I'm copying this from The Babywearer and the original post can be seen here as well as on their FB page.
I'm sure you can imagine how upset I am. I don't really have much more to add as my thoughts just sound like this in my head: ARRRRRGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! REALLY???? UUGUHHHHHHHHH!!!
And, if this isn't enough for you, I'll add a few interesting quotes from the comments and responses to the original posts.
From Krisi Hayes-Devlin (owner of Wrapsody by GypsyMama and a founding member of the BCIA) in response to some questions:
"It is unclear whether SSCs will be impacted. One concern the CPSC has is babies in contact with mother's bodies, so possibly."
Yup, you read that right. They're concerned about babies being in contact with mother's bodies! The safest place on earth for a baby to be and the want to regulate it away!
"Why isn't the BCIA releasing more details?
Answer: Most importantly, the company at issue has not wanted full details released publicly. We are working hard to stop or at least delay this recall. It is unjust and unwarranted and makes a farce of the recall process. If we can stop it, we do not want to have created public problems for the company in question. We are acting on the company's wishes as well as legal and PR advice from experts. "
And from TBW on their FB page: "TheBabywearer.com The real "proof" will unfortunately come with the verbiage of the impending recall. If we wait for that, it may be too late to do any good."
Brace Yourself!
Dear Babywearing Enthusiast:
It is time to BRACE YOURSELF!
A recall of a major baby carrier is being forced through this week. We want you to understand how this has been handled and to appreciate the immediacy of the problem!
•Company was informed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that, after several years, a closed investigation of their product was being reopened.
•Company was told by the CPSC to issue a recall of every product back more than ten years, and to discontinue sales, while admitting that there is no product flaw.
•Company stopped all sales, with the intention of clearing up the matter and reopening shortly.
•Company asked for the Health and Science report that the CPSC later claimed to have, indicating the need for a recall.
•CPSC has NEVER complied; inside word is that there is NOT a Health and Science report.
•Company was sent two draft press releases and asked to voluntarily recall their product or the CPSC would issue a unilateral recall (a forced recall) which included inflammatory language as well as a threat to pursue action against entire class of baby sling products.
•Company held fast, knowing that the product is safe and a benefit to babies and stated they would be willing to work with the CPSC on a public education campaign about sling safety.
•CPSC asked for Company’s financials.
•Company complied.
•CPSC said to company 'You are no longer in business, we don’t need your cooperation in order to recall! Prepare to DESTROY all product next week!'
Next week is International Babywearing week!
PLEASE NOTE: *THIS IS AFTER THE CPSC FORCED COMPANY TO STOP SELLING!
The CPSC has overstepped their bounds, and are bullying small, family businesses who make safe products!
This is only the beginning, according to the CPSC’s own words they want to eradicate the whole class of product!
A line has been drawn in the sand! Will you help fight the good fight with us? If you care that these products are available to you, to babies, to families across our country, ACT NOW!
If you are represented by any one of these legislators, please call and write to them NOW, before this recall happens. We are asking just a few simple things:
1. Stop all recall actions against baby sling companies until
2. We can finalize the ASTM voluntary sling standards (scheduled for November) and
3. Force the CPSC to follow their own internal procedures, stop using bullying tactics, and use sound science.
SENATE: Mark Pryor – Chairman, AR (202) 224-2353
Byron L. Dorgan, ND (202) 224-2551
Barbara Boxer, CA (202) 224-3553
Bill Nelson, FL (202) 224-5274
Claire McCaskill, MO (202) 224-6154
Amy Klobuchar, MN (202) 224-3244
Tom Udall, NM (202) 224-5941
Roger Wicker – Ranking Member, MS (202) 224-6253
Olympia J. Snowe, ME (202) 224-5344
Jim DeMint, SC (202) 224-6121
John Thune, SD (202) 224-2321
Johnny Isakson, GA (202) 224-3643
David Vitter, LA (202) 224-4623
HOUSE: Bobby L. Rush, IL, Chairman 202-225-4372; 773-224-6500
Jan Schakowsky, IL, Vice Chair 202-225-2111; 773-506-7100
Ed Whitfield, KY, Ranking Member 202-225-3115; 270-885-8079
John P. Sarbanes, MD 202-225-4016; 410-832-8890
George Radanovich, CA 202-225-4540; 559-449-2490
Betty Sutton, OH 202-225-2266; 330-865-8450
Cliff Stearns, FL 202-225-5744; 352-351-8777
Frank Pallone, Jr., NJ 202-225-4671; 732-571-1140
Joseph R. Pitts, PA 202-225-2411; 717-303-0667
Bart Gordon, TN 202-225-4231; 615-896-1986
Mary Bono Mack, CA 202-225-5330; 760-320-1076
Bart Stupak, MI 202-225-4735; 231-348-0657
Lee Terry, NE 202-225-4155; 402-397-9944
Gene Green, TX 202-225-1688; 281-999-5879
Sue Wilkins Myrick, NC 202-225-1976; 704-362-1060
Charles A. Gonzalez, TX 202-225-3236; 210-472-6195
Tim Murphy, PA 202-225-2301; 412-344-5583
Anthony D. Weiner, NY 202-225-6616; 718-520-9001
Phil Gingrey, GA 202-225-2931; 770-429-1776
Jim Matheson, UT 202-225-3011; 801-486-1236
Steve Scalise, LA 202-225-3015; 504-837-1259
G. K. Butterfield, NC 202-225-3101; 252-237-9816
Robert E. Latta, OH 202-225-6405; 419-668-0206
John Barrow, GA 202-225-2823; 912-354-7282
Joe Barton, TX 202-225-2002; 817-543-1000
Showing posts with label BCIA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BCIA. Show all posts
Monday, October 4, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Babywearing is Natural
I have a lot to say this weekend. I have several posts partially written because I just have so much I want to say in the face of some news and conversations about babywearing I've been part of this weekend.
