This illustration issued by the CPSC shows do’s and don’ts suggestions for how to position young infants in a soft baby carrier.

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The CPSC is advising parents to be cautious when using infant slings for babies younger than four months. In a study covering 20 years, the CPSC has found that baby slings can cause injury or death by pressing against a baby’s nose and mouth, or by allowing the baby to lay in a position that could compromise their airway.

If you are a sling user, use the guidelines of keeping your baby’s face uncovered, and consider a using a tummy to tummy hold, instead of the cradle hold for babies under 4 months of age to reduce the the risk of airway compromise.

The CPSC has found that slings can pose two different kinds of suffocation hazards to babies. In the first few months of life, babies are not able to control their heads because of weak neck muscles. The sling’s fabric can press against an infant’s nose and mouth, blocking the baby’s breathing and rapidly suffocating a baby within a minute or two. When a sling keeps the infant in a curled position, with the chin bent towards the chest, the airways can be constricted, limiting oxygen suppy. The baby will not be able to cry for help and can slowly suffocate.

In researching reports from the past 20 years, the CPSC has found and is investigating at least 14 deaths associated with sling-style infant carriers, including 3 in 2009. Twelves of the deaths involved babies younger than 4 months.

The CPSC has noted that many of the babies who died in slings were either a low birth weight twin, were born prematurely, or had breathing issues, such as a cold. The CPSC warning urges parents of preemies, twins, babies in fragile health and those with low birth weight to consult their pediatrician about using an infant sling.

To read the full CPSC release, click here

Related:
Read the NY Times article covering Inez Tenenbaum” target=blank”, head of the CPSC, speaking at the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association meeting, the industry trade group that certifies certain children’s products, including baby slings.

Carried babies cry less

Many parents have found that as long as they hold their baby, he is content. in 1986, a team of Montreal pediatricians conducted a study with 99 mothers with infants. The first group of parents were given a baby carrier, and instructed to carry their babies at least 3 extra hours a day. They were instructed to carry their babies at any time during the day, whether the baby was calm, crying or asleep. The other set of parents were not given any specific instructions about carrying. After six weeks, the babies who had received the additional carrying, cried and fussed 43% less than the noncarried group.

Experts who infant care practices around the world agree that babies in cultures that utilize babywearing techniques cry much less. Consider that in Western culture, we measure a baby’s crying in hours, while in other cultures, crying is measured in minutes. We have been socialized to think that babies cry a lot, however this is not the accepted norm in other cultures. In these cultures, the baby is consistently being held, and are put down only to sleep. When the mother must do something and be free of the baby, the baby is handed to someone else.

Babies who are babycarried learn more

Keeping in mind that carried babies cry and fuss less, these babies are now in a state of quiet alertness. In this state, an infant is more content, ready to interact with his environment and in what experts say is the optimial state of learning for a baby.

When your baby is in this state of quiet alertness, it is the perfect time to interact with your baby. Researchers know the human face is a powerful stimulator for bonding, and the Snuggle Hold puts you and your baby that close, face to face interactivity. In the Kangaroo Carry position, your baby has a 180 degree view and is able to scan her environment. He can learn to choose what to look at, and shut off what he is not interested in.

Babycarried babies are more ‘organized’

Sling babies are able to continue their development outside of the womb, and their systems become more organized. Dr. Sears advises to think about a baby’s gestation as lasting 18 months – 9 months inside the womb and at least another 9 months outside. When the baby is inside the womb, all of his systems are automatically regulated. Birth temporarily disrupts all of this organization, however the more quickly a baby gets help with organizing his environment again, the more easily he will adapt to life outside the womb.

Essentially, babywearing helps extend the womb experience, with the mother or father providing an external regulating system that balances the irregular and disorganized tendencies of the baby. Your baby recognizes your rhythmic walk, which he experienced while in the womb, and it calms him. As your baby places his ear against your chest, he will hear your familiar heartbeat. And as he senses your rhythmic breathing while being worn tummy-to-tummy or chest-to-chest, it is familiar, comforting and helps him regulate his breathing. All of this has a balancing effect on your baby’s irregular rhythms. Babywearing reminds babies of the womb and continues the motion and balance that he enjoyed for nine months.

The natural question is then what may happen when a baby spends most of his time lying in a crib, tended to for feeding and comforting, then separated from his mother. Infants have a natural urge to become organized with his systems, to fit their new environment. Without the constant, regulating presence of his mother, the infant may develop disorganized patterns of behavior, like colicky cries, jerky movements, thumbsucking, irregular breathing and disturbed sleep. He is also using valuable energy to do all of this self calming, that could otherwise be used to grow and develop.

