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Wearing Baby Safely

Babywearing has been in the news recently, and not in a good way. Last Friday, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a warning that parents and caregivers use caution when using sling carriers with babies younger than four months of age. Fourteen known deaths have occurred in the last twenty years; twelve of those were with babies under four months. Suffocation can happen two ways. Sling fabric can cover an infant’s nose and mouth, or a sling that puts baby into a C-shape can cause the chin to tuck into the chest and occlude baby’s airway.

Perhaps I should back up for those who may not have heard the term babywearing. It describes the practice of “wearing” your baby, having them snuggled close to you with the use of slings, wraps, or other soft fabric carriers. There are two dimensions to the practice: two reasons why babywearing mamas tend to love their carriers. First, they are convenient. You can slip one into your diaper bag and put it on easily whenever baby needs to nap or be soothed, or when you need hands free to help an older child. Second, slings and the like are an important part of the type of parenting referred to as attachment parenting (AP). This parenting style recognizes that babies need to be held often in arms for bonding and for babies’ well-being. Carrying or wearing baby is one way to provide “nurturing touch”, which “meets a baby’s need for physical contact, comfort, security, stimulation and movement, all of which encourage neurological development”, according to Attachment Parenting International.

Studies have shown that societies where babies are held more cry less. In a study in Montreal in 1986, ninety-nine mother-baby pairs were divided into two groups: a control group, and a sling group. The mothers in the sling group were provided with a baby carrier and were asked to carry or wear their babies for an extra three hours per day. After six weeks, the carried babies cried and fussed 43% less. Babies like to be close.

An added benefit for breastfeeding moms who have mastered nursing in a sling is the ease of discreet feeding. I personally never got the hang of it, but I know people who have.

Attachment parenting aficionados are not the only ones wearing their babies these days, though. The practice, an integral part of parenting infants in many societies around the globe, seems to be growing favor in America as its benefits are made clear.

So in light of the new warning, how can you be sure you are wearing your small baby safely? Stay away from deep bag-type slings or carriers that have excessive amounts of padding or fabric around baby. Shallow, thinner slings or pouches are a safer bet. When worn properly in a sling, baby should be snug into your body and you should be able to see all of baby’s face. After nursing, be sure to reposition the baby so that his head is clear of the sling. Be especially vigilant in positioning a baby who is likely to be at increased risk for suffocation, such as premature babies, low birth weight twins, or babies with respiratory infections.

It doesn’t appear that the CPSC warning applies to other types of soft carriers where the baby is in an upright position, as with the Ergo Baby, Baby Hawk, or a mei tai carrier.

The bottom line? Be cautious, be aware, but don’t be afraid to wear your baby.

Dana Petersen Murphy is a stay-at-home-mother who lives Janesville. She is a community blogger and is not a part of Janesville Gazette staff. Her opinion is not necessarily that of the Janesville Gazette staff or management.