Safety in Babywearing

First simple basic rules of babywearing is T.I.C.K.S.

T	Tight The carrier must be tight enough to hug the baby close to the wearer. It will provide the most comfortable position for both parties. Any loose carrier could lead towards a hazard to the baby when they sank inside the carrier or the pressure of weight being put incorrectly to the wearer. By wearing them tight, it could help in holding the baby in the best position and not risking the baby’s spine development.
I	In View At All Time The baby must be visible to the wearer at all time while being carry. It is essential to be able to see (even just by a simple glancing) the baby’s reaction or any changes while they are in the carrier. A simple glance to make sure the baby is breathing well and in their optimal position or not having any struggle to stay put in the carrier.
C	Close Enough To Kiss Your baby’s head is always as close enough for you to kiss on the forehead. Therefore, you will always aware and alert of the baby restless or being discomfort in the carrier. Having a baby sank in carrier will not only make the baby comfortless but the weight will strained the muscles of the wearer.
K	Keep Chin Off The Chest It is strictly prohibited to let your baby in the carrier to be curled as this could lead the chin forced to the chest and resulting in difficulties in breathing. Just like any adult whom slept with the chin forcing toward chest which could lead to snoring.
S	Supported Back Whenever carrying and wearing your baby in the carrier; be it in front, at the back or at the hips, the baby’s back must be well-supported naturally. This is due the spine of a baby is still developing thus ensuring the c-position of baby in the carrier will provides the best in baby needs.

By wearing your baby, you’ll have the benefits of both hands are free for you to juggle with chores or other activity including shopping, attending guests at the party or your other child or walking hand-in-hand with your husband. Although you could be multitasking while having your baby securely with you, there are few other guidelines on safety while wearing your baby.

A Few Absolute Rules

1.               Make sure baby can breathe. It is true to have your both hands-free to do other things when you wear your baby in a carrier but remain active in caring a child. One thing for sure, there’s no any baby carrier can ensure that your baby always has an open airway; that’s your absolute job.

                

Figure 1 : Credits to Babywearing Mamas group member

2.        Choose and use carriers that appropriate with your baby’s age as well as weight. Soft structured-carrier can be useful for older babies and toddlers but aren’t suitable for babies who haven’t yet to sit unassisted for extended periods. Front packs usually have a weight range of 8-20 lbs; smaller babies may slip out and larger babies will almost certainly cause back discomfort for the person using the carrier. Choosing a baby carrier is similar to using your child’s shoes, not any single carrier that could long lasting from newborn till toddler. It’s best to get the carrier suits your baby’s needs.

3.                 A baby carried, held or placed with his/her chin curled against his chest is a BIG NO at any time, with any carrier. This rule applies whether the baby held in arms, carriers, infant car seats or any kind of seat/situation. This position can restrict the baby’s ability to breathe. They need good back support in carriers so that they don’t slump into the chin-to-chest position.

               

Figure 2 : Picture Credit to Onyababy

4.                Avoid from covering your baby’s head & face with fabric that might lead to “rebreathe” the same air, which is hazardous. It is also refrains you from being able to check on her/him. Always make sure your baby has plenty of airflow. Check frequently.

5.         Never jog, run, jump on a trampoline or any activity that subjects baby to similar shaking or bouncing motion that can do damage to the baby’s neck, spine and/or brain. Carrying a baby while cooking subjects the baby to an enhanced risk of burns. Babies in arms or in a carrier are exposed to the risk of burns. The same goes while reaching into a hot oven while carrying a baby.

6.                 A baby carrier is not a substitute to a car seat hence, never use a carrier as a car seat when riding in a car. Soft baby carriers provide none of the protection that car seats provide.

7.              Inspect carrier regularly to ensure it is sound; fabric, seams & buckles/fasteners. Do this to avoid complacency. Don’t use a carrier unless it is structurally sound.

8.                   When using carriers out & about, check baby his secure by using reflective surfaces such as car, store windows or mirrors, to double checking your baby’s position, or by enlisting the help of another set of eyes especially when you are carrying your baby at the your back.

9.                 If you were advised on not doing something while pregnant because of an enhanced risk of falls, thus you shouldn’t do it during carrying your baby. For instance, climb a ladder, ride a horse, skating or spelunking. The risk of falling increases due to the slippery surfaces as you encounter when you go bowling, sailing, or spelunking. When a baby is in the mother’s womb, he has built-in protection, but a baby in arms or in a carrier does not have that protection. The same applies if you are doing activities that need you to wear protective gear. Baby carriers do not provide hearing/eye protection or protection from rocks flung from a lawn mower or fumes/ dust as household cleaning tasks. While it might seem more secure to use baby carrier to board a small boat than carry a baby in arms, the safer practice is to have the baby wear a personal flotation device. Personal flotation devices are generally not compatible with baby carriers.

10.         Avoid from overdress or dress your baby too warmly in the summer, and avoid using a baby carrier that could cause the baby to suffer heat stress. Don’t let your baby get too cold in the winter. (There are some excellent coats and ponchos designed especially for use with baby carriers, and you can also improvise or make your own.)

11.            Beware of what your baby can reach. In particular, be aware that a baby on your back can reach things you can’t see.

12.               Don’t put loose items in carrier with baby that can be choking hazards, poke your baby or cover baby’s face.

Please do find support group of babywearing community in Facebook in Babywearing Mamas for more information, gathering and also classes for those whom interested!!