Babywearing Done Safely. Avoid The Dangers And Keep Your Baby Safe.

Infantino Sling Rider - Click image to read Recall Report

In the past 20 years there have been 13 infant deaths associated with baby slings, and 22 reports of serious injuries in the past 10. On average, 2 injuries a year have been reported, which doesn’t seem like that much, but what about the ones that haven’t been reported? Not every injury has to be serious in order for it to warrant our concern. Most injuries involve some type of head trauma, where the baby actually fell out of the sling, or the sling was worn out in places, and it broke! Most of the deaths were caused by suffocation, or obstructed airways. Either the baby’s face turns inward, or the baby is placed in such a position that the infants head falls forward so far that the airway closes off. It’s just too scary! I know, I know, baby slings have become quite fashionable, as well as helpful, I myself even mulled the idea over when my daughter was born. I even tried a friends just to see what it would be like. Fortunately, my daughter didn’t care for it, and neither did I. Although many babywearing mama’s will swear by their slings, I just couldn’t get past the risk involved. I still wanted to “wear” my baby, but I wanted it to be safe.

The Boba Classic Baby Carrier @ Amazon.com

I found that Soft Structured Carriers are a SAFER alternative to the slings. Many soft carriers also offer several positions, so you can wear your baby on your chest when he/she is a newborn, and eventually move them to your back when they’re old enough to support their own head. Although I do feel that the Soft Carriers are a SAFER alternative, that’s the key word “SAFER”, you still need to be careful no matter what type of babywearing carrier you use.

Here are a few things you can do that will help ensure your baby’s safety:

Number 1 – Do your research when you’re choosing a baby carrier to begin with. Read reviews, and consumer reports. Verify that it has NOT been recalled for any reason.

Number 2 – Purchasing used baby carriers can be risky, you don’t know how much stress that carrier was put through previously, therefore I recommend buying them new. EVERY time you prepare to use that baby carrier, examine it first. Look for weaknesses in the buckles, tears in the material, etc. Retire your carriers if you have ANY doubt whatsoever, it’s not worth it!

Number 3 – Read the instructions. The third major cause of injury is improper use. Take the time to learn how the baby carrier functions, especially if it has several different carrying positions. Make sure the adjustments are fitted properly, and make sure your baby will have no problems breathing. Also, many soft carriers offer the back carrying position which is great, but it can be difficult, if not impossible, to position by yourself. Read the manufactures recommendations, or other customer reviews.

ERGO Baby Carrier @ Amazon.com

Having said all of that, babywearing can be extremely beneficial, for both Baby, and you. I love carrying my daughter, and she loves to go for a ride. When she was around 3 months I started wearing her in a Soft Structured Carrier. I loved the front carry position, I could kiss her little head as much as I wanted, and she couldn’t get away. Now that she’s older and much more heavier, she rides in a larger frame child carrier. We go for hikes, and walks in the park. Sometime I just wear it around the house, it seems to help her relax just before bed. I absolutely love it! I feel so connected to my daughter when we’re out for our walks, there’s nothing in the world that can compare to that feeling.

Related Links:

Top-Rated Soft Structured Baby Carriers - The Best Reviews, The Best Prices, and The Overall Best Baby Carriers.

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Baby Carrier/Sling Recalls - Must Read