It seems I can’t open a paper or my laptop at the moment without seeing another report of another baby sling being withdrawn in the U.S.

X in a Close Parent sling

Before I get into this, you should know that far more knowledgeable people than I have written about baby carrying, so this will be a whistle-stop tour. Look at the further reading links at the end if you want more info.

Why do people “wear” their babies? Is it bad for the child? Bad for the parents’ back? Is it dangerous? Is it just a celebrity following silly fad?

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There has been lots of media coverage recently on the “crying it out” technique – giving the impression that there are two camps: one of MeanMummies who leave their babies squealing in darkened rooms until they fall asleep, exhausted (parents and baby, I expect) and a second of distinctly crunchy Earth-Mamas who gather their little ones to their ample bosoms at the slightest squeak.
Let’s face it; most of us pitch our tents somewhere between these two. But the “research” is casting confusing light on the whole crying thing – does it harm our babies if we want to try and let them “self-settle” if it means they cry for a bit? Are we risking brain damaged offspring if we need to nip to the loo and have to leave our bundle of joy wailing in the next room?

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