Government Warns Against Shoes
The Department of American Foot Transportation (DAFT) is planning to issue a warning in the near future regarding the danger of footwear, specifically shoes.
"We have seen countless accidents, both minor and serious, and even deaths occur while people are wearing shoes," said Gloria Fitzfootster of DAFT. The government agency feels it necessary to invade and intrude into every possible sector of traditional American lifestyles, stating that "intervention is the best invention".
Urgent action and panic should be taken by all US citizens regarding the safety hazard of shoes and shoe wearing.
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In no way do I want to undermine the injuries/deaths that have occured over the last decade because of certain types of baby carriers. But I am also furious with the idea that the government feels the need to step in, instead of the companies themselves doing their own regulating, checking, and improving.
I'm also upset at the unneccessary fear this is going to cause. Is your baby going to suddenly and spontaneously fall from her baby carrier and get seriously injured? Most likely not. There have been injuries resulting from everything from high chairs to cribs to bouncer seats. And you're still using those, right? With any product, baby related or not, there are inherint risks. The important thing is for you, the parent, to be informed, active, and secure.
The biggest problem baby sling, the Infantino, has been through recalls (2006-2007) due to plastic pieces on the straps breaking and the baby falling out. The Infantino, deemed "baby bag", has also been under fire because of the way the baby sits inside the carrier: bent in half with the sides of the carrier enveloping the baby completely and closing off at the top. The thick fabric of the carrier allows for no air circulation and can lead to suffocation.
I have seen these "baby bag" carriers in use, and was amazed that they were even on the market. What a horrible product! Never once have I met a mom who was happy with the Infantino carrier. When my cousin had one for a short time, I remember seeing her waddling around the house with the baby drooping down to her thigh as the thin strap loosened from its little plastic buckle. That carrier wasn't in her house for very long!
The Baby Bjorn even underwent recalls after faulty plastic buckles and wide leg openings led to infants falling out of the sling and fracturing their skulls. That was 1995. In 2004, another recall was issued due to a different plastic piece breaking and 93 reports being made about the problem. Yet, no government committee ever issued an official warning about the safety of using a Baby Bjorn or other similar carrier.
I guess what I'm trying to say is DON'T PANIC! I have never heard of, nor have I been able to find, any reports of death or injury resulting from an all-fabric pouch carrier. The HugaMonkey uses no plastic parts that could break, and is constructed of a single piece of fabric. Sudden tears and pieces of the carrier becoming detached are not a threat. The pouch seam is double encased for extra, Extra, EXTRA strength.
As far as suffocation goes, the single layer of all natural fabric makes breathing easy, even if the baby's face is turned (although we highly recommend keeping his little head upright). The quad-fold sholder design assists in making a secondary shallow pocket for an infant's head to rest up and out of the fabric.
Carrying a baby in a cloth sling is literally thousands of years old. With practice, attentive parenting, and a proper carrier, there is no fear in baby carrying.
A funny side note: I read on one website that a concern of baby slings was "bumping the baby's head". I had to laugh because I've bumped my kids' heads more often when I'm just carrying them rather than wearing them in a sling. In the words of Modern Family: "Babies are designed to survive new parents. So stop worrying, you guys are doing great."
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Government Warns Against Shoes Comments
Baby Slings are Safe
As a full time baby wearer I really appreciate the effort in spreading the word on sling safety and correct ways to wear the babies. I don't see any mention of the SEVERAL stroller recalls due to safety issues. Not to mention how dangerous it is to push a stroller in a big city where cars just won't stop and drivers can't see the strollers from their giant SUVs. I have 3 HugaMonkey slings, LOVE the lightweight fabric and the small volume for travel. I have referred and will continue to refer customers to you.
Sarcasm
I'm a big fan of baby carriers and I used one often during my son's first year, but I have to say your sarcastic post turned me off to your product. The fact is, companies like infantino and baby bjorn AREN'T self regulating and in the interest of protecting consumers, the government MUST step in to get these unsafe products off the market. Promote the safety of your product, don't attack the consumer protection agency for getting your unsafe competitors off the market.
Thanks for taking the time to
Thanks for taking the time to write your comment. You bring up some good points. If you ever get to know me you'll find out I'm not a fan of government getting TOO involved in our lives.
Re: Sarcasm
The biggest problem that I have with the goverenment stepping in like that is that it was so poorly done. High chairs send literally thousands of babies to the hospital every year, and have resulted in far more baby deaths, yet an official government warning has never been issued. The improper use of carseats is a much more widespread problem and has resulted in many injuries and deaths. But again, no government warning. For such a niche problem, to issue a warning against ALL baby slings is fear mongering. If the unsafe slings needed to be taken off the market, why didn't they just step in and take them off the market instead of attacking all baby slings? It was using a chainsaw where a paring knife would do.
Understandable, but...
In response to the Baby Sling recall, I understand your frustration. Being a business owner myself, it would be detrimental to my business if there was a recall within my industry. And, I do agree with you somewhat on government regulation sometimes going too far.
However, I think the way that you approached it, does not lend itself to the type of company you seem to be. Meaning, a company that puts safety and security first. You are offering a product that is used to carry our most precious and delicate beings. One of the first thoughts that a parent has when the baby comes is of protection.
So, I know what you mean, but your sarcastic post is a bit off-putting, especially becuase you are not so much in the baby sling business, but the "parent/baby bonding business". Perhaps you can share your views on another post....perhaps posting a comment to the actual story or stories that are popping up about this, but on their websites and not your own.
It's good to user your voice and speak your mind and I applaud you for that. And, I believe that you should be candid and direct with your customers and as honest as possible. But, perhaps you could've used the sarcasm to post about how your baby slings are super safe, or something regarding how you test them, or whatever. I don't know your business but I think there could've been better use of that space, other than to rant about a concern that parents may have about the baby slings.
Thanks!
Your'e absolutely right, and I must say that I'm not a negative person. I recently watched a video where the presenter said, "Rants are like the spice of blogging. Use sparingly." So I apologize for putting some of you off. Do you ever have to blow off steam? Good. I thought so. Now rest assured that I've gotten my rant out of the way for a little while, and this blog will probably only be peppered sparingly!
Funny
When I read this (the top part) I started laughing so hard that my husband had to come see what was so funny. I only read the rest after wiping the tears from my eyes.
Good
Now THAT'S the response I was going for! I understand that not everyone gets or appreciates my sarcastic humor, but when someone does, I like it.
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