https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 30 Jun 2026 18:57:22 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-end-of-baby-wearing-as-we-know-it#post-1881323 Mon, 29 Sep 2014 11:53:14 +0000 Boheme 1881323@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ShootingStar: I think I didn't word my response well. I fully support the regulations. They've been in the works for 5 years, and hand weavers and machine woven wrap manufacturers should have all set up their business plan with these regulations in mind. Many of them did. However, a select few (ironically, the ones who have been most vocal) did NOT set up their business plan to accomodate these new upcoming regulations, and the regs have the potential to put them out of business. Therefore, they sicced their supporters on the federal government during the open comment period, and made statements like "ALL wraps are unsafe without instruction", since they don't support the regs. What did the government get from those comments? "All wraps are inherently unsafe". I'm friends with one of the weavers who made the flippant statements, and I'm really disappointed at how damning those uninformed comments turned out to be. This really sucks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-end-of-baby-wearing-as-we-know-it#post-1881274 Mon, 29 Sep 2014 11:29:34 +0000 ShootingStar 1881274@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Boheme: I had no idea the regulations proposed getting rid of all wraps :(. I had only seen references to custom carriers and I hadn't really done much research, also part of my reservation on making a judgement call. But that just seems sad to me, and I honestly can't even fathom how that would work. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-end-of-baby-wearing-as-we-know-it#post-1881262 Mon, 29 Sep 2014 11:25:43 +0000 Mae 1881262@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jedeve: I feel like I've finally gotten the hang of getting my rs on quickly and super comfortably. What problem do you have with yours? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-end-of-baby-wearing-as-we-know-it#post-1881125 Mon, 29 Sep 2014 10:25:36 +0000 jedeve 1881125@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cole: I feel like I never have my ring sling on right. I wouldn't mind if someone helped me with it. I think if you are like, "oh I like your sling. Is it comfortable?" And they seem willing to talk, you can say "I find it's more comfortable like this. And it's supposed to be better for the baby too. Do you want me to show you?"</p> <p>I dot know the full extent of the proposed regulations but if it's making babies safer, I am fine with that. Most infant products are heavily regulated - crib mattress size, toy size parts, car seats, etc. I think people generally assume now if they are purchasing a baby product, it is safe to use. </p> <p>On the other hand, I really just like my ergo so I don't know much about the woven wrap industry. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-end-of-baby-wearing-as-we-know-it#post-1881092 Mon, 29 Sep 2014 10:10:51 +0000 LovelyPlum 1881092@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Boheme: I get that people won't be able to sell them but wouldn't they still be able to use them? This regulation isnt making it illegal to babywear, right? So if that is the case, some people will still wrap, but if the good stuff isn't available, they will have to use the cheap, possibly unsafe fabrics. Hence my comment about it being better to regulate than to have it gone away with entirely. People are still going to wear their babies, so it seems wise to have standards so they can do it safely. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-end-of-baby-wearing-as-we-know-it#post-1880878 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 23:53:14 +0000 immabeetoo 1880878@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That sucks. The thing is, all those shoddy Etsy and local sellers? They aren't going to care. They'll keep popping up and ignore any regulations, intentionally or not. </p> <p>There have been similar changes in regulations for selling kids clothes &amp; kids toys -- the regulations for both are insane in some respects, in my opinion. The width of opening of pants is regulated so it can't be considered 'sleepwear'.... lead testing for toy parts when toy makers are small batch manufacturers. 90% of etsians, craft fair sellers, etc. either don't know or don't care. Same with cloth diapers. I don't feel like the overall impact does anything but hinder/prevent folks who DO know better, from creating, selling, and boosting the economy.</p> <p>I'm all for safety but my cursory glance at this just tells me it sucks. I hope it blows over. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-end-of-baby-wearing-as-we-know-it#post-1880860 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 22:08:58 +0000 Boheme 1880860@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LovelyPlum: Ring slings would be gone too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-end-of-baby-wearing-as-we-know-it#post-1880845 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 21:48:22 +0000 jetsa 1880845@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Everything I've heard on this is just scary. I can't imagine that the government should or needs to effectively regulate this industry. If you are going to use something to carry your child, learn how to use it properly. It also bothers me that it's based on bad research, falling with a child in a carrier isn't a fault of the carrier. