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Let me start off my saying that I have been reading your magazine for years and I am currently reading the May 2012 issue and I have some comments regarding this article you printed (May 2012, page 112 Carry me away).

Firstly, the article mentions 3 types of carriers, Slings/Front Carriers/Backpacks. What about wraps? Using a wrap allows you to carry your child from infancy to toddler, and allows you to choose which position you carry your baby – front, side or back. The wrap also allows you to have one carrier for the whole family, regardless what size you are (as some of the carriers do not allow heavier set parents to carry their kids comfortably). Along with the wrap come instructions on carrying your baby and they mention that you should not carry your baby front facing…which brings me to the next point.

The front carrier picture you posted has the baby facing forwards, but that is not the safest position to carry your baby in (especially with the little support that particular carrier provides for the pelvis). I do understand the instructions on the carriers’ state that your baby can be carried facing in or out, but many studies suggest you can be doing harm to your baby. Your comment stated that the baby’s legs should not be spread too far apart, yet the natural way of a child to hold their legs are to wrap around your body and the support should be from knee to knee (which many new carriers have-like the bellebaby and snugli you showed on the side).

Like I mentioned above I have been reading your magazine for years and I enjoy all the info you provide for parents and I had to say something this time…I personally own a front carrier and a wrap. I have owed them since my first daughter was born 4 years ago and have used the carrier to carry both my daughters when they were young(facing towards me) and the wrap me and my husband have used with both of our daughters even with the older one-aged 4. Your article did mention the great advantages of baby wearing which I have experienced firsthand!  Please see the attached info about some of the safety issues of babywearing.

http://babesinarms.wordpress.com/2011/02/06/why-wearing-your-baby-forward-facing-out-is-not-the-grea...

http://www.hipdysplasia.org/Developmental-Dysplasia-Of-The-Hip/Prevention/Baby-Carriers-Seats-and-Ot...