Carried babies are humanized earlier

When a baby is carried, he is very involved in your world. He sees what you see, hears what you hear and often feels what you feel. Your baby will become more aware of your face, rhythm and scent. And because he is more aware, he will learn all of the subtle facial expressions, body language, voice inflections and tones, breathing patterns and emotions that you have. In turn, you will relate a lot more to your baby, because he will be sitting right below your face. Essentially, you are helping your baby learn how to be human. Picture yourself washing dishes while babywearing; your baby is experiencing all of the sounds, smells and images that are involved with washing dishes.

Carried babies are smarter

Babywearing helps the infant’s brains make connections, stimulating nerves to branch out and connect with other nerves. The stimuli that you are exposed to and participate in, is in turn exposed to your baby and helps his developing brain begin developing a library of experiences.

Because your baby is at voice and eye level, he is more involved with conversations. Babywearing enhances speech development, as babies learn how to listen, and often seem more attentive when adult conversations are happening.

A mini-sized wrap is easy enough to make out of about a 4 foot length of stretchy fabric. There are also a few wraps you can purchase for you child, along with books about baby carrying.

The Hotslings Toy Sling is the perfect gift for new siblings, and is the sized just right for toddlers and preschoolers. It will fit most children, ages 2-6 and is a great way to nurture bonding in your youngster. It’s available in most places can find Hotslings, and can also be purchased online, at places like Peppermint.com, which has a great assortment of patterns. We love the Tattoo pattern!

The Moby Mini Wrap is about 6.5 feet long, and fits a 2-6 year old child the best. This wrap is just for pretend play, and not designed for carrying real babies. It comes in 13 colors, and is available many places you find the Moby Wrap. You can also purchase it form the Moby Wrap official website.

Carry Me! Animal Babies On The Move by Susan Stockdale is a good book about how animals carry their babies, using simple language and colorful, bright pictures. From kangaroos to penguins, it shows animals in their natural habitat and how they transport their young. The story ends sweetly, with a human baby snuggled in her mother’s arms.

That’s all fun, but the “popability” factor of your baby carrier can be a huge deal when considering which model will work best for your baby and your lifestyle.

Popability, also known as “poppability” and how “poppable” a carrier is, refers to how easy or hard it is to take your baby in and out of a baby carrier. Pouches are pretty well regarded as having the highest degree of poppability, followed by slings.

Wraps can take a little more effort to get adjusted, but in my experience, they’re just as poppable as a pouch or sling once you have it tied.

An Asian baby carrier has a slightly lower poppability, followed by structured front and back carriers. I had purchased a really great looking hip carrier that came highly recommended, but found that the leg holes were so tight on my barely 10 month old baby, that it was a struggle to get him in and out. We probably used it 3 times.



As your baby gets older, a how poppable a carrier is likely to become more and more important to you. In the beginning, your baby will be pretty content while being carried about. Depending on their personality and how they take to your baby carrying lifestyle, older babies and toddlers may be more finicky about being in the carrier, then wanting out, then wanting back in again. Having a baby carrier with high popability makes it less of a hassle to accommodate your toddler’s fluctuating moods.

To find out the true popability of the baby carriers you’re considering, get hands-on with them, using the baby. You’ll soon find the carrier that best fits your needs, in terms of comfort and how much time and effort will be involved for each wearing.

Here’s your chance to let the world know what your favorite type of baby carrier is. And because we’re torn too, and it’s so hard to pick just one, we’ve made it so you can pick two of your all time favorites!

Our Reader’s Favorite Baby Carrier Style

The Baby Book : Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two by William Sears, Martha Sears, William Sears, Robert Sears
In this revised edition, Dr. Sears’ two doctor sons join in to create this new version of the well loved Baby Book, advocating “high-touch style of parenting to balance the high-tech life of the new millennium”. The authors teach new parents how to bond with their babies through seven fundamental behaviors, including breastfeeding, “babywearing” and setting proper boundaries. In the material on baby-wearing, you’ll find wonderful illustrations, instructions and benefits for using a sling, and other baby carriers.

Attachment Parenting: Instinctive Care for Your Baby and Young Child by Katie Allison Granju.
This book has a very comprehensive chapter discussing how and why to wear your baby, and goes into detail, dispelling the myth that holding causing “spoiling”. If you’re looking for a good compliment to the Dr. Sears books, this is a great resource for Attachment Parenting, from the mother’s perspective.

Our Babies, Ourselves: How Biology and Culture Shape the Way We Parent by Meredith Small
This book explains what the human baby needs from a biological point of view, and the cross-cultural research Small offers is fascinating and an eye-opener. By learning how differently people parent around the world and how these styles are culturally embedded, traditionally held western practices of scheduled feedings and separate sleeping quarters are questioned against more child focused parenting techniques.

