Baby carriers: Backpacks, front packs, and slings
Many parents love the option of using back or front carriers to “wear their baby”. This guideline will help you choose and use a baby carrier that is safe and comfortable for your baby and your safety.
Babies born prematurely or who have respiratory problems should not use backpacks or other upright positioning devices. They may find it difficult to breathe.
Your baby may experience breathing difficulties if their sling carrier is too curled. You should ensure that your baby is not bent in a sling.
You should check your baby’s mouth and nose frequently, regardless of the type of carrier. The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns infants that infants who are less than 4 months old may be suffocated in infant sling carriers. Infant slings can be used to carry infants. It is essential that the infant’s head is above the fabric and that the baby’s nose and mouth are free from obstructions.
You should bring your baby with to match the size of the carrier. The carrier should support their back, and the leg holes should be small enough to prevent them from slipping through. Choose sturdy material.
You should make sure that the backpack’s aluminum frame is padded so that your baby won’t be injured if they bump into it. Sunshade can also be a good option to protect your baby’s skin from the sun.
You should check the pack regularly for tears or rips in the seams or fasteners.
If you are using a baby carriage, make sure that you bend at the knees and not your waist if you need help picking up things. If you do not, your baby could tip out of the carriage, which can cause injury to your back.
Babies aged five months and older may become restless in a carrier. Some children will place their feet against the frame, or against your body, which can alter their weight distribution. Before you start walking, make sure your child is sitting straight.
Visible & Kissable: 5 Safe Baby wearing Tips
All my children were great snugglers. They loved to be held. Carrying was one of their favorite ways to do that. It allowed me to still keep an eye on them and allow me to complete tasks if necessary. One of my twins loved being carried. She wasn’t as agile as her sister but she loved being carried and being able to cuddle up with her sister or watch the world around her.
When we were getting ready, I can recall carrying her all day while the packers got our house ready. She loved the carrier and spent a lot time in bouncers and activity seats with her sister.
Babywearing offers many benefits, including the chance to bond with your children as well as having them close.
So how can you ensure that baby is safe while you’re wearing her? To ensure your baby’s safety, these are five safe babywearing safety tips.
Always make sure your baby is visible and easily kissable
Your baby should not be in a carrier, sling or other type of carrier that is too high for them to reach their faces. This will enable you to make sure that your baby’s face is free of fabric and has an open airway.
Pick the right carrier
No matter what carrier you choose, it is important that the carrier fits according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will ensure safety for your baby and provide proper support.
You can use our sizing calculator to determine the size of the Baby K’tan Baby Carrier that is right for you. The carrier should fit snugly to ensure that your child is secure and provide adequate back support.
Keep it hip!
Baby should be worn in a natural M or squat position to support healthy hip development.
Did you know the International Hip Dysplasia Institute approved the Baby K’tan Baby Carrier to be Hip-Healthy?
Pray
You can also use a sack of potatoes or a weighted doll to carry your baby in the carrier. Everyday movements such as reaching for the baby, passing through doors and bending at the knees are all possible. You can practice by looking at the mirror to see how your carrier adjusts and how baby is positioned. Start your Babywearing journey slowly with older babies. Then, you can plan for longer sessions.
T.I.C.K.S.
It will be easier to keep baby safe when you are babywearing. This acronym can be used to quickly check that baby is safe and comfortable.
Carry tight with no loose fabric
At all times, keep this in mind
It’s close enough to kiss
Keep your chin up
Supported back
Looking for Babywearing advice? Take a look at the following resources from the Baby K’tan web site:
Carrier Security Check – Have a look to our visual guide for safe babywearing, as well as the list of additional safe Babywearing tips we offer.