Babywearing Safety
It is very important to practice and use your baby carriers safely, as a child’s life is important beyond measure and should be safeguarded at all costs.
Practice safe babywearing:
Start low, either on the floor or over a soft surface, like a couch or a bed, especially when learning back carries. This will allow you to practice while sitting or crouching, so that you to gain the confidence to master the technique without worrying about your baby’s safety.
Practice with a teddy bear, doll or pillow. Whether you’re just getting started babywearing or trying to learn a more complicated tying technique, practicing with a doll will help you learn where your hands and arms should go and how they should move when getting the baby on your back.
Do it with friends! Have your friend, husband or family member in the room to help guide you while you learn to wear your baby. They can spot where you might be going wrong and help support the child while you figure things out.
All alone? Using a mirror will definitely help you see what is happening with your baby and help you correct your tying techniques!
Lastly, whenever possible, practice new tying techniques when your baby or toddler is in a receptive mood. It is tricky enough to learn some of the tying techniques, especially back and hip carries, that trying to do so when a child is crying or fighting you will make it much more difficult.
Make sure the carrier is safe for use:
Is your carrier the right size / model for the age of your child? Each carrier is recommended for a specific weight and age range. Carriers will only be safe for use if you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Please use the appropriate carrier given your child’s age.
Carriers can last several years and be used for more than one child. However, frequently used baby items should always be checked regularly for signs of wear and deterioration. Make sure you regularly go through this list:
- Check the stitching: Make sure it is not unraveled or broken.
- Tug on all the stress points, like where the straps meet the carrier’s body, the buckles and so on. If you can hear the stitches pop, then the carrier SHOULD be retired as it is no longer safe for use.
- Check the fabric itself. Whenever you use a wrap or ring sling, weak points will emerge over time and are visibly thinner than the rest of the carrier.
- Some carriers incorporate elastic bands as part of their safety features. Check to see whether they are loose or whether the elastic has deteriorated.
Wearing the baby safely:
A baby’s position in a carrier is extremely important:
- KEEP an infant’s head well supported at all times, using the various features of your particular carrier.
- BE SURE the baby’s airway is not being compressed. Sleeping chin to the chest is extremely dangerous as it compresses the larynx and throat, cutting off the baby’s air supply. Make sure the baby is properly supported and check them frequently.
- USE the position that is appropriate for the age of your child.
- ENSURE the child’s back is well-rounded, the bum is well supported and the knees are higher that its bum.
Having your hands free makes it awfully tempting to wear your baby, no matter the activity. Here are some common sense guidelines.
Situations YOU SHOULD NOT wear your baby:
- In a car. A baby carrier is no replacement for a proper car seat.
- On a boat. Recreational boating is a lot of fun, but wearing your baby while boating not only keeps you from wearing a life vest, but your baby as well.
- NEVER wear a baby when you are engaged in activities where you, the wearer, are likely to fall. If you can be severely injured, just think of what would happen to your child. Horseback and bike riding, climbing, skiing or skating while babywearing are NOT recommended.
- If you need safety gear, DON’T wear your child. Whether you are painting, renovating, cooking or mowing the lawn, please put your baby down.
Getting around safely while wearing your baby:
Frequently, we forget we have a baby strapped to our bodies, particularly when they are on our back! Please keep these in mind when wearing your baby:
- Protect your baby from the elements. Sun, wind, cold and rain can all harm your child. Make sure they are adequately dressed or use the appropriate gear (such as sun hats, babywearing vests or coats) to keep them safe!
- Be careful when you move through doorways, around furniture, or tall objects. Little legs, feet and heads often become casualties.
- It is tempting to provide several toys for the baby to play with when they are being worn, but make sure they will not become choking hazards.
- Be aware of what your child can reach in a carrier. Children have an amazing reach and being aware of what is in their environment (and out of their reach) is important.
- Make sure any items used to secure long hair DO NOT contain small parts that can be easily broken or pulled off. These small pieces pose choking hazards.