to think NHS advice leaflets about baby carrying should actually give info?

[Swannykazoo]

Finally fished out the "Play at home" book from NHS Scotland, given out by Health visitor for 0-12 months. It has a section on "Carrying (0-3months)" and says:
"Do not carry her for long periods in a baby sling as this is not good for her spine or yours"
I'm presuming the author doesn't know much about babywearing as it also says
"Choose a baby sling that carries your baby centrally on your chest and has adjustable straps" and "As she gets bigger you will have to stop carrying her in a sling or get a stronger type of carrying pack"

I was aware car seat time needed to be limited but does carry time need limited? Is there any evidence for this rather vague statement yet fairly specific carrier recommendation? What do all you experienced babywearers think? If I'd seen this at day 10 I probably would have been very wary of slings but they've been my life saver. I've also asked my sling facebook group but they must all be out in the sunshine!

[PourquoiTuGachesTaVie]

They're probably basing it on the fact that a baby bjorn crotch dangler is the most widely available and popular type of sling.

I've always wondered how they have the monopoly on the sling market (in terms of on the high street anyway) when they're so shit.

[Booboostoo]

As far as I remember from looking into it when DD was younger about 3 years ago there is a big debate about the positioning of the hips in some carriers (too open and too high). However, evidence did not seem to be conclusive. Some sources were very concerned about potential problems, some sources cited similar traditional carrying practices that did not habitualy cause problems.

From what you say the leaflet may be confusing slings with carriers? The one danger I came across with a sling (baby's body across yours, both legs one side, head the other) is that some of them position the baby with too much of a curve in her spine so that the airways may be blocked as the chin touches the chest. For example, the sling we used was fine for me, but DP is much larger and rounder and it did cause that problem.

To be fair I did find that DD was impossible to carry in a sling as she grew larger but that may have been the fault with the particular sling I had (or the massive 12kilo at 1yo DD!!!)!

[Swannykazoo]

Both good points - if the leaflet had given info about different types of slings/carriers, maybe the safety thingy close enough to kiss/in view / err the two other things I can't remember, maybe even mentioned hips and lack of conclusive evidence fair enough - its the vague and airyfairy - such and such is bad, no evidence, no real info that I find really annoying.
I'm going to have to look for some proper studies so I can write in a proper complaint rather than a green ink rant.

[elliebe13]

This makes me so angry, I carry my 20lb five month old for hours in my wrap daily and will continue until he can walk

[Waltonswatcher1]

There are some great sling meets - where you get to borrow and try loads before you buy . I think the NCT do this too .
Some slings are awful , they look short term and long term dangerous .
I love carrying dd two in a side sling . She snuggles in and it's great for things like zoo trips where the pram is a pain .
My close parent was a god send during our early reflux days too .

[Swannykazoo]

Glad its not just me annoyed! I've got a real velcro baby who has mostly refused cot/moses basket. The feeling of freedom/normality when I put him in the sling for first 5min walk to get the paper was amazing. I can only imagine I'll be carrying him into toddlerhood as we both love it, but reading this nonsense today had me really doubting myself. Grr!