I don't think it's bad either way, latex or not. I just might be a little cautious if the latex is fresh from the factory or has been sealed up in a bag. Rubber and plastics can have things in them that need time to "gas off" after manufacture.

As for how you hold it up..... I've never done anything with it other than see my wife use it in hanging baskets, so what you've said sounds good to me.