How to Stay Current on Baby Carrier Recalls
In an effort to better inform parents about the latest child product safety information, the US government has simplified communications between multitudes of agencies charged with consumer product safety. One major step forward has been the creation of a one-stop website for parents shopping for information about product safety: www.recalls.gov.
In the past many common child-related items, including baby carriers, have been subject to recall. Unfortunately, not all parents are aware of the latest safety information, and the baby carrier you buy today could face a safety issue tomorrow.
Recalls: No Guarantee of Safety
When the government determines a baby carrier could be defective or dangerous for any reason, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) can order the manufacturer to stop selling the questionable product and pull existing inventory from store shelves. But it is essential for parents to understand that even if a product is recalled, the responsibility for removing that item from the home or childcare center falls largely to the consumer. The danger remains, too, that recalled products may still be sold at home garage sales or in stores dealing in secondhand merchandise. In other words, to be certain your baby carrier is safe, parents must do some homework.
Being Prepared Means Being Current
The good news is that the government has made it easy to keep up to date on baby carrier safety bulletins as well as research past recalls. Parents can receive automatic notification of baby product safety recalls simply by calling the CPSC and requesting to be added to their mailing list. Their phone number is 800-638-CPSC. You can also sign up online at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.asp. Remember to urge any friends and family members who may have occasion to care for your child to take a safety inventory of the baby carriers they own.
Tips to Ensure Baby Carrier Safety
- Always complete and send in registration cards that accompany purchases. Manufacturers cant notify you of possible safety issues unless they have your contact information
- Search for specific baby carrier safety information by product type at http://www.cpsc.gov/cgi-bin/recalldb/prod.asp.
- Search for specific baby carrier safety information by manufacturer at http://www.cpsc.gov/cgi-bin/recalldb/firm.asp.
- Check for recent recalls at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerel.html.
Remember to use these sites to find info before buying a second-hand product as well as learning about products you already own.
Quick Inspections, Common Sense Are Keys to Baby-Carrier Safety
For many years now, baby carriers have been almost as indispensable a part of child rearing as booties and blankets. Carriers and slings come in all styles, shapes, colors, and materials. They have reduced and in many situations eliminated altogether the need for heavy, cumbersome strollers. Busy mothers and dads often report that the freedom and mobility baby carriers afford is matched only by the cell phone. In addition, there is growing evidence that because they allow close baby-parent contact even when parents need two free hands, using child carriers promotes more secure emotional attachments between the parent and infant.
Many parents, however, are understandably concerned when they read and hear reports of baby carrier related recalls or injuries. But many of the injuries that have occurred can be attributed to the categories of product use and product condition, both under the control of parents. By understanding the fundamentals of basic baby carrier safety and keeping alert to rare but important product alerts, parents can be confident of their baby’s safety and direct their concerns to more pressing issues, like getting some sleep.
Inspect Your Baby Carrier Regularly
Simple and regular inspection by parents of their baby carrier’s condition would likely have prevented a significant percentage of the child injuries associated with baby carriers. Parents should look for any torn cloth or suspect or separating zippers that could come undone and cause baby to slip. Be on the lookout, too, for worn or weak hooks, fastening rings, clasps, and brackets. Watch for frayed, straps or unraveling stitching. If you observe any of these warning signs, they are telling you it is time to repair the baby carrier with proper and sufficiently strong materials or, more likely, replace the carrier. Be especially sure to conduct a careful inspection for these conditions before considering buying a second-hand baby carrier.
Watch Your Step
A second noteworthy cause of injury to babies in carriers really has little or nothing to do with the equipment itself. Many baby injuries occur when the parent slips and falls. Although most parents would think twice about putting a child in a carrier and going outside when it is snowy or icy, every year some parents take the risk. Don’t make that mistake. And remember to check the weather forecast. If it calls for snow, hail, sleet, or heavy rain during your planned trip either reschedule or have a back-up plan in case you get caught.
Finally, don’t forget the importance of sensible shoes. Fashion should always take a back seat to safety.