The Vital Touch: How Intimate Contact With Your Baby Leads to Happier, Healthier Development by Sharon Heller
This book contrasts the United States with other cultures that promote almost constant contact with their babies. The author shows how our society’s emphasis on placing our babies in “containers”, like strollers, bouncys, swings, etc. instead of holding them more often, leads to sensory deprived, more isolated children. Overall, it’s a great overview of the benefits of physical contact for your child.

Books About Babywearing For Siblings
A Ride On Mother’s Back by Emery and Durgis Bernhard
This is a beautiful children’s book with simple text and illustrations that talks about baby wearing families around the world. It looks at how people from various countries carry their youngsters while going about their daily chores. The author does an excellent job of interweaving cultures and multiculturalism in this book.

Number 1 – It’s fun to wear your baby

How amazing is it to be able to look down and kiss your sweet little baby, and feel her warmth against you. As your baby gets older, you’ll be able to easily talk, sense her needs and watch as she experiences the environment at the same level as you. When she’s up at eye level, other adults can easily make eye contact and converse with her as well. You and your child will be participating in the moment together, and you’ll be loving introducing her to the exciting world around her!

Number 2 – Wearing your baby promotes physical development

When you’re wearing your baby, she is feeling the rhythm of your breathing, hearing your heartbeat and is being stimulated by the various movements you make when you walk, bend, climb stairs – every tiny movement as you go through the motions of the your day. Being in this environment is almost like being in a transitional womb, as it’s evocative of her experience while she was growing in your womb. This stimulation helps continue her natural physical development, regulating her own physical responses and exercising her vestibular system, which controls balance.

Number 3 – Babies who are worn are happier

Every baby, from the colicky, high-need to the most content, will benefit from the closeness and security of being held close to you. Many studies have shown that the more babies are held, the less they cry and some studies are now investigating how distress, like crying, may affect a baby’s developing brain because of the associated stress hormones. Crying is physically exhausting for both the baby and the caregiver. If your baby is not wasting his energy on crying, he is able to calmly observe his environment and learn from what is going on around him.

Number 4 – Babywearing helps you and your baby communicate better

When you’re often holding your baby close, as with babywearing, you become very in tune with his facial expressions and gestures. Babywearing parents often get to a point where they can tell if their baby is hungry, wet or sleepy before hearing them cry or get distressed. Being able to recognize your baby’s needs and respond quickly builds trust in your child, is cyclical, as your own confidence continues to grow, and this mutual enhanced communication will evolve as your child moves towards talking.

Number 5 – Babywearing helps other caregivers bond with the baby

Cuddling up with your baby is an amazing way to get to know each other, and using a baby carrier is a great way to bring this rich experience into the lives of fathers, grandparents and other caregivers. It’s such a great opportunity for your baby to become engaged on this level with his father’s voice, heartbeat, movements and facial expressions.

Number 6 – Wearing your baby is convenient

Carrying your baby in a baby carrier means freedom! You won’t have to worry about navigating narrow aisles, strategically locating the elevator or staying back with the stroller when you’re using a baby carrier. A sling, wrap or pouch can stand in for a changing pad, blanket or cushion in a pinch. If you’re breastfeeding, it’s an easy way to nurse discreetly without having to remember a cover-up, and one of my favorites, is tucking your baby inside for a snooze while you continue with your day.

Number 7 – Toddlers appreciate the security of being carried

Toddlers love the security of a baby carrier, and being able to be close to you when they need to. This is a time when your child will want to explore a new place but may become overwhelmed and look to you for comfort. Many baby carriers will accommodate a child up to 35 to 40 lbs., and you’ll be able to have an option for your child to have a safe place to retreat to, where they can continue to experience the environment with your reassuring touch. Carrying your toddler is also incredibly convenient, when you can whip out a soft carrier you’ve stashed in your purse and be able to give him a lift when he gets tired, without having to worry about toting along a stroller.

Number 8 – Babywearing is great exercise

We all know how hard it is to find time to exercise when you’re a new mother, and being able to pop your baby in a carrier and go for a brisk walk is great, easy way to get active each day. As your baby gets older, the additional weight helps add resistance to your walk, and will keep challenging your body as it grows stronger.

Number 9 – Babycarriers are are a safe place for your baby

There is no safer place for your baby than being held safe and secure next to your body. There are often instances when a stroller is helpful to have, but it’s so much healthier for your baby to not be at ground level, breathing in exhaust fumes from cars, or being strapped into a stroller with little human interaction.