This one I can write easily. It's so clear to me, so obvious - as it is to most babywearing parents, it seems. But there's always that nagging of old "wisdom"...or old in-laws. Are we going to spoil them by holding them all the time? By picking them up every time they cry? Will they ever learn to walk if we carry them in these "things" all the time?
Here's your ammo - your support to prove you are right...you do know what's best for your baby!
Human babies are designed to be attached to a parent (primarily mama who has the food, but daddy is critical too). We are born with a natural reflex to grasp onto our mamas, we naturally raise our legs into the ideal position for hip/spine development when picked up - the same position that is ideal for being carried on mama's hip. Human babies require an additional 9-12 months of additional time to fully develop their brains, senses and bodies AFTER birth. Humans are not designed to be "complete" and independent at birth the way other mammals are (like a calf who's up and around on his own feet shortly after birth, can regulate his body temperature, escape predators and go to mama for food). We can't walk. We can't see well. We have no concept of object permanance - if we're not touching you, we don't know you're there. We feel abandoned and know we're in danger.
Human babies need to be nursed on demand, always carried along for safety - a baby left alone is at risk and signals their needs and fears with cries. Babies only have one way to communicate a need and need us to respond immediately to meet those needs - including providing security, comfort and warmth.
Babywearing meets all of these needs and many more.
Babies who are worn feel secure. They become independent and confident children. Human babies require touch to thrive.
Babies who are worn have constant and immediate interaction with an adult. They can read your face and learn communication skills earlier, are expressive, sensitive, empathetic, curious, engaged, sociable.
Babies who are worn experience natural human movement. Their muscular and skeletal systems are strengthened with every movement of the parent. When worn in a correct spread-squat position, their hips and spines are able to develop securely. They will walk and run and be more sure-footed than the kids who learned "movement" in a battery powered swing.
Babies who are worn sleep deeper, regulate their heart and breathing rates better, gain weight faster.
So, take a deep breath. Remind yourself that you do, in fact, know your baby best and know what's best for your baby.
Have those nagging voices read the BCIA's position paper and point out all of the doctors who agree with you! Point out all of the scientific research that supports babywearing as a NEED. If they're up for entire books, offer them Ashley Montagu's Touching, the Human Significance of the Skin and Jean Liedloff's The Continuum Concept. If they read German, give them Eveline Kirkilionis' Ein Baby will getragen sein and Bindun staerkt.
This one I can write easily. It's so clear to me, so obvious - as it is to most babywearing parents, it seems. But there's always that nagging of old "wisdom"...or old in-laws. Are we going to spoil them by holding them all the time? By picking them up every time they cry? Will they ever learn to walk if we carry them in these "things" all the time?
Here's your ammo - your support to prove you are right...you do know what's best for your baby!
Human babies are designed to be attached to a parent (primarily mama who has the food, but daddy is critical too). We are born with a natural reflex to grasp onto our mamas, we naturally raise our legs into the ideal position for hip/spine development when picked up - the same position that is ideal for being carried on mama's hip. Human babies require an additional 9-12 months of additional time to fully develop their brains, senses and bodies AFTER birth. Humans are not designed to be "complete" and independent at birth the way other mammals are (like a calf who's up and around on his own feet shortly after birth, can regulate his body temperature, escape predators and go to mama for food). We can't walk. We can't see well. We have no concept of object permanance - if we're not touching you, we don't know you're there. We feel abandoned and know we're in danger.
Human babies need to be nursed on demand, always carried along for safety - a baby left alone is at risk and signals their needs and fears with cries. Babies only have one way to communicate a need and need us to respond immediately to meet those needs - including providing security, comfort and warmth.
Babywearing meets all of these needs and many more.