In many cases, baby carrier safety comes down to common sense and taking just that extra minute before racing out of the house. Keep that in mind and you’ll rest easy when it comes to carrier safety, even if you’re not getting any actual sleep!
Every parent knows how quickly their baby can move through different stages. All too fast, your newborn baby changes from sleeping peacefully on your chest, to looking out into the world from the vantage of your hip to a busy toddler happy to experience the world from high up on your back. There are many carriers that can take you through all those stages seamlessly, functioning well on your front, back and hip.
Most flexible, minimally structured carriers can easily make the transition from one position to the next. Mei Tais can all be used in each of the three positions, with only a bit of adjustment in the way they are tied.
As a general rule, stretchy wraps are not appropriate for back carrying, so they cannot be recommended for this category. There are two brands whose unique features do make exception to that rule; Gypsy Mama Bali Stretch and Sleepy Wrap.
A woven wrap is a better choice for a carrier that will allow wearing in all three positions. Since they can be perfectly tightened to support your baby’s weight, woven wraps are excellent for making the transitions as your baby grows. They can be tied in countless ways, making very comfortable carries possible even with an older child on your hip.
Some brands of soft structured carrier (SSC) can be used for all 3 positions, although it should be noted that many parents do not find the hip position to be terribly practical in an SSC. Brands that allow the flexible positioning include Angelpack, Pikkolo and Ergo.
Ring slings can be used very well on the front and the hip, with short term back carries a possibility.
Flexibility of position is one of the key features of any baby carrier; understanding which positions the carrier you have selected can be used in will ensure that you are making the best choice for your needs.
Environmentally and health conscious parents often look for products for their children that minimize their impact on the earth and provide the safest option possible. Concerns with toxins in children’s products are often in the news. Manufacturers have responded to these concerns by providing many great products that are also earth and baby friendly.
European Options
Product safety standards have long been high in European countries, particularly when it comes to baby products. Oeko Tex standards are an international system of testing and certifying fabrics and textiles as being free from toxic chemicals. Similar in many ways to organic certification, an Oeko Tex certification lets you know a product has been tested to be safe for use with babies.
Many of our favorite brands of carriers are from Europe and meet this standard. Didymos, Girasol, Dolcino, Hoppediz, Ellevill and Storchenwiege all make beautiful woven wraps that are Oeko Tex certified. Calin Bleu gauze wraps and Bara Barn rebozo style wraps and ring slings are certified as well. In addition, Didymos and Storchenwiege are made using organic cotton threads. Mei Tais are also available from Didymos and Girasol, made with their woven fabrics.
Organic Fabrics
Closer to home, many American made brands have sourced organic fabrics and non toxic dyes to use to create their carriers. Made with as many certified organic or non-toxic components as possible, these options allow you to shop both locally and ethically.
Angelpack, BoBa and Ergo soft structured carriers can be purchased in organic fabrics, while Maya Wrap makes a line of organic ring slings. Gypsymama wraps are dyed using non-toxic dyes.
Several other brands sometimes offer limited edition products in organic fabrics, increasing your available options. As more parents continue to choose organic carriers, we expect that manufacturers will respond by providing more and more great products that are healthy for the earth and your baby alike.
Men instinctively want to hold their babies on their chests; dad is often the most avid babywearer in the family. Most men prefer to choose their own carrier; one that suits their style and fits them comfortably. The age and needs of the baby still need to be factored in; our Shop By Age guide can assist you with that.
Men typically have stronger upper bodies than women; they also tend to carry weight differently as well. With longer torsos and broader shoulders, they may find that carriers fit quite differently on their bodies. For older babies, the favorite carrier of many dads is a frame backpack, since they are often uniquely suited to be ideal for men.
Another favorite with men, especially if they plan to wear indoors as well as out, is a soft structured carrier (SSC). The heavier padding and neutral colors of the Ergo and Ergo Sport make them an especially popular choice for dads. For smaller babies, the narrowing base of the Freehand SSC makes it a good choice. The BoBa SSC is a third alternative that is ideal for dads with neutral colors and foot straps that make it comfortable for even the tallest child to ride.
