Safety warning about baby slings - is it me or is that a bit OTT?

[emkana]

14 deaths in 20 years - yes years

Debs75 Yes you can but infantino were recalled - unfortunately they still pop up on places like Ebay :(

Look at all these premaxx slings on ebay.

here

I really dont understand why people use these things, i dont see the point why not use a buggy and know that your baby is safe?

katie because most slings/carriers are safe is used correctly.

and there is nothing more lovely than feeling your baby breath against your chest.

still carrying 28m dc regularly

katie - are prams always safe? I remember an incident where a pram that was on a train platform rolling away from a mother and nearly hit a train, and I think there have been another case like this too, where a baby did die. When I go on the london underground, I feel much safer with my LO in a sling rather than manouvre a pram on the escalators. My buggy has toppled over a couple of times in buses, with DCs in it, luckily they weren't hurt.
DOn't get me wrong, I love the buggy, but I love slings too.

Common sense goes a long way in using a sling. You just don't put a baby in a position where suffocation is possible, it's not that hard. Oh yes and the lovely baby/toddler cuddles you get when slinging more than makes up for any extra vigilence you might have to apply!

I have just aquired a Babasling which someone gave me to pop in our Sling Meet Library as an example - definitely not one I would recommend personally.

Katie baby wraps/slings are fantastic when used correctly. There are great babywearing websites, training, sling meets and babywearing consultants out there too.

There are too many benefits for me to list here but as the mother of a reflux baby being able to keep him upright and still be hands free was invaluable. Wish I'd you'd one from birth. Also useful when visiting places that are not accessible with a buggy/pram/stroller. Great for letting them sleep when out and about. And when we have another baby there will be no need for a cumbersome double buggy. The eldest can have a regular stroller whilst baby is tucked up safely in a wrap.

My favourite wraps are moby stretchy for new born, then mei tai (www.madebycharlie.co.uk) and I gave a lenny lamb woven for back carries now my lo enjoys facing forwards.

They are sooooo versatile but I think the choice can be overwhelming and they can seem daunting. That's why I think sling libraries are invaluable. It is a shame that big brands still shiw pictures if babies forward facing in a front carry as this does not fit in with official guidelines owing to hip position. But baby steps.

Happy babywearing everyone