WRAPPED
UP
Babywearing is becoming safer than ever as the industry seeks to soothe parents’ worries in the wake of recent recalls. By Audrey Goodson
Chic Papoose sling
Ring slings. Wraps. Pouches. Mei tais. The options seem
endless for parents seeking a stylish and comfortable way to tote their tots. With a wide array of cool new fabrics and varieties to choose from, it’s safe to say that babywearing has become a mainstay for active moms and dads. Yet despite the practice’s growing popularity, many parents wonder: Is it safe to say it’s safe? It’s a concern that was sparked in March when the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled approximately 1 million bag-style slings, citing suffocation risks. Immediately, worried consumers began backing away from similar products. “As soon as the news story broke about the safety issues, our pouches stopped selling,” reported Molly Erftmier, owner of Belly Bump in Omaha, Neb. “We tried to explain to customers how to use them properly and that women have used baby carriers for years with no problems, but it was no use. We discontinued selling them a few months ago.” Despite the initial uproar, many retailers report that babywearing is bouncing back stronger than ever. “Right after [the recall] happened, we definitely had some concerned parents,” said Renee Vachon, who co-owns the Babymoon Boutique in St. Louis, Mo. “Because the one that was recalled was a pouch, those seem to be the ones that people are shying away from a little bit, but we are still selling them very well, even after what happened. Baby carriers are the biggest sellers in our store.”
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