Last night I received an anonymous comment to the website from someone who was concerned about sling safety. This person wanted me to know that "international babywearing standards" recommend that a baby always has to be "close enough to kiss".  Anyone who has spent much time in this blog knows that we are always a big fan of international babywearing standards, particularly those practiced by millions of African, Asian and native American women.  We respect and learn from those babywearing cultures that are older and more experienced than our own.

But "close enough to kiss"? That would mean that none of the tradtional carriers of Africa are safe. None of the mei tais of Asia, since they always carry even their newborns on their backs. It would also mean all back and hip carriers are unsafe. In fact, probably the only carrier that fits this description would be a wrap high up on the front or a BabyBjörn.  And what about a stroller? Close enough to kiss?

The point seems to be that your baby should be in view at all times, which is not the case with bag style slings. Please read the press release from Mothering Magazine in response to the big sling scare:

 

Mothering Responds to CPSC Sling Warning: Babywearing Is Safe

 

Our shallow-pouch slings are not the kind of "bag style slings" they are warning about.  In our organic cotton slings the baby is lying in a cradle position with their face well out of the sling.  Our slings have no elastic edging or excess cloth that keeps the baby sinking down deep in the pouch.  Please refer to our Safety Instructions to learn more about how we recommend safely using our slings for newborns. In addition, I can recommend the other safety articles at Mothering on babywearing in slings as well as the excellent instructions at Babywearing International.

We welcome any and all comments on our carriers and on baby safety. Please tell us what you think.

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