Get Kissably Close

Slings! They’ve been all over the news because of recent related infant deaths, and everybody is freaking out. Being a mother of a 2 month old baby boy, I was even freaking out. I have to admit, even though my son is my third child and I am a self-proclaimed babywearer, he is the first of my children to be carried via sling. In the past the way the sling made my babies curl up like a roly-poly and disappear beneath the fabric was disconcerting and felt wrong. I always assumed I just didn’t know how to use the sling properly even though I saw countless other women running around town, sling in tow with their infants hidden somewhere inside. Turns out all of us had it wrong.

Now Infantino, a major sling manufacturer is pulling its SlingRider and Wendy Bellissimo models following the death of at least three infants. It seems that these particular models pose an elevated risk of suffocation. Read about the recall here. Parents are strongly urged to return these models immediately

While it is important for parents to be aware of recalls, I think it is even more important for parents to be reminded of the benefits of babywearing and get educated on how to properly use slings. Slings are a wonderful bablywearing option that should still be considered.

Babywearing Benefits (taken from Babywearing International Babywearing Safety Press Realease)

Infants who are carried close to their parents:
• cry less
• are more calm and content
• sleep more peacefully
• nurse better and gain weight better
• enjoy better digestion
• develop better

Babywearing International advises caregivers to follow these positioning guidelines when carrying young infants in wearable carriers:

• DO ensure the baby's back and torso are well supported. Make sure the baby is not curled up such that his chin is pressed to his chest or his airway is otherwise compressed. Ensuring that you can put two fingers vertically between the baby's chin and chest is a good guide.

• DO carry babies how they would be held in-arms.Well-designed front baby carriers hold babies snugly against the chest and near caregiver's face ("Close Enough to Kiss").

• DO monitor the baby at all times. Make sure nothing obstructs the face or impedes breathing.

• DO be aware of movements and surroundings.In general, don't do something while wearing a child that shouldn't be done while simply holding them. Avoid heat sources, bumping and jarring motions, and other hazardous situations.

For correct positioning for your baby while being carried in a sling click here? This information is excellent and followed by beautiful photos that explain everything.

Most importantly, as in everything we do with our children, parents must always stay aware and check in with their infants. If it feels wrong…it probably is. The purpose of babywearing is to help caregivers stay in tune and in sync with their little ones while enjoying all the benefits of being kissably close!

The Map

Admittedly, this blog has been on hiatus for almost a year now. But as True North has grown and changed we have realized a need for a way to communicate all of the stories and interesting parenting stuff that comes up in between issues. Thus The Map was born!

As Editor in Chief, I receive more informative press releases, inspiring stories, and important tips and information for parents than I can possibly shove into each issue of True North. The Map gives me an opportunity to share all of this PLUS the local activities and events that families are dying to know about.

And while I have plenty to share, The Map will also be hosting local bloggers and writers who want to keep you in the know, share some tips and tricks, or just plain ol’ entertain you. So stay tuned and jump in and share your thoughts any time.