Sling warning

[TypeA]

I was a sling momma for years, but I never carried my babies this way. 

What are your thoughts?
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/dangers-baby-carrying-slings-10092035

[Snatch]

I heard a blip about this recently but that video was interesting.  I just can't help but think that the people are simply using the sling incorrectly and not using common sense.

[Kapihopela]

I don't have sound today again, so I couldn't watch the clip so I looked up an article.  As far as I can tell there's only one brand that was mentioned by name, the Infantino Slingrider, and I've been reading internet warnings about how dangerous that bag style is and requests to have it recalled for years.  Other than that, babies falling out andinfant's heads touching their chests are because of user error like Kissie said.  I don't understand why they wouldn't just recal the one unsafe style instead of issuing a blanket warning.

http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/03/10/consumer-baby-sling.html

[TypeA]

The warning is for the sling type  that carries the baby in the cradle position rather than chest-to-chest with the mother. Upright and chest-to-chest was the only way my babies and I were ever comfortable.

[nomorewirehangers]

I saw this on the news at about 3 am this morning (dont' ask) and was going to post it.  ya'll beat me to it.

[Snatch]

I have a friend with a new baby and the two times I've seen her she's been wearing him in a Maya ring sling (same kind I got for myself but never used).  And on those two occasions her baby seemed to be in a similar position and completely covered--at least it seemed that way.  I remember wondering if the baby could breathe, especially while nursing.  I remember reading that re-breathing the exhaled CO2 is bad and can cause infants to suffocate.

[Kapihopela]

Me too, but I still believe it's possible to safely use a cradle hold carry.  I think the difference between carrying your baby like this



where the sides are high and the baby is practically forced into a curved position where the chin touches it's chest, and this



where the baby's face is out of the fabric and it's back is in a straighter line, is huge and I don't like blanket reccommendations that don't take that into account.

[Snatch]

I agree with you, Kapi.  I think the infantino CAN be used correctly it just isn't.

[Kapihopela]

Oops, I don't think I was clear.  I think that the infantino should just be recalled since it's the one that has had so much trouble and has a poor design all the way around, and other slings that CAN easily be used properly should be left out of a blanket warning against sling wearing in general.  The second picture was of a hotsling, which is a much better design, but technically uses a cradle carry and so falls under the warning as it stands now.

[nomorewirehangers]

I've been thinking of investing in one for grocery trips for the first few months...cuz other wise I don't see how I'm gonna get both girls in the basket 

[Kapihopela]

I really really recommend a beco to anyone looking to buy a new carrier.  It has an infant seat inside so you can use them for itty bitty babies or it comes out and you can use it for up to 40 pounds.  It works on the front or the back and the best part about it is that it's so well designed that even with every strap undone, the baby can't fall out and the way the weight is distributed it never seems to strain my back, and I've been using it with Kaleb all winter long, I can have him in there for over 4 hours before I start to feel a strain.  I'm sure I've sold at least 2 dozen of the things just by walking around and people stopping me to ask what kind of carrier I'm using  

[nomorewirehangers]

Thanks for the recommendation! I know my husband is going to make a ridiculous amount of fun of me...but I'm not doing it for "crunchy" reasons...I'm doing it because even WITH the side by side baskets at HEB (grocery chain) where you can put two kids? It won't fit an infant carrier AND a toddler... just two toddlers. Fine for when Tidbit can sit up...not so great for when I have to major grocery shopping once a month! I'll either have to find a sitter (ha) to leave at least ONE of the girls with or just make 4 small trips and never fill up the basket because Lil bit will have to ride IN the basket with the groceries. (which she HATES...)

I'm looking for options for when, like most times, I will have all three kids with me and need to get the groceries done. (and no...lil man is NOT capable of driving a basket- particularly with a child in it...he is muy uncoordinated.)

[Kapihopela]

If it helps, I'd call it one of the less crunchy of the carriers.....   You can totally get it in a camo print too or with skulls 'n shit too if you want lol.  I totally get why you're thinking of getting one.  I felt the same way when I just had 2.  It's so much easier to chase a 2 year old when you're not struggling with an infant in your arms!!!!!

[nomorewirehangers]

  it comes in camo   

[Kapihopela]

It did.  I'm looking now and having trouble finding all the prints that were available when I bought mine 2 years ago.  If I see it though I'll pass it along.  When I was shopping it came in green and brown camos.