Last Friday, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning for sling carriers stating that some bag slings  may pose a suffocation hazard for infants four months and younger. They have specifically quoted the Infantino sling (please see here for official warning).
Bebe is of the optinion that wearing an infant in a well-constructed carrier  and using proper babywearing techniques are of utmost importance. When done properly, babywearing is a very safe and beneficial parenting tool.

When caregivers learn to use their carriers properly while keeping safety and common sense in mind, babywearing can be just as safe, or safer, as carrying a baby in-arms. A correctly-used baby carrier’s positioning should mimic how you would hold a baby in your arms.  The photo above shows the correct way to hold a baby in a sling.  When positioning a baby in a sling, ensure:

- A normal in-arms holding position is fairly snug to your chest with baby semi-upright

 - Check to ensure that your baby is not curled up tightly in a chin-to-chest position; this compresses your baby’s airway. Making sure there is a fingers’ width or two between their chin and chest is a good guide.
Make sure your baby’s back is straight and supported.

- Monitor your child at all times. Make sure nothing is obstructing their face.

-Be aware of how your movements affect the baby: avoid any bumping or jarring motions.

We remain committed to promoting babywearing with numerous benefits for both babies and their caregivers. Always observe precautions listed in manufacturer instructions and enjoy all the wonderful benefits of wearing your baby.

Note- Please note the safety precautions relate to bag sling carriers and not to upright carriers such as the Baby Bjorn, Sleepy Wrap, and Ergo Carriers.

This week’s Facebook contest gives you the opportunity to win a Baby Bjorn Organic Active Carrier (valued at $219.95). Entering is as easy as carrying a baby. We want to know WHAT BABY PRODUCT YOU CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT?  A favourite lovey? DVD/CD?, Bath toy? or that hidden bottle of only-after-5pm-vodka (maybe not . . .) Whatever it is, we want to know and you just have to tell us.

To enter, visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/bebeonline and post your answer. You will see our competition on the Facebook Wall. 

Please note this contest has now closed. Congratulations to Amy Green!

I thought I’d share this family shot taken last week in sunny San Francisco.  We were suprised by how miles the Stokke Xplory stroller clocked up in that it was our five year old Liam doing all the cruising, whle Harper (shown right) travelled nice & close in the Ergo Sport. It did make it much easier navigating through the city knowing both kiddies were safely restrained (so to speak!).

I recall feeling a tad self conscious after taking this snap as I looked up to find a stream of downtown office workers diverting their  path off the sidewalk and on to the road to acccomodate the capture of our family moment. I asked my Dad  (shown left) who is a local  ”Do we look like tourists, Dad?’ . His response as he watched  me zip up my camera and sling it around my neck was frank, yet gentle”I would say, yes”.

We finally reached a point where we just had to try and go out to eat food on plates, served proudly by others, surrounded by people who were also seated - you know, normal life. But with a 4 month old were we just kidding ourselves? Perhaps, but we had to give it a go. We strapped on the New Ergo Sports Carrier, placed Harper inside, held our breath and off we went. We have found the Ergo to be a very comfortable carrier with its padded shoulder straps and perfectly placed waist belt, it works extremely well for me and the missus. Harper fell asleep quickly and allowed us to walk briefly, sneak into the cafe order and when she awoke, she was calmly sitting, watching me and the others in the cafe get along with their normal lives. The difference with the Ergo is that it takes the weight mostly around the hips making it a more comfortable option. The baby enjoys the walking motion which is generated by the hip movement. The Ergo is on the frequently used list and is worth a research. Based on our use we are recommending it. Want to go to the product listing? Read more about the Ergo Sport baby carrier here…

Theres been a gap on bebe’s carrier shelf for some time now as we just couldnt find  the right product to fill it. An adjustable sling in simple non - offensive colours is what we needed.. Too much to ask? Well until now, yes. We found adjustable slings but they were either tie die or paisley. We found simple colours but they werent adjustable. We think you get the drift.

We’re loving the new Mini Monkey slings not only for these two features (love, love love the grey), but also due to the longevity and range of positions possible. We know your attention span is as short as ours so we’ve put together a graphical guide to these positions (below)…

0 - 3 months

Banana (foetal position)
Baby can be carried in the sling in the banana position from birth. The baby hears the heartbeat of the sling wearer and is in the fœtal position, reminding him of the cozy womb he just left. The sling is also great for discreet breastfeeding.

Hammock position
The baby sling can also be used as a hammock in the playpen. Gently rocking the hammock to-and-fro will put baby to sleep. Also helpful for babies with colic. The sling can also be used in larger playpens - in this case it should be hung diagonally in a corner.

3 months +
Kangaroo position
Once baby’s back is stronger, the kangaroo position can be used. In this position baby sits facing forward in the sling with feet forward and up high. Baby’s head leans against the sling strap.

Belly position
In the belly sit the baby/toddler sit with their belly against the wearer’s belly. Baby’s legs come out the bottom of the sling. The sling is a ’seat’ with the sling also supporting baby’s back. In this position the older the child, the lower the sling can be on their back as they increasingly need less back support.

Toddlers up to 12 kg
Hipster position
Once the toddler’s back is strong enough you can use the hipster position. In this position the clasp sits on the chest so that the sling will sit just above your hip. The toddler sits in the sling with legs coming out on either side of the wearer’s hip

 Check out the range of Mini Monkey slings here