Photograph by Brittany Blackburn

Jade is wearing 4 week old Hamilton in a Napsack.

Well, the long and short of it is... depends.
Let us explain.
Babywearing is a practice that has been around as long as there have been babies who wanted to be held and parents who needed to get work done. In many countries outside of the United States, it is still a common practice.
It is something that is intrinsic to many cultures and is very commonplace to those cultures. They don't need special training or education on how to use a carrier because it is something they learn to do as children.

That is not the case in the United States. We have literally pushed our babies away and into other baby carrying devices such as carseats and strollers. (Speaking of, have you read THIS ARTICLE? Over 8,700 babies injured each year because of improper use of car seats outside of the car. Yikes.) Instead of holding our little ones, we have babies with flat heads or container syndrome, and 22% of babies now have developmental delays due to being held less and left in car seats, swings and bouncy seats more.

Photograph by Brittany Blackburn

Karianne is wearing 3 month old Emily in a Sleeping Baby ring sling.

Besides the above stated issues with holding our babies less, we risk losing more. We risk losing our humanity over time.
Babies need to be held. They need the attention, physical warmth and comfort that comes with being close to their caregiver. As a society we need our children to be held when they are little and to feel that bond to their family. But, we have forgotten that to a degree.

We have also forgotten how to wear our children in the ways of our ancestors.
This is why education is so important.
Babywearing is safe, but we need to know how to use a carrier, how to place a baby safely in one, and what to avoid.

Photograph by Brittany Blackburn

Melissa is wearing 2 month old Tessa in a Wrapsoday Wrap.

This is where local babywearing groups and our conference comes in.

We don't want to make a profit, we want to teach people how to use a carrier safely and correctly. We want people to know what makes a safe baby carrier and what poses a danger to our child. We know all slings are not created equally and we need to pass that information along.

Photograph by Brittany Blackburn

Nanci is wearing 2 week old Jett in an Ergo baby carrier.

This year, our conference focuses almost entirely on safe babywearing practices. Our classes are being taught by true experts who are committed to teaching safe techniques and helping you to succeed.
We want group leaders, parents, doctors, nurses, midwives, doulas, reporters, government officials, business owners... anyone and everyone who has a question about babywearing to attend.
We welcome you and we are eager to help you understand that babywearing is a safe practice with many emotional and physical benefits.

Photograph by Brittany Blackburn

Somer is wearing 7 day old Zack in an Ellaroo mei tai.

For more links about babywearing Safety:

Local news broadcast with KIDK featuring Kimber Tower (March 2010)

Arizona news broadcast featuring Rochelle Price (March 2010)

Massachusetts news broadcast about the safety of baby slings (March 2010)

Main news broadcast regarding the recall of 1 million Infantino slings and the safety of other baby carriers featuring Kristi Hayes-Devlin

Article by the New York Times about the safety of baby slings

The official CPSC statement on baby slings (we love the diagram!)

Babywearing International's official stance after reading the CPSC statement listed above

A press release from a group of babywearing vendors regarding baby carrier safety

An informal study posted in 2008 showing the danger of bag style slings and the oxygenation of babies when in those slings.

An article on how to tell if your sling is safe

Proper positioning in a sling

One million Infantino "bag style" slings recalled March 2010... a victory for safe babywearing!

A press release from babywearing companies in the UK

Mothering Magazine response to the CPSC warning

Mothering Radio "Safe Babywearing" podcast

Photograph by Brittany Blackburn

Somer is wearing 7 day old Zack in a Sleepywrap.