babywearing safety

You know, a lot of people are talking about how the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) is going after baby carriers. And a lot of people should be talking about this, especially if you wear your baby.

While there have been carriers recalled due to infant death, the majority of baby carriers are SAFE. And when I was researching babywearing, it took me about 10 minutes to see that bag slings (the carriers that have been recalled) were really really not safe. It’s unfortunate that because of the production of a lousy carrier, the carriers that are safe are in question.

There are many articles, blog posts, forums and pamphlets that talk about safe babywearing, including my friend Steph’s most recent post about this very matter.

Babywearing, when done properly, IS SAFE.

But what came to my mind when I was thinking about babywearing safety is how babywearing has actually kept my babies safe.

For instance, this Beco Butterfly kept my curious toddler from sticking her hands in a wild animal’s mouth at a hands-on zoo.

this Gypsy Mama wrap kept my baby safe from nasty germs at the aquarium when she was just a couple months old (I mean, what is up with strangers asking to touch your baby?? FYI, they tend to leave your baby alone when you’re wearing them!)

this Ergo kept my seven-month old from being accidentally dropped while hiking through some perilous trails (yes, I just used the word perilous – extra points, right?)

this Peanut Shell pouch (used properly!) kept my baby from being accidentally stepped or slobbered on by our very very large dogs

this Didymos wrap has kept my second baby from being hugged too hard or kissed too voraciously or jumped on by my extremely active and extremely loving 3-year old

this Didymos wrap has kept my baby next to me no matter what I’m doing, reducing the possibility of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)

this Girasol wrap has kept my baby from being splattered by hot grease while I’m cooking

The moral of this story is … babywearing is safe as long as you follow the rules and regulations of safe babywearing. If you ever have any questions, Google is your friend! Don’t just assume that because it’s sold in your local Babies R Us or Target that it’s safe.

And don’t assume that because one poorly planned product caused unnecessary infant deaths, that all babywearing is unsafe.

Because it’s not.

And, dude … babywearing can actually keep your baby safer than not babywearing.

•