Sunday, August 08, 2010

Visit a Napsack in London!

If you are within reasonable traveling distance of Harrow, London, why not pop in to Sling Jax and try out a Napsack Baby Carrier!




Wednesday, March 24, 2010

A look at safe positioning in a sling

Take a look at this : http://www.thebabywearer.com/articles/HowTo/Positioning.pdf

It explains with pictures how to (and how not to) position your baby in a number of slings.

Please note, none of the slings shown are BAG Slings.

Another important press release

UK Industry Response to Recall of Infantino ‘Bag Style’ Baby Carriers

Press Release

For Immediate Release

UK Industry Response to Recall of Infantino ‘Bag Style’ Baby Carriers

In light of the current recall of the Infantino “SlingRider” and “Wendy Bellissimo” slings in the UK, Europe and North America, Rebecca Ward of the Consortium of UK Sling Retailers and Manufacturers says, “We are pleased that steps have been taken to ensure that using a baby sling is a safe way to carry your baby. If you are using a ‘bag style’ baby carrier and have concerns, we urge you to contact the manufacturer. The majority of baby carriers and slings are still safe to use, if they hold baby in proper alignment and fit snugly by design and instruction. These safe designs of sling include shallow pouch-style slings, ring slings, soft carriers and wrap slings.”

Advice for Parents

If you carry your baby in a bag-style sling, Rebecca Ward of the Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers says, “While we are unaware of any fatalities in the UK in these bag style slings at the present time, we would caution against using them in light of the recall”.

If you use a ‘bag-style’ carrier, you can contact your local babywearing group through Sling Meet, www.slingmeet.co.uk, for advice on alternative slings.

If you have another sort of baby carrier, Rebecca advises, “No safety problems have been brought to our attention with any other baby carriers. Make sure you read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.”

When using a baby sling, follow these basic principles:

Keep your baby close and keep your baby safe. When you’re wearing a sling or carrier, don’t forget the T.I.C.K.S.

Tight

In view at all times

Close enough to kiss

Keep chin off the chest

Supported back

~~ENDS~~

Issued by Antonia Chitty on behalf of Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers 23/03/2010

Media enquiries to Antonia on 0845 643 1874 or 07900 580668

Rebecca Ward: 0117 9082479 or 07525650429

Notes to Editors

More information on Baby Sling Safety will be added to www.babyslingsafe.com

Background

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has raised concerns about “bag-style” baby carriers. It is thought that 14 deaths have occurred in the US over the last 20 years, including a number linked to the “bag-style” sling. UK Sling retailers and manufacturers are taking steps to ensure that parents have the information they need to continue to use safe designs of baby carriers and position their babies in the safest way possible.

One design of sling now seems to have potential risks. In “bag-style” slings, the deep pouch where baby sits puts the baby in a potentially suffocating curved position. Excess fabric with an elasticized edge may cover baby’s face and inhibit breathing. The design may cause the baby’s face to turn in toward the carer’s body, potentially smothering the baby. It also obstructs the baby from the parent’s view, due to the high and gathered side panels.

To find out more about baby wearing and get advice on safe ways to carry your baby there are several trusted websites to help you:

Benefits of Baby Wearing

In well-designed products, studies have shown that baby wearing is not only safe, but is actually beneficial. Such studies have shown that quality baby slings and carriers have been shown to save lives, improve health, decrease crying, increase IQ, and facilitate breastfeeding and bonding. [i] Studies have also shown that worn babies are happier and spend more time in the quiet alert phase. In this phase they benefit more than their non-worn peers in language development and knowledge acquisition. Babywearing also helps babies sleep better, and physical needs, including breastfeeding, are met more quickly by a close, responsive parent. Millions of babies over time have been worn to their benefit making baby slings and carriers more of a necessity than the often-publicized fashion accessory. [ii]

Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers Members

Baba-licious, Baby Armadillo, Baby Bean, Babyhut, Big Mama Slings, Born, Brightsparkslings, Calin Bleu, Close Parent, CN Sales,Daisy Chain Slings, HippyChick, Huggababy, Kari-Me, Lifft Slings, Little Possums, Mama Natura, Napsack, Natural Connection,Naturally Happy Slings, Natural Nursery, Ocah Carriers, SaSaSlings, Sling Jax, Slumber-Roo, Snugbaby, The Carrying Kind, Wilkinet

Antonia

Antonia Chitty

Inspirational Business Mum of the Year 2009

Finalist, Women on Their Way Women’s Advocate Award – tba March 19th 2010

Freelance Writer and Author of books including:

A guide to Promoting Your Business - The Mumpreneur Guide

Special Needs ChildFamily Friendly Working

@antoniachitty antonia@acpr.co.uk 07900 580668 - 0845 643 1874 – 7a Channel View Bexhill TN40 1JT


Release Date: 03/24/10 07:33:00


[i] For examples of these cases and further reading see “Increased Carrying Reduces Infant Crying: A Randomized Controlled Trial” an article written by Urs A. Hunziker MD and Ronald G. Barr MDCM, FRCP(C), “Saving My Baby” a blog post written on Fierce Mama’s Blog by Sarah Kaganovsky and Dr. Maria Blois’s book Babywearing.

