April 2nd, 2010 by admin

As the founder of New York City’s (and the country’s) first breastfeeding/babywearing boutique, I want to reassure parents that we still stand by our original mission. We are committed to helping new parents with breastfeeding, babywearing, and providing support for new mothers in all ways.

In light of the recent recall of one poorly designed sling, we feel it’s important to point out that BOING BOING has never carried “bag” slings, because we know what works and what doesn’t. When worn properly, babywearing is 100% safe and actually beneficial. Studies have shown that babywearing have been shown to save lives; especially those of preemies. We are appalled at the government’s decision to warn against carrying your newborn. Women have been wearing their babies from the beginning of time, and with our continued support will continue to do so.

New parents need reassurance that they’re making the right choices, from breastfeeding to babywearing. One glitch in the system would not undo all of the good work that UNICEF and WHO have done to promote breastfeeding. Let’s not let one bad apple spoil the whole bunch when it comes to baby wearing either. Tighter regulations would be welcomed by parents, educational shops like ours, and manufacturers. An informed customer is a happier one, and that’s what we’re about. Making life easier for new parents has been our mission since we opened in Park Slope in 1996.

I have had the good fortune to help new mothers and their babies with both breastfeeding and babywearing for the last 15 years. We hope this fearmongering clears up quickly so we can go back to the basics of parenting; that’s what they need us for, and that’s what we will continue to do.

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON.

Karen Paperno, CLC
Founder
BOING BOING