I have a daughter, Charlotte, who is 19-months-old and one due in February. It wasn’t until Charlotte was four weeks old that I bought a Moby Wrap, but I sure could have used it those first four weeks! Thanks to a visit to Columbia Center’s Moms’ Group on Wednesday mornings, I met some other moms who had more experience with slings than I did.

I already had a Hot Sling but needed something that would be more versatile. One mom had a Moby Wrap and a Maya Wrap. After trying out these other slings I bought myself a Moby wrap and put it to use right away. I probably would have also bought the Maya Wrap, but seeing as I already had a Hot Sling, I limited myself to two.

The Moby Wrap immediately gave me freedom in my house! I knew it was important to hold your newborn for the first three months or so, but I also needed to have to free arms for my sanity. Before, I was always doing household chores and hobbies with one arm, otherwise Charlotte would fall out of the Hot Sling when I leaned forward. With the Moby wrap, I was able to lean forward without her falling out! Trust me, baby is so secure in that wrap and it’s really easy to use.

If none of these slings are for you, don’t fret, there are many types on the market. Columbia Center has an event called Sling Fling where moms are invited to come and test out multiple types of slings with their kiddos. If you can’t make it to an event like this, then call retail stores in the area to see if you can test them out. Stores like P’Sues in Shorewood and Well-Rounded Maternity Center in Menomonee Falls will both allow you test their slings out. Lastly, the Internet is an awesome resource for moms. Just Google the word “baby sling” and you’ll be amazed at what you can find! YouTube videos are also quite handy if you need to watch other moms demonstrate how to wear the sling you’ve chosen.

Baby slings/carriers don’t lose their usefulness when babies learn to walk. Toddlers are heavy and can sometimes be clingy. Babywearing saves parents from aching backs and sore arms. Although I don’t use my Moby much with my toddler, it does have the option of wearing her piggyback which would be helpful in some situations.

The most important thing to remember when choosing a baby sling is that everyone is different. Each person has unique likes and dislikes. Don’t give up until you find something that works for you! All babies love to be worn, but it can take some time to find a carrier that is right for you. If you have questions, please ask! Columbia Center can be a great resource for you.

I wasn’t surprised this week when I saw that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) will probably be issuing a warning on slings. After all, they are supposed to be the governmental agency that is looking out for the safety of our most precious resources. But since Tuesday, March 2, 2010 their head has been saying how dangerous these products are and that their warning would be coming out last week. I have seen nothing more than a week later from them that is informational, educational or helps parents to know what to do. I was taken aback that they didn’t emphasize that this is an issue of educating the public. To create this level of worry and then not follow through right away is irresponsible.

Parents need to know how to do things safely with their babies. Period. Instead of using this fabulous opportunity to educate the public about proper usage of a product that can make parenting less challenging the CPSC is fear-mongering and implying that these products are essentially accidents waiting to happen. Any product used improperly is likely to cause a problem. How about if we act as if you parents are intelligent and when given good information you can make decisions that are right for you and your babies? I know, it’s a shocking thought but I insist that you can be trusted to care for your babies. Who cares more about the safety of a baby than that child’s parents.

So, what’s a parent to do? Let’s start with the following:

1. Always read instructions provided with any product prior to use. If there is an instructional DVD or online video, watch it.
2. Follow the safety tips at one of my favorite websites, TheBabyWearer.com:  http://www.thebabywearer.com/articles/HowTo/SafeBabywearing.htm In fact, you can print them out and share them with your friends and family.
3. Use common sense when using ANY product with your baby.
4. Any time this kind of “announcement” causes you concern, don’t panic. Take a deep breath and go to your trusted resources to find out what’s really happening. And if you are unhappy that the CPSC is not giving you what you need, write to them (see my blog on the CPSC and cribs).

I hope that as you continue to learn as grow as a parent alongside your baby that you will remember the following: Part of parenting is dealing with this kind of stuff. It’s unsettling, but I know you can handle this and you don’t have to do it alone.