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Baby Carrier Injuries. Research On Babywearing Injuries

Baby Carrier Injuries. Research On Babywearing Injuries

Here is a summary of the information from research articles on injuries related to improper babywearing. Heed these lessons and we can help decrease the already low injury rate related to baby carriers.

Choose a safe carrier.

The number one cause of injury was due to faulty product design. It’s not enough to rely solely on a company’s reputation. Several big name manufacturers have recalled carriers because babies were injured due to faulty parts and/or design. Here are a few examples:

The Baby Bjorn Active carrier, which was just recently introduced and even pricier than the Original, was found to have a defective buckle. You can find out if your Bjorn was recalled on their website: http://www.babybjorn.com/. The company will replace the buckle for you, if requested.

Maya Wrap used 1/8 inch thick sling rings on some of their baby slings in 2001, which resulted in 20 reports of the rings breaking and one fall, with no reported injuries. These slings were recalled and the company now uses 1/4 inch thick sling rings exclusively. You can get more information regarding the recall and how to replace a recalled sling at: http://www.mayawrap.com/n_faq.php#recall

The lessons here are:

1. If you are buying a used carrier, make sure that it has not been recalled.
2. Even if your carrier hasn’t been recalled, be sure to check the condition of the carrier and all parts before each use.
3. Examine how your child fits in the carrier. Many smaller infants have slipped through leg holes or other gaps in carriers that are too large for a newborn or preemie. On the other hand, is your carrier strong enough to hold the weight of a larger baby or toddler? Most manufacturers have weight guidelines, but you still need to check how the carrier fits your specific child to gauge its true safety.

Second, check the condition of your carrier regularly.

The second major cause of injury was due to old, worn carriers.
I have already mentioned this, but it bears repeating: ALWAYS check the condition of your carrier before you use it!

Third, learn how to use your carrier.

The third major cause of carrier injury was improper usage. You are taking a necessary precaution by reading your carrier instructions and The Thriving Babies Manual to help you learn how to use your carrier safely. Section Two below outlines some helpful safety tips. But always keep in mind that YOU alone are responsible for the safety of your child. Please exercise common sense when using any baby carrier. Your knowledge, prudence and awareness are your child’s best defense against injury!

Fourth, be sure your baby can breathe properly.

One study also raised the issue of adequate ventilation. Always be sure your baby can breathe and that your carrier allows for good air circulation. Certain carriers are made in fabric that is more breathable, such as Solarveil, or authentic rebozos. If you live in a hot climate, these breathable carriers may be especially comfortable for you and your baby.

Pre-term (and special needs) babies are particularly sensitive to inadequate ventilation because their lungs are so immature. If you aren’t sure if your baby is getting enough oxygen in the carrier, don’t do it and/or seek medical counsel. The effects of oxygen deprivation can be debilitating and permanent, so always be sure your child can breathe properly. (This is also one HUGE reason why you should NEVER let a newborn cry it out alone.)