Baby wearing is a beautiful thing. It allows mama and child to bond, supplying comfort and warmth. However, their are some baby carriers that can be unsafe and downright dangerous. Why are they still on the market? I and others in the baby wearing industry really don't know. 

                                                        Carriers we  do NOT recommend.

Bag Sling: 
A bag sling is a sling that has a very deep pouch and goes over the shoulder. 

The sling offers no support to baby, and baby is set so deep within the pouch, that its chin presses up against its chest.  In 2010 at least 14 deaths were because of this style of sling. To learn more watch this video. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36007916/ns/health-childrens_health/t/more-million-baby-slings-recalled/#.UL9laIPAfl8 
 


Bjorn style carriers: 
Bjorn style carriers are probably the most famous carriers on the market. Every big box store carries them, and it seems as thought every new mom is gifted them. Before I really researched baby wearing options we were gifted a Baby Bjorn. Often Mr.Daddy would wear Ballerina in it, I rarely did since it always hurt my back. .

Their are so many issues with the bjorn. First, to insure optimal safety, baby's head should be close enough to kiss. Second, the Bjorn style carrier has been coined "crotch danglers." I'll let this picture from International Hip Dyspepsia Institute explain why.

Finally, it has been proven that carriers that allow babies to face forward can cause spinal damage. Here is an in depth article for Boba explaining why. http://www.bobafamily.com/research/strollers-baby-carriers-and-infant-stress/

Their are so many other options for baby wearing on the market. Please provide your baby with the safest option. Check out our baby carriers at our store!

You've seen them. We've all seen them. In fact, I am one of them. Those crazy mamas (and daddys too) who chose to wear their babies rather than push them in a stroller. This seires is not meant to criticize any one for the choices they have made baby wearing. We are also not saying strollers are bad, I've been know to push a Phil & Teds around. This series is simply to educate the benefits of baby wearing, how to pick the right carrier, and how to use one's carrier.

                         Carriers we recommend.

Pouch sling: A pouch sling is what people typically think of when they hear the word "sling." It is a simple pattern that one can put over one shoulder and sit or lay baby inside. It offers the convenience of folding up small, but does not come with adjustable options. 

Stretchy Wraps: Stretchy wraps are long pieces of material that you use to wrap your baby in. They typically will only go up to 16lbs. Once baby is too heavy, the stretchy fabric will no longer be able to support it. Stretchy wraps are a great option for new parents with newborns. With practice wrapping becomes easier, and you can tie it on you before you leave the house. The stretchy wrap is breast feeding friendly. We will be carrying stretchy wraps in January 2013.* 

Woven Wraps: A woven wrap is similar to a stretchy wrap. However, it is made from woven fabric and has no stretch in it. You can wrap baby from the newborn stage through toddler hood. Wear baby on the front, side and back. It offers many versatile options for wrapping and the techniques have probably been used since women were having babies. 

 Ring Slings: Ring Slings are a modern style baby carrier. Specific baby wearing rings are sewn to one side, you then loop the other end of the fabric through the rings. Creating a deep pocket that baby can sit in. This carrier is fast and comfortable, and can be used from the newborn stage through early toddlerhood. The ring sling has a tail that can be used to cover oneself while nursing. Or it can be tucked over the rings. 

 Mei Tai Carriers: 
Mei Tai carriers are a rectangle with four long straps sewn to it. The two bottom straps wrap around mama's waiste. Baby is placed into the rectangle and the two upper straps are pulled over mama's shoulders. Then the straps are tied around baby's back, or under its bum. Baby can be worn on the front, side, or hip. The Mei Tie is breast feeding friendly and can be used from 8lbs to 35lbs. 

 Soft Structured Carriers: Similar to the Mei Tai Carrier, a soft structured carrier is a rectangle with four straps. However, the straps buckle, rather then tie. The SSC also tends to have batting sewn with in the actual carrier and on the straps, creating comfort and more support. It is breast feeding friendly. Many can be worn on the front back or hip. 

Their are a ton of carriers on the market, choosing what works for you is a personal choice. This is just a list of the carriers that we recommend. Tomorrow I will be sharing the style of carriers that I do NOT recommend, and why. 

If you have any questions, or would like to make a custom order, please email us at Jubileebabyco@gmail.com. 

Happy Babywearing!