On Friday, the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning for sling carriers stating that they pose a suffocation hazard for infants four months and younger. Since, every major and minor newspaper and reporting agency has ran a story saying babywearing is dangerous. Sometimes specifics are necessary people.
For starters, there are so many types of carriers that a blanket statement implying babywearing is dangerous is equivalent to saying car seats are dangerous because one went onto the market without adhering to current safety standards.
Secondly, the ambiguous warning is confusing for consumers. Within the sling category alone, there are at least a half dozen types -- ring slings, pouch slings, bag slings, slipknot slings -- why wouldn't the warning have specified the manufacturer and name of the specific slings that were problematic to eliminate confusion and help consumers know what to watch for? To add to the confusion, the article doesn't even specify until the FOURTH paragraph that the concern is suffocation. Not falling, not entanglement, not injury, but suffocation. So many people are reading the headlines (and first three paragraphs) and jumping to conclusions; the issue should be clearly stated in the headline and first paragraph.
Lastly, the one sling that does seem to stand out as the culprit among this mess is the Infantino Sling Rider. It is the one pictured with the Associated Press-issued warning article, and it is referenced at the end of the article. Perhaps the most pertinent information missing from this story is where they get their information that this sling is popular. It is the only babywearing device I've tried and hated, and everyone I know who has tried it has said the same. Some unknowing first-timers might purchase it because it's cheap and conveniently sold at Babies R Us and Target, but one of two things will happen. They will either hate babywearing based on their experience with this sling or they will realize better options exist, throw it in the yard sale pile and get something else. We were gifted one, and after it made my shoulder and back hurt from carrying my seven pound two month old, we promptly Craigslisted it and bought a Sleepy Wrap.
I just hope this doesn't spur another uprising against AP. We get enough side eye as it is, and I would hate for an ambiguous warning to deter new parents from discovering the benefits and joys of babywearing. Of course it should be done with ample research and utmost caution, but don't shy away because the media failed to adequately explain the CPSC warning.
If you're new to babywearing or just aren't sure where to start (there are so many to choose from!), check out the QC's resident babywearing expert and ask about babywearing classes! Keep those babies close mamas.
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