SAFEY TIPS

****Please read before wearing your baby****

blog post from www.undercovermother.net

Any baby carrier can be dangerous! Once parents understand babywearing safety rules, they will not be tricked into thinking that all baby carriers are safe or alternately not safe.

The slings that have caused infant deaths are commonly referred to as bag slings. These slings are worn around the parents' neck and body much like a messenger bag is worn. Babies who are placed into the deep pockets of these slings are at risk for suffocation because their bodies are positioned in a C position where the child's neck often touches her chest and restricts airways. All the while, the poor mom or dad wearing baby could be oblivious to any danger because baby is all the way down by mom or dad's belly button.

(image courtesy of Walmart.com)

These bag slings -- like the Infantino Slingrider -- are so dangerous; they violate every babywearing safety instruction we babywearing instructors teach:

Baby should be close enough to kiss.
Baby should never have his chin resting on his chest.
Baby's head should be above the rest of her body.
Baby's knees should be higher than his butt.
Baby's face shouldn't be covered by fabric.
Baby's head should be supported.

For more safety and carrier information, visit:
www.thebabywearer.com or www.babywearinginternational.com

Intructions

1.  Unfold your pouch and put it on as if you are wearing a sash.  The shoulder that is going to support your baby's wieght is the shoulder that is going to have the sling resting on it. 

2. The wider side of the sling (the pouch) should be down between your belly button and hip.  

3. Place baby in sling in desired position.

        * (Pouch should not be pulling on your neck.  Adjust your sling to sit evenly between your neck and shoulder.)

*Directions for different positions are below 

 Cradle Hold 

1. Put sling on desired shoulder.

2. Open the pouch part of the sling with one hand and support baby with the other hand.

3. Place baby inside the pouch area horizontally with head at one end and feet at the other end.  Baby's legs should be down by your hips area. 

4. Adjust baby so that he/she is comfortable and can see out if desired.

* small babies/premies tip:  Baby can be adjusted so that he/she is not buried down in the pouch.  Simply rotate the sling and place baby in a narrower part or add a small blanket under baby for added support. 

Hip Carry

1. Put sling on desired shoulder.

2. Place baby on the desired hip. 

3. Open pouch with one hand while supporting baby with the other hand.

4. Place pouch over babies head and then pull it down over baby's body until his/her bottom is resting deep inside the pouch of the sling. This means that once the sling is pulled over baby, open it so the baby can sit comfortably in the pouch.

5.  Pull the remaining fabric up toward baby's shoulders, leaving arms exposed.  Make sure pouch is secured all around baby's body before letting go! 

       * Sling can also be pulled all the way over baby's shoulders with  arms inside the sling if desired.  

 * Babies that can hold their own head up will love this position. 

Tummy to Tummy

1. Repeat steps 1-5 from the "Hip Carry" instructions.

2. Slide child and sling, together, around to your belly. The child's legs should be stradleing your torso.

* Older babies love to sleep in this postion.  It is easy to transfer a baby from a carseat into this position to keep them asleep. 

Kangaroo Hold

1. Put sling on desired shoulder. 

3. Open pouch with one hand while supporting your child with the other hand.

2. Then place child inside the pouch of the sling facing out (away from you).  They usually like to sit "indian style" or if they have short legs, they can just bend them at the knee.

Back Postion

1. Repeat steps 1-5 from the "Hip Carry" instructions.

2. Slide child and sling, together, around to your back. The child's legs should be stradleing your torso.

3. When first attempting this postion, have someone "spot" you from behind to ensure your child's safety.

 *Please remember, NEVER let go of your baby  or pet until you are certain that he/she is securley in your sling.  Your baby is not strapped in so pay close attention to him/her at all times.