With its roots in the traditional practices of many tribespeople, babywearing seems a sensible and natural solution to the issue of transporting infants or keeping them close while their mothers are occupied with other tasks.
The trend for babywearing has gained pace in recent years, with UK parenting retailer Mothercare reporting a 100 per cent year on year increase in the sales of slings. But parents in the US are now being warned over the safety of some sling styles, after it was revealed that three babies died in 2009 in sling related circumstances.
Caution Urged With Baby Slings
In a statement issued in March 2010, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) told parents to be “cautious” when using the popular carrying accessory for infants aged under four months, claiming that the apparatus had been instrumental in as many as 14 deaths in the last two decades.
The CPSC warned that the fabric carriers could potentially pose a double risk to young infants, whose weak neck muscles leave them unable to control their own head position.
The warning states that the sling material could potentially pose a suffocation risk, while poorly positioned babies could have their airways restricted as their chin is pushed close to their chest.
Safety Advice on Babywearing
A statement from the CPSC advised parents to: “Make sure the infant’s face is not covered and is visible at all times to the sling’s wearer. If nursing the baby in a sling, change the baby’s position after feeding so the baby’s head is facing up and is clear of the sling and the mother’s body.”
Baby Slings Safe and Secure
The warning, which primarily concerns the bag style baby carriers, has angered some in the babywearing community who have taken to social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter to defend the practice, which they maintain is a safe and secure way of carrying an infant as long as parents are sensible and use the correct equipment.
Online babywearing resource TheBabyWearer advised its visitors: "Our belief is that, when properly positioned, a baby in a sling is as safe as a baby in arms. We share the CPSC's concern about the safety of bag-style slings, and strongly encourage parents and caregivers to be informed about sling safety.”
Design Key to Sling Safety
A response issued by a group of manufacturers who offer various baby slings as part of their product range said: “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.”
Babywear With Care
As a result of the warning it is hoped that parents across the world will familiarise themselves with safe babywearing practice and select slings that offer the optimum level of safety when used correctly.
Jenni Potter - Jenni Potter is a qualified senior journalist and newsroom veteran with 10 years experience on titles across the UK. Jenni is also a ...
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