Is baby wearing safe?Updated 5 months ago

Baby-carrying done properly is very safe!  Always follow the carrier instructions exactly and/or learn how to safely use your carrier from a qualified baby-carrying consultant who has had expert training in babywearing safety.

In particular pay special attention to ensuring baby's airways are always totally clear and that your baby is fully and safely supported by the carrier.

All carriers are designed to be used with baby in an upright position, held securely and firmly in the upright position. Never use the cradle or lying down position with a baby carrier, as this can compromise your baby's airways.

Special care must be used when bending. Hold your baby with one or both arms if you are bending and avoid bending from the waist. Carriers are not designed for hands-free use when bending.

Carriers are not designed to be used in situations or activities where it wouldn't be safe to carry a baby in your arms. For example: running, jumping or biking.

Essential Safety Checks

While there are numerous different ways of describing how to carry safely, all the different points come down to 2 ESSENTIAL factors:

1. Airways

2. Hands-free

Airways

Can you see, feel or hear your baby is breathing?

Ensure fabric isn't over your baby's face.

Keep your baby's face above and clear of any squishable chest material - i.e. above your breasts!

With a newborn, this often means wearing a buckle carrier higher on your waist and creating a deeper seat to ensure the back panel is not over baby's face or head.

Hands free

Do you feel confident you can be totally hands free while standing upright?

When bending forward support your baby with at least one hand.

Baby's comfort

• Newborn hands are up by face

• Fabric is smooth on baby's back

• Knee to knee support

• Pelvis tilt - Knees higher than bottom

• Natural shape of spine is supported

Please see the TICKS guidelines below for a checklist to use when babycarrying to ensure a comfortable and safe experience for both you and baby. 

https://www.thesleepstore.co.nz/content/babywearing-safety-ticks