Number 10 – Babycarriers save you money

Using a baby carrier can save you money. Depending on which design or model you prefer, and if you are a fashionista and have a closet full of coordinating carriers, you can easily spend less than what you normally would on a stroller. For a small investment up front, you’ll find tremendous value in this baby product that will be used every day for at least a few years. And if you’re using a simple piece of cloth or make your own sling, your investment could be less than $20!

When you’re ready to clean the baby carrier, the first thing to do is to get all of the proper cleaning supplies ready. You will need two buckets of warm water, one with suds and one without. A clean, flat surface to work on, like a kitchen counter or table, washing cloths or scrubbing sponges and a number of towels.

Prep the baby carrier by removing attachments, belts, extra padding and anything else that is detachable. Be careful not to lose small pieces, and if the design looks like it may be complicated to reassemble, try to make notes of how things were originally. It could be helpful to either take pictures or video of the tricky parts to refer to later!

Now read the label of your baby carrier, and make note if the model you have specifies not to immerse it in water. If your carrier manufacturer advises that the unit should not be soaked in water, you’ll be spot cleaning it in a similar fashion. When the baby carrier base is ready, start scrubbing with the soapy water, wringing out excess water.

If you have a structured carrier, like a frame backpack, wipe the entire carrier structure. Begin at the top and working your way down, using small, circular strokes. Consider using an antibacterial spray cleaner or wipe to clean hard structure parts, like the stand or frame. Get into all of the small, open places where dirt and germs can hide.

Once you’ve cleaned the baby carrier with soapy water, use a cloth and clean water to remove any soapy residue from padding and the fabric. If you’re able to dunk the carrier material in the clean bucket, continue squeezing the clean water through the fabric until all detergent is removed.

Pat the carrier dry with towels, and set aside to air dry overnight.

Now, clean all of the items you removed from the carrier, like straps, toys, buckles and attachments. Wash each piece thoroughly, and check for wear. Check the laundering directions, and if these pieces can go in the washer, run them through a cycle of hot water to kill germs. Consult the laundering directions again, and either air dry these pieces or put them through the dryer as noted on the care instructions.

When everything is dry, it’s time to reassemble. Before doing so, take one last check of all of the belts, buckles and attachments for wear, tears or broken pieces. If the condition of a piece is doubtful, purchase a replacement piece rather than putting a questionable piece of hardware back on your baby carrier. Examine the padding and fabric, if the fabric cover is loose and you can easily pull padding out, by a replacement cover so your child does not have the opportunity to swallow or choke on a tiny handful of fluffy padding.

The different types of baby carriers also have a varying capabilities for how much weight they can safely carry. When a baby carrier is designed to distribute weight across several contact points on your body, it generally enables a baby wearer to carry heavier babies or toddlers with less effort and stress to the body.

Sling. The baby’s weight is evenly distributed over your back, waist and shoulders. Really, the only weight limits are those you set for yourself. It is not impossible to carry up to a 40 pound child in a sling.

Wrap. Depending on the way you tie a wrap, your baby’s weight can be distributed differently on the waist, hip, back and shoulders. This baby carrier style is a great option for people who may have a physical problem, and for pregnant moms who want to continue carrying their toddlers. Wraps are very comfortable because the width of fabric generally enables pressure to easily be evenly distributed, and there are no buckles, rings or other plastic or metal accessories that could get in the way.

Unstructured Soft Carrier. Also called Asian carriers, Mei Tai, Ombuhimo, Podegi. Asian carriers, like the styles made by Ergo are 2 shoulder carriers, with straps that come over your waist, back, torso and shoulders, distributing your baby’s weight quiet evenly. You’ll find this type of carrier is very suitable for the heavier baby and long outings.

Structured Carrier. Structured carriers are the easiest to find in western baby stores, and the majority have been inspired from the Mei Tai style of unstructured soft carriers. Structured carriers are made from firm fabrics, padding, plastic or metal buckles and clips. They maintain a rigid shape without being worn.

Structured Front Carrier. In a front carrier, like a Baby Bjorn, the weight is shifted forwards, and can put pressure on your shoulders and upper back. The usual weight limit is 22 pounds, and some people may find it begin to get challenging when the baby is extremely difficult to carry a baby that has reached the 18 – 20 pound mark.

Frame Backpack. The frame backpack is a type of structured carrier, and it’s design is largely inspired from hiking rucksacks. A metal frame provides stability, and helps put it on and off.

Getting hands on experience with a baby carrier style is the best way to determine if it’s going to work for you. Ask around at the next playgroup you’re at, or find a babywearing or Attachment Parenting group to join. If you haven’t yet heard of one of these groups in your area, a great resource for finding groups of like-minded parents, is to search on Meetup.com using those keywords.