I'm upset about a story in the media today. It's about a baby who died while it's mum was wearing it in a bag style sling.
I'm upset because it shouldn't have happened. The mum was clearly not following safe practice, as she was wearing the sling under her top and jumper. A baby's face should never be covered. Ever. I'm upset for the mum who probably thought she was doing a good thing for her baby. When it comes to babies and equipment always research! Don't assume that you can use it however you want. I'm upset too that a particularly dangerous style of sling is still for sale. Bag slings are notorious and should not be used. They should be banned.
The other thing that upsets me is that I saw a baby being worn in one of these bag slings the other day and I could see it was in an unsafe position, but I was too scared to tell a stranger, so I didn't. I should have, and I will in the future.
There is a recommendation for Australian standards in manufacture and instructions to be included in slings for sale. That is GOOD! An excellent article is available online with tips and pictures about safe babywearing. I encourage you to bookmark that link for future reference. Baby wearing should be something that enriches the life and happiness of both the mumma and bubba, that is why I practice it and advocate for it. Please do it safely.
Oh what a tragic story, very sad. I too am amazed they still sell notoriously unsafe products!
ReplyDeleteThat is so sad! And I agree, it is shocking that they still sell them.
ReplyDeleteThe podiatrist I saw was going off about jolly jumpers and walkers too... saying that not only are some of them dangerous, but all of them are detrimental to proper development of bubby's feet and legs. She couldn't believe that they are still on the market and don't even have warnings about the damage they can do.
I agree Vi. Also, the baby bjorn style carrier falls into the same category - all are not recommended by chiros as far as their impact on the spine of a little baby, but the wakers in particular have many other issues as well. JJs used for 5 min or so are OK I think, ut if it becomes the go-to place for baby, then that is bad for development. So much dangerous baby stuff. I thin we should use "stuff" as little as possible = with the exception of a safe comfortable babywearing sling. I use my ero now more than anything and its fantastic. Safe, good for my back and good for bubba's. I would use my woven wrap too but can't find it, lol.
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