To the untrained eye, this May cover of american Baby magazine may simply depict a modern mother wearing her infant while taking a stroll. However, the babywearing community is ablaze with talk of how incorrectly the child is wrapped. Of course, in a modeling/photo shoot environment they aren't exactly looking for the manual for the wrap in order to showcase it correctly. In fact, like most new mothers or simply new-to-babywearing mothers, it was probably just a moment of "I can do this myself". Unfortunately, this incident has made American Baby slightly less reputable as far as where they're gathering information from.
Fortunately, the backlash from their cover caused American Baby to make a public apology which hopefully reaches those parents who are babywearing beginners and have seen the photo thinking it is the proper way to carry a baby.
Here is the apology statement that American Baby released on Monday:
Thank you for your messages about our May cover. We love that American Baby has such well-informed fans, and we regret that the infant pictured wasn't wrapped properly. We're studying up on the technique now and will use what we learn to plan a story on baby-wearing safety in an upcoming issue. Please keep reading—and commenting on—AB!
Sincerely,
The Editors of American Baby
In the next issue of American Baby, they intend to include a spread about how to safely babywear, which is a great step forward and will hopefully encourage more parents to learn about how to keep their baby close. Let's just hope they include TICKS guidelines:
T– Tight, The importance of a sling or carrier being tight is to hold a baby safely against the wearer, it supports the spine in a straight-upright position and stops baby from falling out of the wrap or carrier accidentally.
I– In view at all times, Seeing your baby at all times allows you to be constantly monitoring your child’s breathing and general demeanor, you will have the ability to make sure the chin hasn’t dropped and they are happy. You will also be able to check temperature and feeding cues.
C– Close enough to kiss, This is greatly important also, as the lower the child the less you will be able to tell about your child, placed in an upright position you should be able to lower your head and kiss the top of babies head, if you are unable to do this, then it’s advised your re-position your child higher.
K– Keep chin off chest, if your child is tight, in an upright position and spine is curved with legs in the squat position the likelihood of the chin dropping is unlikely, this is the most optimum position for safety, development and comfort. The rule of thumb is a child should have a gap of roughly 2 fingers width underneath their chin.
S– Supported back, the tightness of any carrier will be crucial in the support of a babies spine, it’s also important not to over tighten. The carrier should be tight enough to keep the child against the parents body without a gap, but still have the ability to slide your hands into the carrier with ease if needed. Generally in an upright position, if the carrier is adequately supporting the spine the chin will not drop, but its important to follow all the steps carefully.
There are many more aspects to safety when wearing your child, however these are the most basic and most crucial, if you feel unsure if your carrier supports these guidelines it is advised you seek further advise either from your local sling library, babywearing consultant, or babywearing group. Never be afraid to ask questions!
Also, here is a side-by-side photo of a correctly wrapped infant just for kicks:
