Chic Papoose | Sling Safety

	My Account Wholesale

A Word About Safety

With all the talk about sling safety in the news, here is a spot to educate yourself about the safety of the centuries old tradition of wearing slings.

Chic Papoose slngs are not bag-style slings, they are pouch style slings which are very different in style and functionality.

Here are some general guidelines for sling wearing safety:

Choose the correct size for your frame. Do not share your sling with a larger/smaller, shorter/taller person if it doesn't fit one of you properly. When your sling fits properly, baby's bottom rests at your belly button. See "Choose a Size" for more detail.

When wearing a newborn in a sling, NEVER let them curl into a ball where their chin is pressing against their chest. Newborns lack the neck muscles to support their heads, and can become asphyxiated by kinking their necks. Fold a small washcloth or burp clothand place it between their shoulder blades to straighten them out. It may take a little practice to get them comfortble, but one you get it right, it is a lovely way to carry them. See "Wear a Newbon" for more detail.

Use the upright carry position for newborns. See the picture at right. Carry them tummy to tummy by putting placing the seam in front of your body. Place the baby in the sling feet first, and allow them to scrunch their legs inside the sling (froggy style), and make sure the fabric is wrapped under them and against your body. Once they get a little bigger, you can let their legs poke out on ether side. See "How to Wear"

Always keep one hand on your child. This helps you to be more spatially aware of your child's body and how the child is sitting in the sling. The sling is not a substitute for your attention..

Use common sense. Always make sure you can see your baby's face. Do not allow them to become pressed against your body or fabric. If they start grunting or writhing around, reposition them immediately.

Don't do anything in a sling you wouldn't do while holding them in your arms. Do not cook, exercise, bicycle, etc. Be safe and be smart.

USEFUL LINKS

Blog concerning the safety of the recalled slings.

Link to an article about general sling styles and safety

Upright carry position

If you have any other
questions not covered here,
please email us!

AN IMPORTANT WORD ABOUT NEWBORN SAFETY:

BE AWARE: it is important that newborns are positioned lying back with their heads back so their airflow is not restricted. Very young babies can be at risk of positional asphyxia. This is a type of suffocation that happens when their body is put in a position that restricts airflow. This can happen when a small baby's chin is pushed down against their chest.

SLINGS ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR YOUR ATTENTION: Use with great care. The person using the sling holds ultimate responsibility for the safety of the child. The child can fall out or knock into things if you do not pay attention. Please keep a hand on the baby at all times and do not allow your baby's nose or mouth to become covered or pressed against anything soft such as the sling, blankets, pillows, towels, your body or anything that could affect their ability to get air. This is especially important when your baby is sleeping. Never exercise, bicycle or cook while wearing your baby.

Newborn carry position