Dads carrying younger babies will prefer a carrier ideally suited to them; ring slings are likely to be their best bet. Most brands of ring sling offer gender neutral patterns or colors and ring slings easily adjust to fit around men’s larger upper bodies. Longer tails can be tucked into the rings once the sling is adjusted to keep them out of the way.
Time with a new baby is short, so being able to keep his baby close while he enjoys his favorite activities will help every dad develop a close bond with his baby.
Sometimes, they most important feature you want in a carrier is speed! Ease of use plays a big role in your search for a carrier; if it is challenging to get your carrier on you probably won’t reach for it as often as you’d like. Each carrier has its own learning curve, but even experienced babywearers find some types are just quicker and easier to use.
Pouches, like the Hotslings AP or the Kangaroo Korner adjustable pouch, are the most straightforward carrier around. Simply place it over one shoulder and settle your baby in and you are done! Since pouches are pre-adjusted to you, once you have the right size you don’t need to adjust the carrier. All types of ring slings can be almost as fast as a pouch. Ring slings only require a brief tightening by pulling on the tail to keep the carrier snug around your baby.
If you prefer a two shouldered carrier, any mei tai will fit the quick and easy requirement. To use a mei tai, simply tie the bottom straps around your waist, place your baby on your chest, then bring the mei tai over them and tie the top straps around you!
Some parents find buckles faster than tying; if this is you, we recommend a soft structured carrier (SSC). Once the straps are adjusted to best fit you, all that is required is to buckle the waist strap around you, place your baby on your body, slide your arms through the shoulder straps and do up the chest clip. The Action Baby Carrier, Angelpack, Beco Gemini, Oh Snap! and Ergo are among the easiest to use.
Developing a comfort level with all carriers can take time; so the first few times you try something new you may find it a process. Once you and your baby are familiar with your carrier, you will find that the ones mentioned above are among the fastest and easiest to use!
When fashionistas (or even women who just like to look great!) become moms, one of the first things they tend to notice is how many baby accessories are geared towards, well, babies! While pastel prints of bunnies can look cute in the nursery, they aren’t what most moms would choose to wear or carry themselves. Happily, many designers are also moms who want to look good! They have designed carriers that are functional enough to comfortably carry your baby while looking fantastic in a stylish carrier.
Amazing Ring Slings
High end fabrics such Irish linens and Dupioni silks make the Sakura Bloom lines of ring sling a favorite choice for those looking for style. Sakura Bloom is a great choice because their designs are easy to wear, with fabrics appropriate for everyday. For the ultimate in couture babywearing, check out their Artisan Line.
Perfectly Cool Pouches
Designer stretch sateen in tons of current prints mean there is a Hotslings Adjustable Pouch for every style. These beautiful pouches are easy to wear and wash and can even be adjusted as you slim down from your pregnancy weight.
Funky Mei Tai’s and SSCs
For funky 2 shouldered style, Babyhawk mei tais or Oh Snap soft structured carriers are sought after by mamas with style. Modern, edgy prints combined with cool strap colors mean these carriers will stand out in any crowd.
Gorgeous Woven Wraps
Organic cottons or silk, linen or wool blends in unique woven patterns turn heads wherever you go in your Didymos or Ellevill woven wrap. Woven wraps provide ultimate comfort and these high end brands provide ultimate style too!
New parents often comment that their baby is a tiny furnace! Babies somehow seem to always be warm, keeping you toasty when they are snuggled close to you. This is lovely most of the time, but it leads to wondering how to keep cool when the climate outside is hot too. Whether you live someplace that is hot year round, desert dry or humid, or simply somewhere where summer days keep the thermometer high, there are many carrier options that will keep you and your baby cool.
Breezy Gauze Wraps
The best recommendation for hot weather babywearing is a woven gauze wrap. Lightweight cotton fabrics are highly breathable, allowing air to circulate. Gauze dries quickly when damp as well, so you will be kept comfortable even if you or your baby are perspiring. Funky patterns from Gypsymama Bali Breeze and trendy solids from Calin Bleu Gauze are your best choices. If you are looking for a shorter, rebozo length wrap, the Bara Barn is ideal.
