The Government Says Baby Slings are Dangerous! What's the truth?

[RissaBusch]

 After reading many articles and the official government warning about the dangers of baby slings, all I can do is sit here and shake my head in disgust.

It's all so misleading. Are slings truly dangerous? Should we stop using them? No and No. You should stop using bad slings and wear good ones correctly.

Truth be told, all slings are not created equal- not by a long shot.

BEHOLD! The Bag Sling:

So what's so wrong with this? It looks simple, comfortable, and easy to use. Plus, many are very affordable!

The problem is all in how it supports the baby.  This sling is used to cradle hold a baby as many slings are.  The problem is, it does not properly support a baby in the cradle position.  Often times, you place a baby in and their chin goes straight to their chest. YIKES! That closes the airway!  Closed airways means a baby is at risk of hypoxia and suffocation.  Also, the elastic in these slings causes it to stretch and often hang low around the mothers belly, not close to her chest. This can also create support problems for the baby and mother alike.

But we have to understand that not all slings or baby carriers have this problem.  There are many sturdy slings are the market that offer more support and keep a baby's airway open for safe wearing.  There are ring slings, pouch slings, wraps, mei tais and the list goes on.   All would be a better option than a bag sling.

So what do we as moms need to do to wear our babies safely?

1. GET EDUCATED! Anyone can learn to wear a baby but you must first LEARN. Don't think it's just plop the baby in a sling and off you go.  There's much more to it than that.  It's easy, yes, but you still need to learn how to do it safely.  Almost anywhere you can find classes on how to wear a baby.  If a class is not available in your town or hospital, turn to cafemom! There are lots of very educated babywearers on this site and we want to help other women wear babies safely!

2. RESEARCH CARRIERS! Look into the pros and cons of many carriers before you decide on one. Consider things like budget, type of carries you want to do, climate, length you want to use it for ect. 

3. Once you decide on a carrier or carriers learn how to use it.  Take the time to practice the different carries.  If you're uncomfortable practicing with your real baby at first, practice with a doll first!

4. CHECK AIRWAYS!  When you place a baby in the cradle hold make sure their chin stays off their chest. If their head seems to go to their head, try again.  You might have placed them in wrong.  You can also try placings a small, rolled up receiving blanket behind their neck.

Make sure there's no fabric covering their face. A baby with a bunch of fabric in front of their face can't really breath very well.  Make sure you have a sling that is adjusted correctly or the right size to avoid this problem.

5. USE COMMON SENSE- If something really doesn't seem right it's probably not!  Do cook with a baby in a big, fancy ring sling with a long tail. There's a good chance that tail could catch on fire!  You just have to think "is what I'm about to do with the baby in the sling safe?" If the answer is NO or maybe not- just don't do it!

So are baby slings dangerous? When using the wrong type of sling incorrectly, YES they can be. 

But when using a quality sling correctly NO they are not.  The sling is only as safe as the person wearing it.  If you don't wear a sling correctly, it will not be safe.

 

[CheshireHope]

Mar. 13, 2010 at 2:17 PM

[.Misha.]

Mar. 13, 2010 at 2:38 PM

Great post Rissa!!!

Can I steal it?

[no-drama-momma]

Mar. 13, 2010 at 4:03 PM

Awesome post!  Thanks sooo much for posting this.  I am so glad I got my first baby carrier from you and that you taught me the proper way to use it.  I almost bought the one you showed above!  So glad I didn't!! You rock!!!

[Kodeekins]

Mar. 13, 2010 at 5:50 PM

I'm glad you posted this. ^_^

[MrsKesler]

Mar. 13, 2010 at 6:10 PM

*Internet high five*

[RissaBusch]

Mar. 13, 2010 at 8:00 PM

Internet high five back! LOL we're friends for life now!

(Original Poster)

[sopranomommy]

Mar. 14, 2010 at 9:12 AM

Like anything it's about using common sense and good judgement.

[pinkbraclets]

Mar. 14, 2010 at 2:21 PM

Thanks for this, I have had everyone telling i put me son (now 3) in danger when he was an infant.

[RanaAurora]

Mar. 14, 2010 at 2:50 PM

Good post.

[happytexasCM]

Mar. 14, 2010 at 2:51 PM

I've never hear those warnings, but I have heard about finger tips being chopped off by strollers.