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-end-of-baby-wearing-as-we-know-it#post-1880838 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 21:43:26 +0000 avivoca 1880838@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is pretty scary. My main carrier is my Ergo, but I have a Boba Wrap on loan to a friend and am interested in wovens. Yes, you need to use carriers safely, but instead of doing away with them, there should be more instruction on how to safely use them. Hopefully this blows over. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-end-of-baby-wearing-as-we-know-it#post-1880834 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 21:39:49 +0000 LovelyPlum 1880834@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Boheme: thanks for the link.</p> <p>I guess I'm wondering how such an industry could be regulated? It seems that if wrapping were done away with officially, more people would head towards the random fabric cheapo ring slings, which seems much more unsafe in the long run?? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-end-of-baby-wearing-as-we-know-it#post-1880831 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 21:31:55 +0000 Kemma 1880831@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would rather see more compliance and regulation from the big retailers because some of the soft-structured carriers that are available look awful! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-end-of-baby-wearing-as-we-know-it#post-1880824 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 21:16:33 +0000 Boheme 1880824@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>BWI's statement:</p> <p><a href="http://www.babywearinginternational.org/2014/09/28/statement-about-the-proposed-sling-safety-standard/" rel="nofollow">http://www.babywearinginternational.org/2014/09/28/statement-about-the-proposed-sling-safety-standard/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-end-of-baby-wearing-as-we-know-it#post-1880811 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 21:05:20 +0000 Mae 1880811@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sorry to post and run. </p> <p>I guess I just think people need to take a little personal responsibility. If you buy a carrier at Babies R Us, you can assume its made by big business and is mostly idiot-proof-- but you should still be careful. But when you're buying a wrap or ring sling or anything made by a smaller company and/or that requires understanding positioning, you should work a little harder to learn the proper way to use those, and what makes a safe or not safe product. Just because something can be dangerous when used wrong doesn't mean it shouldn't be available to those who can do it right. </p> <p>I guess it shouldn't really bother me because I prefer ring slings and I make my own (and I don't sell them, so I really have no dog in this fight). But it just bums me out that such a great way to carry your baby is going to be so restricted because the government is legislating to the lowest common denominator. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-end-of-baby-wearing-as-we-know-it#post-1880782 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 20:33:29 +0000 Mrs. Sunshine 1880782@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Boheme: soo, would that mean if they did away with wraps you wouldn't be "allowed" to use one you owned before all this? </p> <p>I definitely agree with PPs that safety is important &amp; therefore would mean more regulation but I don't think it's okay to do away with a completely viable way of babywearing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-end-of-baby-wearing-as-we-know-it#post-1880774 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 20:26:33 +0000 Boheme 1880774@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ShootingStar: They're talking about doing away with wraps, PERIOD :crying:<br /> I feel like compliant, registered, and tested makers should still be allowed to do so (by following the regulations) but I really hope we don't see wraps go away all together due to the flippant statements made this weekend. But by all means, YES to the random ring sling and gauze wrap makers on Etsy going away. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-end-of-baby-wearing-as-we-know-it#post-1880725 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 19:19:39 +0000 wonderstruck 1880725@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm torn. It sucks for the people making safe carriers who will have to stop because of the regulations, but it isn't uncommon to see unsafe carriers online that do worry me. I'll be honest though, I'd rather have something that's been through the extra testing even if it costs more. When it comes to items that can be a safety hazard, I prefer to stick to brand name. My favorite carriers all have enough of a following that I hope they would remain unaffected! I'm a soft structure girl whose LO hates the Ergo, but we really like Beco, Boba, and Pikkolo. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-end-of-baby-wearing-as-we-know-it#post-1880717 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 19:12:23 +0000 ShootingStar 1880717@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am reserving judgement for the moment. On one hand my favorite carrier is a custom wrap conversion I bought on the swap and the new rules make carriers like mine a lot harder for people to make, and therefore a lot harder to get and more expensive. </p> <p>On the other hand, I regularly see carriers pictured in the Facebook groups that are unsafe and not well made. People that open shops on etsy and think if they take a pretty piece of fabric and some plastic rings they've got a great ring sling. Never mind that it's only a matter of time before the fabric rips or the rings break. