babywearing
safety

When done right, babywearing is an incredibly safe, cosy, and supportive way to get out and about with your little one.

Just like car seats, highchairs, or prams; any baby gear has minor risks if used incorrectly, but a few simple rules reduce those worries to almost nothing. A good carrier is designed to support your baby’s growing body and work with your natural balance.

Don't worry about old myths, carrying won't hurt your back or stop your baby from learning to walk! In fact, it gives your baby a gentle core workout and counts as valuable tummy time. And if you ever did happen to trip, babywearing leaves your arms completely free to brace yourself and instinctively shield your baby from harm.

To keep your baby perfectly safe and comfortable, you only need to remember three golden rules: protect their airway, support their spine, and support their hips. Your baby must always be carried in a high, tight, and upright position so they cannot slump down, because slumping makes it harder for them to breathe. Their legs should form a wide, deep "M" shape (like a little frog) to protect their developing hips.

Slings are wonderful for daily life, but special activities like breastfeeding need extra care. Feeding in a carrier is never hands-free or brain-free. You must stop walking, loosen the sling to drop your baby to breast height, and watch them closely until they are done. By keeping easy memory tricks like TICKS or ABC in mind, you can carry your baby with absolute peace of mind.

Carrying your baby facing inwards is always the most comfortable and supportive option for you both. If your baby is getting nosy but you’re not ready for back carrying, a hip carry is a great alternative. You can try world facing for short periods once your baby is at least 4 months old with strong head control, but never let them sleep facing outwards as it leaves their airway unsupported, always turn them back towards you for a nap.

Debunking Common Babywearing Myths

  • Myth: "You will spoil them."

    The Reality: Keeping babies close builds a wonderful foundation of trust. Meeting their needs now gives them the confidence to explore on their own two feet when they are ready.

  • Myth: "It will ruin your back."

    The Reality: A properly adjusted carrier holds your baby snug against your chest. This keeps their weight close to your centre of gravity, taking all the strain off your spine and shoulders.

  • Myth: "They will never learn to walk."

    The Reality: Being held upright helps your baby practice head control and strengthens their core. It also counts as tummy time, helping their spine shape up perfectly for walking later on.

  • Myth: "It’s too hard in bad weather."

    The Reality: While a long wrap can be tricky in the pouring rain, there are plenty of quick-clip buckle carriers and waterproof weather covers that make rainy walks a breeze.

  • Myth: "Babywearing is dangerous."

    The Reality: Following a basic safety checklist makes any risks negligible. It is a wonderfully safe way to travel together.

The three core Anatomy Guidelines

Whenever you put your baby in a carrier, do a quick check of these three areas to minimise any risks:

  • Hips Supported (The 'M' Position): The fabric must support your baby from knee to knee. Their legs and bottom should form an 'M' shape, meaning their knees are higher than their bottom, and their lower legs can swing freely.

  • Spine Supported: The carrier must be adjusted firmly so your baby is held tight and upright. They should not be able to slump or curl up inside, protecting their natural alignment.

  • Airway Protected: Your baby’s chin must be up and off their chest at all times. Their nose and mouth must be completely clear of fabric and your body so they can breathe easily.

Handy Checklists to Keep Baby Safe

  1. High, Tight, and In Sight:

    The three easiest rules to remember every time you lift them in.

  2. The ABC Rule:

    Airway (Clear nose and mouth, chin off their chest)

    Body positioning (A snug, supported spine and an 'M' leg position)

    Comfort & Circulation (Comfortable for both of you, with loose, free blood flow to their limbs)

  3. The TICKS. Guidelines:

    • Tight (The carrier should feel snug and secure, like a warm hug)

    • In view at all times (You should be able to see your baby's face simply by looking down in a front carry)

    • Chin off chest (Make sure there is a gap of at least two fingers under their chin so their airway stays open)

    • Close enough to kiss (Your baby should sit high enough on your chest that you can easily kiss the top of their head)

    • Supported back (The fabric must hold them securely so their back is safely aligned and they cannot slump down)