YOU CAN WEAR YOUR BABY SAFELY IN A SLINGParents all over the world have worn their babies for centuries. The bonding between parent and child when you wear your baby in a sling is unsurpassable. The convenience of having your hands free makes your life so much easier and can save your sanity during hectic times. (For more information on the many benefits of babywearing click here. )
Understanbly parents worry. Is it safe to wear my baby in a sling? How can I know if I'm doing it right?
Choose a Proper Sling The TYPE of sling you choose is crucial in regards to wearing your baby safely. Some types of baby carriers can put infants at more risk than others. For example, Infantino SlingRider slings were recalled in March, 2010. These slings were a bag syle carrier where the baby was dangling off of the parent's body sort of like a purse. You should not CARRY your baby in a purse or bag, you should WEAR him. Carry your lipstick and wallet in your purse. WEAR your baby. - A proper sling will keep your baby close to your body, not dangling off of you or in a bag.
- It will ensure that the baby's face is never covered by the fabric.
- It will be adjustable to ensure correct fit. You will be able to position your baby upright, not curled up into a C like a ball.
- A proper sling, like a Chicken Scratch Sling will be versatile, allowing you multiple positions for safety and comfort.
Learn How to use Your Sling Correctly - READ all instructions (click here for Chicken Scratch Slings instructions)
- PRACTICE using your sling with a doll or stuffed animal first.
- Check newborns and small babies often while wearing them.
- Never cover your baby's face with the fabric and never wear your baby with his face pressed against your body which will restrict breathing.
- Use good judgement and common sense. If baby's position doesn't feel right, readjust him. Keep your baby's face clear and don't let him scrunch up into a C position like a ball.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission's Statement on Safe Babywearing
The CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) has published helpful guidelines about sling safety.
The position that causes the most concern is the CRADLE CARRY, especially for newborns. Below is an illustration from the CPSC showing the right and wrong way to do a cradle carry. At Chicken Scratch Slings we do NOT recommend the cradle carry for newborns. You can nurse in the cradle carry (/checking at all times that baby's airway is not covered or constricted), but then move your child to the Tummy to Tummy position (a.k.a. t2t or Heart to Heart. Click here for Tummy to Tummy position instructions.
The two most important suffocation hazards when using a sling are 1. The C position where the baby gets scrunched up into a little ball down into the sling and his chin is touching his chest Newborns and small babies can suffocate if their tiny airway is compressed by having their chin tucked down. 2. Facing the person wearing them. If a baby is facing your body, he can suffocate as his nose and mouth are trapped against you. Newborns and small babies may not be able to turn their head to a better position to be able to breathe.
CPSC's illustration below shows the safe way to do the CRADLE CARRY
A proper Cradle Carry Even better... Tummy to Tummy - If your cradle carry is correct, your baby will be at a straight angle across your abdomen.
- His face will be out of the carrier above the top rail.
- The top rail will be used to hold his head if he doesn't yet have head control.
- You can kiss the top of your baby's head and you can see your baby's face.
- Your baby will not be scrunched up into a C position.
- His face will not be covered.
- His chin will NOT touch his chest.
- His face will not be pressed against your body.
Below are the CPSC's recommendations for wearing your baby safely from November 19, 2010. "CPSC Educates New Parents on Safe Babywearing
WASHINGTON, D. C. - Infant slings and wraps have been used for thousands of years in many different cultures. For many parents across the United States, “babywearing” promotes a positive bond between child and parent. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) wants to make sure that parents and caregivers are aware of important safety information related to the proper use of slings. CPSC is taking this opportunity to urge everyone to use slings and wraps safely, as CPSC has identified 14 infant suffocation deaths with sling-style carriers over the past 20 years. After reviewing numerous cases, child safety experts at CPSC have determined that parents with infants younger than four months of age, premature, low-birthweight babies, and babies with colds and respiratory problems should take extra care in using a sling, including consulting their pediatrician. Suffocation/asphyxiation can occur when babies are contained entirely within the pouch of a sling with their face, including nose and mouth, pressed against the adult’s body, blocking their breathing. Suffocation can occur within minutes. Because of the nature of the product and its use, some slings tend to keep an infant in a curled, chin-to-chest position, which can interfere with breathing. When an infant is in the chin-to-chest position, suffocation can occur. Both scenarios are serious concerns to CPSC. Many of the babies who died in slings were twins in separate slings and infants with breathing issues. CPSC recommends that parents and caregivers: - Make sure you can see your baby’s face or eyes in the sling and that your baby can see you. Also, you should place the baby’s face at or above the rim of a sling or wrap so that their face is visible.
- After nursing your baby, change the baby’s position in the sling, so that the baby’s face is at or above the rim of a sling or wrap and that their face is visible and clear of fabric and the mother’s body. You should be vigilant about frequently checking the baby in a sling.
A new voluntary consensus standard for slings is being worked on by ASTM International. This is a positive step toward providing manufacturers with an effective safety standard. This warning is not intended to characterize all slings as being dangerous to babies. CPSC has identified (1) specific situations that can pose a risk of serious harm to babies, and (2) simple safety tips that we hope the babywearing community can share with new parents." If you follow the instructions with your sling carefully and use the guidelines above you will have many happy days slingin' your baby and being a hands free mama!
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