Safe Babywearing Week!

by Tami Grosset

This week is Safe Babywearing Week here in Canada and Health Canada have used this opportunity to launch their campaign, in collaboration with the BCIA (Baby Carrier Industry Alliance), to  encourage parents to keep baby 'Visible and Kissable'!

There is some excellent information out there about the benefits of babywearing for parent and child. This blog by Boba is one such example; http://www.bobafamily.com/research/babywearings-health-benefits-beyond-hands-free/

But its great to see clear information about safe babywearing from our very own government. Here are some links to the Health Canada site;

http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2013/29301a-eng.php#media-medias

http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/kids-enfants/infant-care-soins-bebe/slings-porte_bebes-eng.php

Advice about safe babywearing from the government, or anyone for that matter, doesn't get much better than this;

'It is also important to properly position the baby in the sling or soft carrier.  The baby should be “Visible and Kissable” – this means making sure that the baby's face is not pressed into the fabric of the carrier or sling, or into the caregiver’s body.  Check that the baby’s head is above the sling and that their face is always visible to ensure they can breathe properly.  If using a sling, babies should be positioned in such a way that their chin is not pressed into their chest.'

And how great to hear from our own local girl and OBG member, Britt Pegan, quoted on the HC page!

“This campaign will help to educate parents and caregivers about safe babywearing and allow everyone to continue to enjoy the benefits of this practice,” said Britt Pegan, Baby Carriers Industry Alliance.

This awesome image of great ergonomic carriers being used with the easy to remember 'Visible and Kissable' tag!

Picture used with permission from Sewfunky Baby Slings- https://www.facebook.com/Sewfunky.ca
(I couldn't find this image, from HC and the BCIA online
but you will see posters like this one around and about!)

Well done Health Canada and well done BCIA!!