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-end-of-baby-wearing-as-we-know-it#post-1880652 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 17:52:37 +0000 Boheme 1880652@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As someone who is both a certified educator with Babywearing International and a member of the Baby Carrier Industry Alliance, these are scary times. So many people in the babywearing world made flippant comments about user error during the open comment session thinking they could get out of the regs, but the real message they sent to the government was "all baby carriers are inherently dangerous". BCIA is in full damage control right now, and I'm really worried for so many of my friends who are responsible, BCIA carrier makers/designers/weavers in the industry. This really sucks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-end-of-baby-wearing-as-we-know-it#post-1880638 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 17:27:51 +0000 Cole 1880638@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How sad. It's such a tricky thing to try to regulate though. The official docket even goes over the issues that have lead to this proposal and a huge percentage of them have way more to do with user error- almost a quarter were literally because the wearer fell which I feel would be easier while carrying the baby in your arms. Obviously, its near impossible to regulate people's education before purchasing an item but to basically make it impossible to purchase them since so many businesses would be forced to fold is really unfortunate. </p> <p>It is so tricky though, I still wonder if I should say something to people who aren't wearing their babies properly. I saw a woman wearing her newborn in a ring sling way down by her navel, not to mention, it was so loose I could have reached in and picked up the baby. I have seen many people wearing mobys or similar wraps in the strangest configurations, often with holes in the bottom or so loose that it is not only uncomfortable looking but wildly unsafe. I am comfortable enough using a soft stretchy wrap that I could trouble shoot but with the ring sling all I could possibly say is something trite about being tummy to tummy and being able to kiss your baby's head as opposed to helping her fix it.</p> <p>Do any of you have suggestions on these situations? Normally, I am a mind your own business type of person but I do feel badly thinking about these situations that are blatantly dangerous and also probably make these parents give up on babywearing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-end-of-baby-wearing-as-we-know-it#post-1880574 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 15:39:54 +0000 lamariniere 1880574@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@birdofafeather: that's what I was thinking. I have a Nigerian friend and we were just talking the other day about how she uses all different types of fabrics for baby wearing. I guess you can try to regulate an industry, but people are still going to be wearing their babies. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-end-of-baby-wearing-as-we-know-it#post-1880571 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 15:35:14 +0000 JerricaBenton 1880571@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I support having more rigorous standards and safety testing. If someone wants to make a wrap or sling and put their baby in it, go ahead, but if they're going to sell them to strangers for money, I think the consumer should have some assurance of safety. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-end-of-baby-wearing-as-we-know-it#post-1880568 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 15:31:02 +0000 birdofafeather 1880568@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How strange especially because wraps and rebozos are common throughout the world. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-end-of-baby-wearing-as-we-know-it#post-1880557 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 15:20:42 +0000 HLK208 1880557@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Omg! That's crazy! :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-end-of-baby-wearing-as-we-know-it#post-1880508 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 13:53:36 +0000 Reese 1880508@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What?! This is ridiculous! I wonder if people will continue to sell them as something else (decorative scarves?) as a loophole </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-end-of-baby-wearing-as-we-know-it#post-1880503 Sun, 28 Sep 2014 13:49:59 +0000 Mae 1880503@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So I don't know how many people have been paying attention to this, but it seems that there may (probably will) be some regulations coming down that will put most wrap/sling/carrier makers out of business. Basically the standards will impose a lot of rigorous testing requirements that will make it cost prohibitive for anyone but the biggest companies to stay in business. So we'll still have ergos and bjorns and mobys (probably)... but if you want a sling off of etsy? or a woven wrap converted to a sling? out of luck. </p> <p>Honestly it really bums me out! It seems like most people get their wraps and slings from smaller shops and it's sad that all of those shops will be out of business. </p> <p>Especially because basically all of the injuries reported from carriers were either because they were improperly used (poor positioning) or people fell while wearing them or knocked their kid into something. Which are not manufacturing issues. </p> <p>What are your thoughts? Do you support the regulations? </p> <p><a href="http://mamasphere.com.au/general/end-babywearing-industry" rel="nofollow">http://mamasphere.com.au/general/end-babywearing-industry</a> </p>