I thought Jane Austin sums carriers up nicely in this comment….
“As some as you know, I’ve been teaching mamas how to use ring slings for over 15 years. I carried both my kids in the ring sling until they were two. I’ve also carried literally hundreds of babies 4 weeks to 9months in a ring sling (in my postnatal yoga class).
It is imperative that babies be positioned correctly!!! They essentially should be positioned in the sling as they would be if they were being carried in someones arms. The babes head needs to be positioned so that it is above the crook of the elbow and the face visible.
I’m not crazy about the pocket sling because it is difficult to position the smaller babes correctly as they tend to sink to the bottom of the sling.
I also know hundreds of mamas that have safely carried babes in the Ergo but that said I also know a mama whos baby was suffocated in the Ergo….with the infant insert!
I would never recommend something I thought was dangerous but I think
mamas need to follow their instincts! If a mom doesn’t feel right about a
baby wearing holder she should not use it, she should listen to that inner voice.
Again it is so important to make sure you have the baby positioned correctly and be vigilant about check to make sure the babies air way is clear. But most of all follow your instinct. It is so pain full to think about these sad stories. My heart goes out to all mamas who have lost babies regardless the circumstances.”
Jane Austin
Founder/Director Mama Tree Prenatal Yoga School
Director of Prenatal and Postnatal Program at Yoga Tree
janeaustinyogaspan>.com