UK Sling Companies Put Baby Safety First
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has raised concerns about “bag-style” baby carriers. At least 14 deaths have occurred, all linked to the “bag-style” sling. UK Sling retailers and manufacturers are taking steps to ensure that parents have the information they need to continue to use safe designs of baby carriers and position their babies in the safest way possible.
One design of sling now seems to have potential risks. In “bag-style” slings, the deep pouch where baby sits puts the baby in a potentially suffocating curved position. Excess fabric with an elasticized edge may cover baby’s face and inhibit breathing. The design may cause the baby’s face to turn in toward the carer’s body, potentially smothering the baby. It also obstructs the baby from the parent’s view, due to the high and gathered side panels.
The majority of baby carriers and slings are still safe to use, if they hold baby in proper alignment and fit snugly by design and instruction. These safe designs of sling include shallow pouch-style slings, ring slings, mei tais and wrap slings.
Advice for Parents
If you carry your baby in a bag-style sling, Rebecca Ward, of the Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers advises you to contact your local babywearing group through Sling Meet, www.slingmeet.co.uk, for advice on alternative slings. She says, “While we are unaware of any fatalities in the UK in these bag style slings at the present time, we would caution against using them in light of the recommendations by the US Safety Commission”. If you have another sort of baby carrier, Rebecca advises, “No safety problems have been brought to our attention with any other baby carriers. Make sure you read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.” When using a baby sling, the advice provided by the Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers is to follow these basic principles:
Keep your baby close and keep your baby safe. When you’re wearing a sling or carrier, don’t forget the T.I.C.K.S.

Tight
In view at all times
Close enough to kiss
Keep chin off the chest
Supported back

~~Ends~~

If you have purchased an Infantino sling in the UK we suggest you contact your retailer for advise or visit www.babyslingsafe.com/

MACLAREN STATEMENT

Following a great deal of debate and comment in the UK over recent days concerning Maclaren buggies, with particular regard to the exposed side hinges which facilitate the opening and folding the buggy, Maclaren Europe Limited wishes to clarify its position.
Most importantly we wish to reiterate that the safety of our consumers – parents and children – is our primary objective. We would never compromise this and we take all consumer feedback very seriously, both in the design of our products and in supplying clear and unequivocal user instructions.

To this end all of our products are extensively tested prior to launch, including user testing. They also comply with the highest quality and regulatory standards.

We are therefore confident that used according to instructions, as with any mechanical products, all of our buggies are safe, and Mums should continue to use them with confidence.

Dylan Johnson, General Manager of Maclaren UK said ‘Most of the people at Maclaren are parents themselves and understand that our children come first. That’s why we ensure that our products meet and often exceed the EU and US product safety and quality standards.

‘In the last few days, we have heard from hundreds of customers at our call centre and we have been able to reassure them about the quality and safety of our products. Most parents understand that they have to be vigilant when operating mechanical products around children, similar to the care they show when securing children in cars or protecting them around the home. We stress that our buggies are completely safe and fully compliant but if parents remain concerned or worried, we urge them to talk to us.
‘I appreciate completely the concerns this issue has raised with the UK public and our objective is and has always been to reassure parents.’ Maclaren customers who would like further reassurance can;

- Get advice on operating their buggies by contacting our customer services team on 01327 841320

- Obtain hinge covers , which can be used to cover the folding mechanism, free of charge through Customer Services by emailing us at advice@maclaren.co.uk or by calling us

- Download user instructions for all models online from wwww.maclarenbaby.com

- Follow the user instructions and warning labels on their buggies

Peppermint

Dramatical Theatre School

At Dramatical, we are dedicated to teaching drama to your child in exciting ways that help their physical and mental development, as well as their confidence.

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When and Where:
Saturday mornings

10am – 11am: Ages 5 – 6 (Years 1 and 2)

11am – 12noon: Ages 7 – 8 (years 3 and 4)

St Paul’s Church hall/community centre
Rectory Grove,
Clapham,
SW4 0DX

Fees and payment options:
1.      Pay termly: £130 (including £35 discount)
2.      Pay per half-term: £70 (including £25 discount)
3.      Pay as you go: £15 a session.

Book now to reserve your place!

Contact:
liz@dramatical.net
07782203178
www.dramatical.net