Babies who are worn feel secure. They become independent and confident children. Human babies require touch to thrive.
Babies who are worn have constant and immediate interaction with an adult. They can read your face and learn communication skills earlier, are expressive, sensitive, empathetic, curious, engaged, sociable.
Babies who are worn experience natural human movement. Their muscular and skeletal systems are strengthened with every movement of the parent. When worn in a correct spread-squat position, their hips and spines are able to develop securely. They will walk and run and be more sure-footed than the kids who learned "movement" in a battery powered swing.
Babies who are worn sleep deeper, regulate their heart and breathing rates better, gain weight faster.
So, take a deep breath. Remind yourself that you do, in fact, know your baby best and know what's best for your baby.
Have those nagging voices read the BCIA's position paper and point out all of the doctors who agree with you! Point out all of the scientific research that supports babywearing as a NEED. If they're up for entire books, offer them Ashley Montagu's Touching, the Human Significance of the Skin and Jean Liedloff's The Continuum Concept. If they read German, give them Eveline Kirkilionis' Ein Baby will getragen sein and Bindun staerkt.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Big names closing thier doors
Both Hotslings, Inc. and Rockin' Baby Slings are closing their doors due to the current environment and issues with the CPSC recalls (not of their products) and statements.
Unfortunately, they will not be the last familiar names or industry leaders who's slings and carriers we are losing.
You can read the BCIA press release and tribute to Hotslings founder (and BCIA board member) Kristen DeRocha here.
Unfortunately, they will not be the last familiar names or industry leaders who's slings and carriers we are losing.
You can read the BCIA press release and tribute to Hotslings founder (and BCIA board member) Kristen DeRocha here.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Babywearing is in Danger!
Babywearing is in danger. Your right choose the type of baby carrier you want to use is in jeopardy.
When I saw the recall of the Infantino bag "sling" I did a silent cheer. Mamas and business women in the babywearing world had been researching and talking about the problems with these carriers for several years and it seemed that someone "up there" finally listened. Then there was the recall of the small batch of slings from a WAHM I posted about but didn't really have much info on - they looked OK from the picture and I never really found anything online that implicated the product in the death. But, the slings were still recalled.
Now we face a much bigger problem that could affect us all: The recalls threaten to keep going with all carriers that the baby can go below the "rim". That means all the carriers we know and love. All the carriers sold outside the big box stores. All the wonderful carriers and slings that give us so many sweet times with our little ones. All the great, simple pieces of cloth that hold baby close in a safe and healthy way. At least one well known, well loved and respected sling business has already been affected and more are at risk.
The Baby Carrier Industry Alliance has been formed to "advance the well-being, growth, and interests of baby carrier manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, and educators. It does so through advocacy, public relations, information sharing, industry research, and business development assistance conducted with appreciation for the needs of parents, caregivers, and children." They are currently working hard to create a voluntary standard for slings with the ASTM and stop the recalls and they need our support to make it happen.
Please visit the BCIA site and make a donation to help everyone that's working so hard to save our slings.
** If I've helped you in any way with my lending library, if you've found helpful info on The Babywearer, if you've gotten an extra snuggle or kiss because of your sling, wrap or carrier, please support the BCIA's efforts to keep babywearing safe. Any amount will help fund their very expensive efforts.
Happy Babywearing!
When I saw the recall of the Infantino bag "sling" I did a silent cheer. Mamas and business women in the babywearing world had been researching and talking about the problems with these carriers for several years and it seemed that someone "up there" finally listened. Then there was the recall of the small batch of slings from a WAHM I posted about but didn't really have much info on - they looked OK from the picture and I never really found anything online that implicated the product in the death. But, the slings were still recalled.
Now we face a much bigger problem that could affect us all: The recalls threaten to keep going with all carriers that the baby can go below the "rim". That means all the carriers we know and love. All the carriers sold outside the big box stores. All the wonderful carriers and slings that give us so many sweet times with our little ones. All the great, simple pieces of cloth that hold baby close in a safe and healthy way. At least one well known, well loved and respected sling business has already been affected and more are at risk.
The Baby Carrier Industry Alliance has been formed to "advance the well-being, growth, and interests of baby carrier manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, and educators. It does so through advocacy, public relations, information sharing, industry research, and business development assistance conducted with appreciation for the needs of parents, caregivers, and children." They are currently working hard to create a voluntary standard for slings with the ASTM and stop the recalls and they need our support to make it happen.
Please visit the BCIA site and make a donation to help everyone that's working so hard to save our slings.
** If I've helped you in any way with my lending library, if you've found helpful info on The Babywearer, if you've gotten an extra snuggle or kiss because of your sling, wrap or carrier, please support the BCIA's efforts to keep babywearing safe. Any amount will help fund their very expensive efforts.
Happy Babywearing!
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