Last week, my Facebook newsfeed was buzzing with moms posting left and right about the recent CPSC government issued warning about sling style baby carriers. The warning states certain sling style baby carriers can cause suffocation to infants under four months of age (note: the warning indicates extra precaution be taken for preemies, twins, babies in fragile health and babies with low birth weight). I appreciated the warning because baby wearing is how many of today’s parents choose to get about with their babies. While I was concerned for families with this style carrier, I was more concerned for all the great baby carrier companies out there doing it right.
Twelve baby carrier manufacturers whose slings do not fall into the category mentioned in the CPSC warning have joined forces to set the record straight. They worked together to create a press release letting the public know what sets their products apart from the carriers in question. You can read the informative press release here. These manufacturers create their carriers with baby’s safety and developmental needs in mind. They understand the many emotional and health-related benefits of baby wearing and it’s part of the reason they’re in the business of creating baby carriers.
I always appreciate warnings about dangerous products for our children. However, I think instead of just scaring parents about what’s out there, a responsible warning offers information and safe alternatives. I think it’s important parents know there are still plenty of baby slings on the market which continue to be and have always been perfectly safe.
If you come into Bellani, you will find a vast selection of baby wearing options - none of them falling into the bag style baby sling category. I’ve been going to Bellani since I was pregnant with 2.5 year old and have had many discussions with the ladies of Bellani about baby wearing (they’ve been encouraging my baby carrier habit…I’m 4 deep). I know for a fact their selection is based on personal experience. Little Emilia has been toted around in every single one of the carriers. I don’t know of any better testament to a product than seeing a mom use it for her own child. I’ve always been confident in my baby carrier purchases when I make it at Bellani because 1. I know Kelly would use for her own baby girl and 2. I know I can always come in with questions and get reliable answers. I’m not getting anything for praising the Bellani ladies (though, please feel free to toss a Baby Hawk my way!); I just truly love baby wearing and want other parents to know they’ve got a trusted source at Bellani.
If the CPSC warning has you worried, you have several options to educate yourself.
You can always come into the shop for a demonstration of any or all of our carriers. Everyone on staff has been trained in safe babywearing techniques. It’s a great opportunity to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and to make sure you’re using your own carrier properly.
If you don’t have the time to join us in the store, take a look at this video from one of our favorite baby sling companies, Sakura Bloom. They are one of many baby carrier companies that offer visual demonstrations on their website to ensure their customers use their products safely. When you purchase a sling, be sure to check out their website for assistance and, if a DVD is included, be sure to watch it to use your carrier properly.
Finally, we’re proud to host the Kanga Mamas, Rhode Island’s very own baby wearing group, every third Saturday of the month from 1:30pm to 3:30pm. Each meeting is an opportunity to get to know other baby wearing families and ask any questions you might have. The ladies in this group have a wealth of knowledge about a huge variety of carriers. They will also gladly help you try out a variety of carriers. It’s a great community of parents who are always eager to share what they know and welcome a new friendly face.
Let’s celebrate safe baby wearing! What’s your baby wearing style?
I’ll kick it off! We started off with a Moby Wrap which was a life saver for our second baby who suffered from colic. The Ergo Baby Carrier is the one in heavy rotation at the moment. A ring sling and pouch style carrier have also been in my possession but the Moby and Ergo win it for me by a landslide!
For the first, who is eight, we had a Baby Bjorn. By the time the second came around I used a ring sling daily, and then around ten months later became a fan of wraps. When The Baby came (currently 22 months) she lived in the Moby and Beco in the store. At home both Mr. Guertin and I each had our own Hotsling. At the same time the Ergo is such a lifesaver for longer walks and during traveling.
-Kelly
Let’s see for 31 who is 6 I started with a Baby Bjorn..hated it (that thing killed my back) Switched to a ring sling and was happier but not in love with baby wearing. Along came #2 and I knew I had to find a better way. Started with a Hotsling and a Moby. Then got a Beco and an Ergo and love and still use the Ergo now (and #2 is 2.5 months!)
-Stacey
My first carrier was the Zolo Ring Sling from Bellani. So pretty and functional! We then moved on to the Beco as a front, and when she was big enough-a back carrier. I used that up until about 3 months ago. (I’m 35 weeks pregnant, so now my husband uses it to carry our 19 month old). Now I’m looking into the Moby Wrap for baby number two!