Summery Linen Slings
Linen is well known for its keep-you-cool properties, making it a favorite of designers for the summer collections. Sakura Bloom makes ring slings from a single or double layer of 100% Irish linen, ideal for summer heat. The single layer will keep you the coolest, but those carrying heavier babies for longer periods of time may prefer the extra support that comes with the double layer.
Fun in the Sun
If you enjoy outdoor activities with your baby, you will love some of the specialty products available so your whole family can spend time together all summer long.
Hikers can keep air circulating by choosing a Phil & Ted’s frame back pack for their backpacking trips.
For the beach or the pool, there are several types of carriers designed to get wet, then to dry quickly. Gypsymama Water Wraps provide 2 shouldered support. If you prefer a quick on and off, Taylor Made Mesh ring slings or Kangaroo Korner Mesh pouches will be perfect for you.
Whether you are newly pregnant and planning for your first baby or an experienced parent wanting a new tool to help you with your busy life, shopping for your first carrier can seem both exciting and daunting at the same time! Our other guides will help you factor in any other concerns you may be working with, but there still are some unique considerations to learn about while choosing your first carrier.
Simplicity
Babywearing is a learned skill; the parent learns to wear and the baby learns to be carried. When you are both new to the idea, it helps to have a carrier with as much simplicity as possible to gain experience with. Learning curves can vary dramatically, so selecting the carrier that seems simple to you will be important.
One Step
Pouches, a tube of fabric that makes a seat for your baby to sit in, simply require you to set your baby into the pouch, with no adjustment needed. If your baby is old enough to sit up, a pouch is a perfect first carrier when you are looking for one easy step.
Tie and Go
For those wanting the support of a two shouldered carrier, a mei tai is a great first choice. Mei tais are very easy to learn to use, with the option of wearing your baby on your front or back. 2 simple knots are all that are needed to secure your baby to you.
Newborn Snuggles
If you are shopping for a newborn, consider choosing a stretchy wrap. They are a very popular choice for the first carrier ever, with good reason. Stretch wraps are as easy to tie as your shoelaces and can be left on while your baby is taken in and out of the carrier. The soft fabric stretches around you, keeping your baby snug against you.
Deciding to carry your baby is one of the best choices you can make for your family! Your first carrier should be easy to use, comfortable and should build your confidence in your babywearing skill.
Babywearing and breastfeeding go hand in hand; many lactation specialists believe that breastfeeding does not go smoothly when babywearing is not practiced. For many parents, their choice to wear their baby is largely to facilitate their breastfeeding relationship. Some carriers are ideal for actually breastfeeding in, while others make are virtually impossible to nurse in. If you are wanting to nurse on the go, selecting a carrier that will make that easy is a must!
Ring slings are known for being far and away the easiest carrier for breastfeeding in. They are adjustable with one hand, so you can simply loosen or tighten the sling so your baby is in perfect position. The tail of the sling can be used to cover any exposed skin you prefer to keep covered while you are nursing, by either tucking the fabric in or simply draping it across you. When your baby has finished nursing, it is easy to put him back up into an upright position for the rest of the time you are wearing him.
Both woven and stretchy wraps can be tied in ways that allow you to nurse your baby. If your baby is already being worn, simply loosening the tie a bit to lower your baby to the right level is all that is needed. You will need to retighten the wrap with your baby in the right position when he is finished nursing. Shorter woven wraps can be tied in a sling using an adjustable knot and used in much the same way as a ring sling to nurse in.
Mei Tais and most soft structured carriers can be used for nursing older babies in upright positions. By lowering the waist band of either carrier and moving the baby over slightly to one side, he can nurse sitting upright. As with other carriers, we recommend moving him back to his previous position when you are finished breastfeeding. There are some brands of structured carrier with a fabric barrier between the baby and mother that do not work for breastfeeding. Reading the carrier description will help you to know if that model is a good choice for breastfeeding.