Babywearing is a beautiful way to bond with your child– having a baby visible and kissable is natural and beneficial to both baby and caregiver.
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.
Babywearing is 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.
- Ensure you can see baby’s face at all times. Do not let his/her face press into your body. Do not cover baby’s face with a blanket, sling fabric, nursing covers, etc.
- Baby’s head and neck must be gently and completely supported, with chin off chest. If baby’s chin is pressed tightly to his/her chest, this can restrict their 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.
Other points to remember:
- Test out your wrap before each use. Be sure there are no tears, holes or worn out points in the fabric.
Check your baby’s position periodically and reposition if necessary. Chin to chest positioning can lead to positional asphyxiation. - Remember that your center of gravity and profile are different when wearing your baby. Be mindful of your baby’s head and body when going through doorways, and be cautious with your balance on slippery or uneven surfaces.
- While being worn, your baby will get extra heat from your body. Be careful not to overdress him/her in the summer or the winter.
Do not wear your baby while in a motor vehicle, while riding a bicycle or an ATV.
Do not carry your baby if you feel uncomfortable doing so for any reason. Your child’s safety is your responsibility, and is the most important thing to consider. Tekhni is not liable for any accidents that take place as the result of misuse of our products. Please always use common sense when wrapping with your baby.
Please visit the following links for more information on babywearing and babywearing safety:
Baby Carrier Industry Alliance
The BabyWearer