directors says, “Slings are wonderful parenting tools when used properly and safely. Using a sling incorrectly is like using an infant car seat without proper installation, infant positioning, and restraints.” Dr Balster adds, “It is always important to position your baby safely in any carrier or infant-carrying device.”

Babywearing International advises caregivers to follow these positioning guidelines when carrying young infants in wearable carriers to ensure safety:

• DO ensure the baby’s back and torso are well supported: Make sure the baby is not curled up such that his chin is pressed to his chest or his airway is otherwise compressed. Ensuring that you can put two fingers vertically between the baby’s chin and chest is a good guide.
• DO carry babies how they would be held in-arms: Well designed front baby carriers hold babies snugly against the chest and near caregiver’s face.
• DO monitor the baby at all times. Make sure nothing obstructs the face or impedes breathing.
• DO be aware of movements and surroundings. In general, don’t do something while wearing a child that shouldn’t be done while simply holding them. Avoid heat sources, bumping and jarring motions, and other hazardous situations.

In well-designed products, babywearing is not only safe, but is actually very beneficial when done properly. Studies have shown that quality baby slings and carriers have been shown to save lives, improve health, decrease crying, increase IQ, and facilitate breastfeeding and bonding. For examples of these cases and further reading see “Increased Carrying Reduces Infant Crying: A Randomized Controlled Trial” an article written by Urs A. Hunziker MD and Ronald G. Barr MDCM, FRCP(C), “Saving My Baby” a blog post written on Fierce Mama’s Blog by Sarah Kaganovsky and Dr. Maria Blois’s book Babywearing.

Studies have also shown that worn babies are happier and spend more time in the quiet alert phase. In this phase they benefit more than their non-worn peers in language development and knowledge acquisition. Babywearing also helps babies sleep better, and physical needs, including breastfeeding, are met more quickly by a close, responsive parent. Millions of babies over time have been worn to their benefit making baby slings and carriers an absolute necessity.

The vast benefits of babywearing should not be disregarded with the report of incidents from “bag-style” slings. “I see this as an opportunity to reach out and educate Australian and NZ consumers. I hope to provide information allowing parents and caregivers to not only make informed buying decisions, but also to increase the awareness of how to properly wear children, especially babies, in baby slings and carriers,” says Anita Lincolne-Lomax.

The Associated Press article regarding the CPSC warning gives proof to the growing popularity of baby slings and carriers and validates the need for education.

For further information regarding Safe Babywearing, please visit our Blog article – http://blog.babesinarms.com.au/2010/10/08/baby-wearing-safety-carry-rule-of-hand/

Researched and drafted by Suzanne Everett

Babywearing is as old as mankind itself. From bark to basic fabrics, parents across all ages and cultures have developed unique ways of carrying their children out of necessity. Keeping a baby close not only kept them warm and safe from predators, but freed a new parents’ hands to participate in everyday chores. In order to simply survive, new parents ensured the supply of life’s necessities were not compromised by the arrival of the tribe’s newest member.

Babywearing offers both functional and emotional benefits. Not only is it convenient, but is also strengthens the bond between caregivers and the child, and can help babies to settle and sleep deeply. Modern scientists have recently been able to quantify the many benefits of Babywearing, something our foremothers and fathers knew instinctively for many millennia. Babywearing has been proven to be a useful parenting tool from supporting reflux and hip dysplasia, to preventing flat head syndrome and assisting with healthy emotional attachment.

Like all practices, it is important to understand how to use the tools of the trade correctly to ensure safe and effective use. Babes in Arms is committed to ensuring that parents and caregivers are well informed about Babywearing Safety so that all caregivers are able to confidently enjoy the benefits of baby wearing.  As the only Australian and New Zealand distributor specializing in a range of slings and carriers, Babes in Arms only imports products which comply with stringent US standards and from manufacturers who have load tested all products and have adequate product liability insurance in place. Although the incident rate with slings/ carriers is very low in comparison with prams, car seats or walkers, always make sure you choose a brand that does have these protections in place to safe guard your family.

To make safe Babywearing practices easy to remember, we have developed the ‘Rule of Hand’. Each finger represents a different babywearing safety tip. By simply learning these five tips, reinforced each time you glance at your hand, you will learn to trust your instincts and enjoy the closeness of your babe. As a parent, you are ultimately responsible for the safety of you baby, but these tips you will give you confidence  about wearing your baby  to recognise safe Babywearing practices and confident to as ultimately, this is your responsibility (but let’s give you the best head start).

C-A-R-R-Y:

CAREFUL.  If you wouldn’t do an activity whilst pregnant, don’t do it while wearing your baby. Like being pregnant, babywearing can tilt your centre of gravity and not allow you to see your feet much. Avoid climbing ladders, horse riding, parasailing, and any other risky sport that could lead to a fall. Unlike being inside your womb where the baby is protected somewhat, the carried baby does not have inbuilt protection surrounding them. Be mindful of what your baby can reach. Babywearing in the kitchen? Watch the hot pot on the stove or the kitchen knife when you turn to grab something else.

AIRFLOW.  You should always be able to easily see your baby’s face without opening the fabric. Ensure that your baby’s chin is not pressed against his/her chest to allow easy breathing. To check, simply slip two fingers under baby’s chin to ensure that breathing is not hindered which could otherwise lead to ‘positional asphyxia’. This can occur in any device, including some prams and car seats that allow the head to flop forward thereby blocking small airways, so be vigilant.

RIDE HIGH. Keep the baby high and tight against your chest, not low on your hips. This will also afford you a good line of sight to monitor your baby’s needs and wellbeing. A sling or carrier should mimic holding baby in your arms, or in the instance of back carry, like a piggy back. You would find it tiring carrying baby in your arms lower than your belly button, likewise a sling that carries your baby low will quickly prove sore on your shoulders and back.

RIGHT FIT. Make sure that you read your sling/ carrier’s instruction booklet and/or watch the videos (if available) so you can ensure the carrier is the right fit for your body shape and the age/weight of your baby. When trying a new carry position, test it with a doll or teddy the first few times, with your partner to spot check you. Back carry positions are recommended to learn while kneeling in the middle of your bed.

YOUR INSTINCT – you are the parent, trust your instinct. Try to mimic with the carrier/sling, the way you would naturally hold your baby with your arms. You should always be able to make eye contact with your baby. This will allow you to determine whether baby is safe, happy and content. A cursory glance will allow you to quickly assess if their chin is up and that they are comfortable. Using the back carry position? Invest in a Rear View Mirror for peace of mind.

Knowledge is the key to confidence. Remember to research the sling or carrier you would like to use with your baby; purchase it from a reputable stockist (avoid eBay) and seek out help when you need it – the Babywearing Community is very supportive and willing to share helpful tips.

Following these 5 simple safety steps, Babywearing will provide you with a settled and contented baby and the freedom that pram pushers wish they had! Further babywearing safety information is available here:

Positioning Tips

http://www.thebabywearer.com/articles/HowTo/Positioning.pdf

More Information re Sling Safety

http://babywearinginternational.org/pages/safety.php