naturessway's posterous

Natures Sway extends our heartfelt condolences to the parents and family of the two-day old baby boy who recently passed away, while being worn in a sling. As incorrect use of the sling was a possible contributing factor to his death, the event highlights the need for better training and instructions regarding baby sling use; public education is paramount to safety.

Kate Hornblow, founder and managing director of Natures Sway, designed the sling for her second child. She knows first-hand how to best position baby in a sling, and has been communicating this knowledge to her customers for the past 16 years. From the beginning it was clear to her that having baby in a diagonal position was best, with their head up to or just over the outside rail of the sling. When placed correctly in this position baby’s back has the gentlest of curves, and baby is only using the front quarter of the sling pouch – the rest is twisted away in such a fashion that they cannot slip down in to the middle of the sling. Their face is clearly visible in an open triangle of fabric, meaning they are easy to monitor and kissable. The ability to place baby on the diagonal in a sling is a key sign of whether a sling is safe to use. For example, the infamous Bag Sling does not allow this position, instead forcing baby to lie parallel to the side rails which often cover their face. Baby slings are completely unlike hammocks; baby should not lie along the middle seam, else they become too bent up and are unable to breathe. Our slings have a line of stitching specifically to help position baby’s spine and achieve the ideal diagonal position.

Natures Sway is always looking to raise awareness regarding sling safety and how to correctly use our sling. Accordingly we are developing fabric instruction labels which will be sewn in to our slings – lasting the lifetime of the product and ensuring instructions are always on hand when you need them. We have recently re-designed our organic sling, adding a double-adjuster at the back which allows each rail to be adjusted separately. Practically speaking this allows you to loosen off the top rail so baby’s head can be further off their chest when in the diagonal position. Once baby is old enough to use the hip seat position this rail can be tightened, bringing their centre of gravity closer to you and providing greater back support.

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has begun the discussion regarding sling safety. This public attention to carriers and their correct, safe use is timely considering society’s embracing of the babywearing concept. Babywearing is increasingly being recognised as good for both baby and caregiver – physiologically, emotionally and socially. We saw far fewer pushchairs and far more baby carriers at the Parent and Child Show in Auckland this year.

There are thousands of slings available around the world, and not all are of the same quality or safety calibre. Safety advocates and baby carrier providers alike are anxious that people use baby slings correctly, as it is incorrect use which makes baby slings dangerous. Carrying your baby is an age-old tradition, and one that should be preserved. Spreading the safety message and helping your fellow babywearers is the key to ensuring preventable deaths are avoided. You can always contact the manufacturer for assistance or for information about upgrading your sling. Together we can ensure our future generations are safe and well-positioned to grow in to great members of a caring society.

Instructions on our website www.naturessway.co.nz

We've just received this lovely Sling experience. This kind of email makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

I bought one of your slings when I had my first child
over 3 years ago, he was a reflux / high maintenance little lad and I
took him everywhere in the sling from near birth till he was physically
too heavy for me to carry around in it anymore, it was a complete life
saver. Then when son number 2 came along it has had plenty of use once
more, far easier to chase the older one around knowing I have a secure
grip of the other tucked into the sling. Perfect for the shops where I
always have a hand free to hold the other’s hand. It’s also been great
when we go walking off the beaten track, to the beach etc, places the
pram can’t go. It’s also nice to have them tucked up close in a crowd
where you know they can’t get lost.

I have found it so easy to use, right from baby stage and up, and I put
it down to the person at the parent and child show (which is where I
bought the sling) using a doll to demonstrate the correct way to use it,
and giving me tips on how to put it on. I only wish my sling had those
new buckles that are on the new version, they look lots easier to adjust
and we have to adjust ours a lot when my husband uses it to carry bubs.
Despite the recent media I will definitely not be hanging up my sling
any time soon, and if/when baby number 3 comes along it will be one of
the first items we add to baby’s room ready for action!

Keep up the great products!

Regards

Rachael

We're off to the Women's LIfestyle Expo in Christchurch!

http://www.expos.co.nz/index_lifestyle.html

http://www.facebook.com/WomensLifestyleExpo

We're starting a giveaway campaign that will run for the next nine months - each month we'll give something away, and in May of next year we'll give away a hammock and stand package.

Check out our facebook page!

We're off to another Show this weekend in Wellington, the All About Kids Expo. We'd love if you were able to join us!

More information at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/All-About-Kids-Expo-28-August-2011/203472219696767

Super excited to be having a stall at another one of Mary's fantastic Markets!

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=223457761019658 for more information.

This Market is being sponsored by Vital Chiropractic, and our stall will be in the foyer right next to theirs.

Look forward to seeing you there!

We've just uploaded two tables designed to make choosing your baby carrier easier. Check it out at http://www.naturessway.co.nz/product+support++faqs.html

Is this helpful? Anything missing?

There has been talk recently in the New Zealand media about post-natal depression or post-natal anxiety, notably on the Good Morning show. This interview can be found by following this link http://tvnz.co.nz/good-morning/s2011-e070611-post-video-4210545

TheBabyWearer.com suggests that wearing your baby can help during this difficult time:

"Good for babies whose mums are depressed. Babies who are not held need more verbal interaction and eye contact, just to be reassured that you're there. Carrying your baby is a great way to connect with her (and provide stimulation too) without the "burden" of having to interact (10). Of course your baby is "right there" to enjoy whenever you feel like snuggling, kissing or talking." (http://www.thebabywearer.com/index.php?page=bwgreatthings)

The site www.depression.org.nz is part of a government-run initiative to "reduce the impact of depression on the lives of New Zealanders". It is immensely helpful, and features interviews with people who have suffered depression. You can see Leilani talk about her battle with post-natal distress at http://www.depression.org.nz/content/depression/otherstories/Leilani