Safety tips for babywearing

What is babywearing?

Babywearing just means carrying your baby in a infant carrier, baby wrap, ring sling, or baby sling, allowing you to keep your hands free for other activities. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends babywearing to prevent crying and foster parent-infant attachment. Babywearing is also linked to improved breastfeeding success and parent-child bonding, and increased attentiveness by fathers. Many parents use babywearing to accomplish household tasks like light housework, cooking, organizing, or to take their baby on a leisurely walk outside.

There are many types of baby carriers. Some are designed specifically for outdoor use or hiking, while others are designed for comfort. Before purchasing a baby carrier, check the height and weight specifications and the manufacturer's guidelines on carrying positions like back-carry, front-carry, or hip-carry.

Safety tips for babywearing

Babywearing is a safe way to carry your baby, but there are still important safety considerations:

• If you're cooking while babywearing, keep your baby and the baby carrier away from flames or hot stovetops. Your baby's arms and legs stick out of the sides of the baby carrier and could accidentally touch hot surfaces and cause burns.
• When carrying an older baby, keep dangerous items out of reach. If you plan to carry your baby on your back, where you cannot see them, remove hazardous items in the kitchen and around the house.
• Depending on the baby carrier, some have weight limits set at a minimum of 7 or 8 lbs. If your baby weighs less, wait to use it until they meet the qualifications.
• If your baby was born prematurely, check with your pediatrician to ensure it is safe to use a carrier.
• Choose a baby carrier that keeps your baby in an ergonomically safe position that does not hinder hip development. Your baby’s body should be in an "M" position, with your baby's thighs spread around the carrying parent's torso, with hips bent so the knees are slightly higher than your baby’s bottom. The “M'' position reduces the risk of hip dysplasia.
• Do not allow your baby to curl up in a C-shape with space between their belly and chest and the adult's body. This position does not support your baby's back and can cause breathing difficulties. It is most likely to happen while using a sling carrier.
• Ensure your baby's mouth and nose are not blocked by fabric or your body and that their airflow is not restricted.
• Your baby should always be upright in a baby carrier, with their head above the fabric, their face visible, and their nose and mouth clear of anything that could block airflow and cause suffocation.
• Fabrics and materials should be sturdy and free of loose parts, broken pieces, loose stitching, and tears. Do not use a baby carrier with broken, torn, or missing pieces.
• Check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for baby carrier recalls and safety notices.

FAQS: Babywearing and infants

Do I need a baby carrier?

Baby carriers are not necessary and not all babies like them. Some parents also find them uncomfortable to use.

How long can a baby be in a baby carrier?

There is no time limit for babywearing as long as you and your baby are comfortable. Pay close attention to your baby's cues of discomfort and remove them from the carrier as needed.

When should you stop babywearing?

Each specific baby carrier  has a suggested age and height limit in the instruction manual. Be sure to follow this safety guideline.

Can you breastfeed your baby in a baby carrier?

Yes, once you and your baby are comfortable with the baby carrier, it can be a discreet and cozy way to feed them.