on ALL orders within the U.S.
Babywearing Safety and Safe vs. Unsafe Baby Slings
NEW! Listen to the one-hour Mothering Radio and Parenting Unplugged show on babywearing safety, featuring interviews with babywearing experts, including yours truly. :)
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall on Infantino SlingRider baby carriers as well as a warning about the safety of using baby slings in babies younger than four months, after the tragic suffocation deaths of several babies in bag-style slings. Consumer Reports has gone even further, putting baby slings on their list of five baby products not to buy. Many concerned parents are understandably asking:
Is It Safe To Use a Baby Sling or Carrier With a Newborn or Baby Younger Than Four Months?
Absolutely, under two conditions:
- You must use an appropriate carrier that is designed to allow proper positioning for newborns and small babies.
- You must use that carrier safely and follow correct positioning guidelines.
What Are Bag-Style Slings, and Why Are They So Dangerous?
The type of carrier that caused the suffocation deaths warned about by the CPSC is known as a bag-style sling. You should never, under any circumstances, use a bag-style sling with a newborn or young baby.
Bag-style carriers resemble a duffel bag, with a flat bottom and two sides that slant upwards towards an elasticized or padded top. These carriers are unsafe even when used as directed because:
- The bag carrier forces baby into a prone, C-shape position, tucking baby's chin to chest and potentially impeding breathing.
- Even if a mesh panel is present, the baby's head being enclosed in fabric may cause baby to rebreathe her exhalations that are high in carbon dioxide.
- Because baby is too low, and because baby's head may be enclosed in fabric, it is difficult, if not impossible, for parents to view baby's face at all times and monitor breathing.
- Babies may roll towards the side of the carrier and end up with their faces pressed into fabric, obstructing breathing.
Which Companies Make Bag-Style Carriers and What Do They Look Like?
Manufacturers and brands of bag-style carriers include: Infantino SlingRider, Munchkin Jelly Bean Cargo Sling, Lamaze Close Comfort, Boppy Carry in Comfort, JJ Cole Premaxx, Eddie Bauer Infant Sling, and similar designs. Please be aware that although some manufacturers may have discontinued certain of these carriers, they are often still available from retail outlets, second-hand and consignment stores, eBay or Craig's List, and as hand-me-downs.
If you own a bag-style carrier resembling one of those pictured below, please do not use it, sell it, return it, or give it away. For the safety of your baby and other babies, please cut the straps and throw it out.
Are the Baby Slings and Baby Carriers at QuirkyBaby.com Safe for Newborns and Young Babies?
Yes, they are safe. But as with any baby gear, you must use your baby sling or baby carrier correctly, following safe positioning guidelines, and be attentive to your baby to ensure her airway is always protected.
Here are the rules you should follow for a newborn or young baby under four months of age, or until she achieves good head and neck control:
- For a front carry, baby should be in the same position you'd hold her in in your arms. She should be in the "babywearing zone" between your collarbone and your waistline, either upright in a tummy to tummy position or in a slightly reclined seated position. In the correct carrying position, you can kiss the top of her head.
- Never allow baby to be curled into a C-position with her chin forced to her chest. Think T2T (tummy to tummy) not C2C (chin to chest).
- Her airway must always be clear. Her chin must be up off her chest with her neck straight and her head in a neutral position. You should be able to get one to two fingers between her chin and her chest.
- Her face must always be visible. Do not allow fabric to cover her nose, mouth, or face.
- Do not allow her face to be pressed into your body. Check her when she's actively nursing to ensure her nose is not blocked, and when she's finished nursing, re-position her so that her nose and mouth are not obstructed by your body or by the sling fabric.
- Her body should be fully supported by the baby sling or baby carrier, from her bottom to her back to her neck, to avoid any slumping or slouching.
What Is the Safest Baby Sling or Baby Carrier for a Newborn or Small Baby?
Newborns and small babies can be safely positioned and carried in ring slings, pouches, mei tais, wraps, and most buckle carriers. The best baby sling or carrier for you is the one that you will feel comfortable using, that fits your body and your lifestyle, and that you will use correctly each and every time.
The baby slings and baby carriers I stock at QuirkyBaby have been designed and tested by expert babywearers and I have used them with my own babies and helped other parents learn to use them with their babies. If you're having a hard time deciding which carrier will suit your needs and whether it works well for newborns and small babies, please contact me for a free babywearing consultation via email.
Where Can I Learn More About Babywearing Safety and Correct Positioning?
