Babywearing Safety
The most important things to remember when wearing your child are:
The most important things to remember when wearing your child are:
- When baby is properly placed in a carrier, you should be able to easily kiss her head. If you cannot kiss your child's head, then baby is sitting too low and should be repositioned or the carry should be redone.
- Baby should never be in a position where his chin is touching his chest (also known as the "C" position). Newborns especially do not have the muscle control to lift their head and open their airways and are at risk of suffocation. There should always be enough room for you to put 2-3 fingers between your baby's chin and her chest in order to ensure proper positioning.
- Never use a baby carrier in place of a carseat. Never do anything while babywearing that you would not do normally while holding your baby. This includes running, biking, skiing, climbing, etc. Use care when cooking or eating/drinking hot items.
- Be aware of things your child can touch. If you are doing a back carry, he may be able to reach things that you can't see.
- Inspect your carrier before every use to ensure it is good condition. Check the seams, buckles and fabric. Contact the maker if you have any concerns about wear.
- When using a carrier, continuously check that your baby is secure and properly positioned. This is especially important for back carries. At home, use a mirror; when out and about, store and car windows are excellent reflective surfaces in which to see your child.
- NEVER use a stretchy wrap (moby, sleepywrap, etc.) for back carries. No matter what the instructions say. The fabric has too much give and your child could lean out and fall.