[ii] Source: La Leche League International


Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Baby Sling Safety : A Press Release

Press Release


For Immediate Release

UK Sling Companies Put Baby Safety First


The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has raised concerns about “bag-style” baby carriers. It is thought that 14 deaths have occurred in the US over the last 20 years, all linked to the “bag-style” sling. UK Sling retailers and manufacturers are taking steps to ensure that parents have the information they need to continue to use safe designs of baby carriers and position their babies in the safest way possible.

One design of sling now seems to have potential risks. In “bag-style” slings, the deep pouch where baby sits puts the baby in a potentially suffocating curved position. Excess fabric with an elasticized edge may cover baby’s face and inhibit breathing. The design may cause the baby’s face to turn in toward the carer’s body, potentially smothering the baby. It also obstructs the baby from the parent’s view, due to the high and gathered side panels.
The majority of baby carriers and slings are still safe to use, if they hold baby in proper alignment and fit snugly by design and instruction. These safe designs of sling include shallow pouch-style slings, ring slings, soft carriers and wrap slings.


Advice for Parents

If you carry your baby in a bag-style sling, Rebecca Ward, of the Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers advises you to contact your local babywearing group through Sling Meet, www.slingmeet.co.uk, for advice on alternative slings. She says, “While we are unaware of any fatalities in the UK in these bag style slings at the present time, we would caution against using them in light of the recommendations by the US Safety Commission”. If you have another sort of baby carrier, Rebecca advises, “No safety problems have been brought to our attention with any other baby carriers. Make sure you read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.” When using a baby sling, the advice provided by the Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers is to follow these basic principles:


Keep your baby close and keep your baby safe. When you’re wearing a sling or carrier, don’t forget the T.I.C.K.S.

Tight
In view at all times
Close enough to kiss
Keep chin off the chest
Supported back
~~ENDS~~
Issued by Antonia Chitty on behalf of Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers 22/03/2010
Media enquiries to Antonia on 0845 643 1874 or 07900 580668
Rebecca Ward: 0117 9082479 or 07525650429
Notes to Editors
More information on Baby Sling Safety will be added to www.babyslingsafe.com
To find out more about baby wearing and get advice on safe ways to carry your baby there are several trusted websites to help you:
· Slingmeet
· TheBabywearer.com
· Facebook page for Babywearing Safety
· Mothering.com
· LaLecheLeague
Benefits of Baby Wearing
In well-designed products, studies have shown that baby wearing is not only safe, but is actually beneficial. Such studies have shown that quality baby slings and carriers have been shown to save lives, improve health, decrease crying, increase IQ, and facilitate breastfeeding and bonding. [i] Studies have also shown that worn babies are happier and spend more time in the quiet alert phase. In this phase they benefit more than their non-worn peers in language development and knowledge acquisition. Babywearing also helps babies sleep better, and physical needs, including breastfeeding, are met more quickly by a close, responsive parent. Millions of babies over time have been worn to their benefit making baby slings and carriers more of a necessity than the often-publicized fashion accessory. [ii]

Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers Members
Baba-licious, Baby Armadillo, Baby Bean, Babyhut, Big Mama Slings, BORN, Brightsparkslings, Calin Bleu, Close Parent, CN Sales, Daisy Chain Slings, HippyChick, Huggababy, Kari-Me, Lifft Slings, Little Possums, Mama Natura, Napsack, Natural Connection, Naturally Happy Slings, Natural Nursery, Ocah Carriers, SaSaSlings, Sling Jax, Slumber-Roo, Snugbaby, The Carrying Kind, Wilkinet

Saturday, October 31, 2009

How to tie your Napsack Baby Mei Tai

So how does a mei tai work? Aren't those straps complicated? Well click the image below and see for yourself!

Friday, October 30, 2009

Nursing in your Napsack


For nursing, simply loosen the sling so that baby is in a lower position - inline with the breast, then re-tighten. You can then help baby to latch on in an upright position. See attached picture (arms can be out or put inside the sling for more privacy). Re position baby when nursing is finished.


Monday, May 25, 2009

Semi Custom Napsack

The Natural Mamas forum winner has chosen some beautiful fabric for her Custom Napsack. She has chosen black straps. Beautiful!