Babywearing is a time-tested way to keep your baby close and calm, while freeing up your hands so you can go about your day. And the great news is babywearing isn’t just beneficial for you, mama! It is shown to help soothe your little one, supports breastfeeding by making it easier to quickly respond to baby’s feeding cues, and may even promote language development.
While baby carriers are invaluable tools, it’s important to ensure you’re babywearing as safely as possible. Here are eight things to keep in mind when wearing your little one in a baby carrier, sling, or wrap.
- Keep them facing you at first: Always carry your little one inward-facing until they develop good neck control—often between four and six months. Some babies really enjoy looking out at the world around them, so this is always a good time to try babywearing, even if you or your baby didn’t like it as a young infant. La Leche League International recommends wearing your baby forward-facing for 20 minutes maximum at first, then building up the amount of time spent facing outward.
- No sleeping facing outwards: If your little one is beginning to fall asleep in their carrier, it’s important to turn them inward to face you—no matter their age. Even with good neck control, a sleeping baby’s head can tip too far forward and inadvertently close off their airways.
- Ensure baby is upright: Your baby should never curl or slump down in their carrier, which can close off their airway. Your little one’s back and bottom should be supported in a carrier that is tight enough to keep them upright, never folded forward. Check the position of your baby’s chin. If it’s forced down onto their chest, their breathing has the potential to be restricted. There should always be a finger-width of space (or more) under their chin.
- Baby’s head should be near your chin: In order to keep your baby in the safest position, their head should be as close to your chin as possible while in their carrier. A good rule of thumb? If you tip your head forward, you should be able to easily kiss your baby’s head.
- Peek at baby’s face: If you look down, you should always be able to see your little one’s face to ensure they’re breathing freely. While wearing your baby in a cradle position, they should be facing upward towards you, not inward towards your chest. Similarly, your sling or carrier fabric should never fully close around your baby to ensure plenty of airflow. No fabric should be over their face or mouth.
- Don’t carry baby in unsafe situations: Cooking at a hot stove, slicing with a sharp knife, or drinking a hot beverage? These scenarios aren’t the best time to wear your little one. Even if you’re trying to be as safe as possible, babies can be unpredictable in their movements. It’s important to place baby in a safe spot when doing similar activities in order to avoid a potentially harmful accident. On the flip side, working at your computer may be a great time for babywearing. Some parents find it is easier to stand while babywearing, so you may try putting your computer at standing height on a counter or dresser. Swaying side to side may soothe baby (and you) while you work.
- Monitor baby’s temperature: Remember that being snuggled up so close to you means your baby will be nice and warm. Unless you’re outside in cold temperatures, it probably isn’t the time to add extra layers to your little one. Check baby’s head and legs often while babywearing. If they feel warm to the touch, are visibly flushed, or are sweating, they are probably too warm. If you want to walk outside in cold weather, you can try tucking a light blanket around the carrier to keep baby warm.
Lastly, be sure to follow your baby carrier’s recommendations for wearing your little one as safely as possible. Different manufacturers and styles of carriers come with different instructions, and it’s important to read them thoroughly before putting your baby into your carrier of choice. Some manufacturers even have useful “how-to” videos on their websites that are worth viewing before trying out your carrier for the first time. Babywearing can be a wonderful thing for both you and your baby, as long as it’s done safely. Enjoy it, mama!