Baby Carrier Safety
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!