Babywearing Safety

Babywearing keeps your baby visible and kissable!

 

Is babywearing safe?

When done properly, carrying your baby in a well-made carrier can actually be safer than carrying her in your arms. Remember, carriers do not have muscles that get tired or arms that react upon instinct and reflex for balance or in dangerous situations. But, as with anything concerning babies, good safety practices are of paramount importance.

While Babycurean can provide you with many safety tips, it is important to remember that there is no absolute set of guidelines; nobody can anticipate every possible circumstance a babywearing parent will be in. You are responsible for your child’s safety as well as your own.

Whichever carrier you choose, learn to use it properly, and always keep safety in mind.  And remember, safety always comes before fashion.

Guidelines-at-a-glance

The practice of babywearing keeps babies in the safest place possible -- a parent's arms, with baby's face visible to the carrying adult.  Babies are vulnerable in their first four months of life.  They require constant supervision, which is why babywearing is critical to the well-being of infants.

 

Baby carriers are meant to mimic in-arms carrying positions.  Your baby should be in the same position in which you would hold him in your arms.  Check your baby's position by embracing him after settling him into the carrier; his position should not shift significantly in your embrace.                 

When using any baby carrier, please keep the following safety tips in mind:   

  • Read and follow all manufacturer's instructions for use, and watch any included DVDs, if applicable.
  • Ensure you can see baby's face at all times.  Do not let baby's face press into your body.  Do not cover baby's face with a blanket, sling fabric, nursing covers, etc.  

  • Visible is kissable.  You should always be able to kiss your baby's head while she is being carried.

  • Bottom-to-belly-button rule.  Your baby's bottom should never fall below your belly button when he's in the carrier. 

  • Looking over the shoulder.  When carried chest-to-chest, your baby's head needs to be turned to one side.  Never let your baby bury her nose in your shirt or the carrier.

  • Baby's head and neck must be gently and completely supported, with chin off chest.  If baby's chin is pressed tightly to baby's chest, this can restrict baby's airway.  Check to ensure you can slip your finger between baby's chin and chest to check for correct positioning.

  • Consult an expert if your infant was born with a low birth weight, such as a preemie or twins, or if your infant has respiratory illness or other respiratory problems.  Extra vigilance is required with these babies.

  • After nursing in a carrier, remove baby from breast and return baby to proper carrying position with head above the breasts and face free of fabric and turned away from the mother's body.

  • Attend to and check on baby often, especially those under 4 months of age. 

The Unbreakable Rules in More Detail...   

Make sure your baby can breathe! 

  • Baby carriers grant parents free hands.  These free hands do not mean your carrier is a babysitter.  Be an active caregiver for your child.  No baby carrier can ensure that your baby always has an open airway; that’s your job.
      • Never allow a baby to be carried, held, or placed in a manner that forces his chin to touch his chest. This general rule applies to all babies, wherever they might be – in car seats, in arms, in carriers, in strollers, or anywhere. This “c-position” can restrict the baby’s ability to breathe.
        • A newborn’s airway is as big as her pinky finger – it is very small and it is also collapsible. While still being able to breathe, adults can look downward so that the chin and chest touch. Newborns and young babies, however, lack the muscle control to open their airways and can actually suffocate when chin and chest touch. Babies always need good back support so that they don’t slump into the chin-to-chest position.
          • Some babies like to nuzzle. Never allow your baby’s head and face to be covered with fabric or allow him to  squish their face in your clothing. A covered head and face can cause him to “re-breathe” the same air, a very dangerous situation. You should always an unobstructed view of the baby’s nose and mouth to ensure that she has plenty of airflow. Check on him frequently.
          • Never jog, run, jump on a trampoline, go mountain biking, or engage in any activity that shakes your baby frequently.

          Never use a baby carrier when riding in a car or other motorized vehicle! 

          • If you’re in a car, your baby is in a car seat. No exceptions. 

          Always follow guidelines for age and weight!

          • Consult with your child's pediatrician before you wear a preterm, medically fragile, baby with low tone, or infant weighing less than 7 pounds. 
          • Every manufacturer has guidelines for the age and weight that are specific to their products.  

          To identify a carrier family, the following general guidelines apply: 

          • Wraps are generally used from 7 lbs. to approximately 35 lbs. with some exceptions on the top end weight. Handwovens can typically handle a heavier child.
          • Slings are generally used from 8 lbs. to approximately 35 lbs. 
          • Mei tai are generally used from 8 lbs. to 35 lbs.  
          • Soft structured carriers are generally used from 15 lbs. to 35 lbs. There is one SSC company, Beco Baby, which makes soft structured carriers that can accommodate babies from 7 lbs. to 45 lbs.
          • Each type of carrier - wrap, ring sling, mei tai, and soft structured - has unique safety guidelines that apply to the particular style you have chosen.  You should visit the manufacturer's website or consult the brochure accompanying your new carrier for particulars. 

          Remember the above are general guidelines only and are merely intended to help you identify a carrier family.  These guidelines do not replace the exact specifications provided by each manufacturer.

          Everyday safety pointers

          • Frequently inspect your carrier to make sure it is still structurally sound. Do not use your carrier if you see ripping fabric, torn or pulled seams, or broken buckles and fasteners.
          • While you're out and about, look in mirrors or glass to be sure your baby is secure and in the proper carry position.
          • If a certain activity is inadvisable during pregnancy, it is also inadvisable while wearing your baby. Remember that a baby in utero has the added protection of being in your belly, a carried baby does not.
          • If an activity requires protective gear, do not do it while wearing your baby. This rule includes among other things, cooking, lawn mowing, boating, water or snow skiing, and bicycle riding.
          • Be seasonally appropriate, do not over or under dress your child, and always use sun protection.
          • Be keen to your baby’s curiosity and her desire to grab things – especially when she’s on your back.


          Special thanks to the Baby Carrier Industry Alliance &
          Babywearing International for providing the above
          safety information.  Visit their sites for more info:
          www.babycarrierindustryalliance.org
          www.babywearinginternational.org