Babywearing – What Really Matters?

Sometimes the babywearing world seems to be full of rules, do this, don’t do that, do this but only with this brand of carrier. This can be at least confusing, and at worst, off-putting and restricting.

And guess what… some of those rules are just that, rules someone heard and passed on without knowing why. Who said you can’t back carry in a stretchy unless it is a hybrid, (which by the way, there is no such thing), or back carry a newborn, or forward face your nosey 6month old? Could they tell you why?

I would rather provide you with the correct information, so you can choose what works for you and your children. Good advice lets you make your own safe informed decisions.

I have created this beautiful visual with the help of some local babywearing Mum’s, and guess what, every single carry was safe (although our toddlers liked to test our skills, see the out takes at the bottom of the blog).

So what do you need to check?

ALWAYS BE VIGILANT. Be aware of what activity you are doing and how this affects the carry.

AIRWAYS

Is baby/child’s face clear and visible?

Is there airflow around baby/child’s face?

Is your infants chin off their chest? At least two finger widths between their chin and chest, raising their hands to tuck under their chin is a great way of helping ensure this.

Can you monitor your baby/child’s airways? You might be able to see their face directly, or via a handheld mirror, phone etc. Or you might use another sense to monitor regularly such as feeling their breath on your body and their chest moving, and do a visual check occasionally (window, friend, mirror etc)

SECURE

Have you done up all buckles (and placed elastic around buckle head if applicable), tied double knots in your tails?

Is your baby/child placed correctly in the carrier? (see instructions or ask a reputable source, if you are unsure of how to use your carrier/how to carry a particular way).

Is the fabric/body panel to the age appropriate height? (newborn to the nape of the neck, older baby to the top of their shoulders, toddler/preschooler at least to the armpits)

If you remove your hands does your baby/child stay in the same position, and if you turn/move do they still stay secure?

If you put a hand behind their head and lean forward (for front/hip carries) or back for back carries, do they stay firmly against you and in the position you placed them (upright, airways clear etc)? (note with a young child without neck control you will need to find another way to check movement in a back carry, such as turn gently, and/or lean sideways gently to see if there is any movement).

FURTHER TIPS

Is it necessary? A newborn is easier to monitor on your front, and it’s easier to get them on, but maybe you have a 3 week old and 3 other little children who need your arms to cuddle them. If it’s just to experiment, or your baby doesn’t seem to like front facing in carries, then perhaps a different front carry would suit you more. Likewise a preschooler may love being snuggled into your chest, but if you’re walking down an uneven track, your greatly reduced field of vision might require that they ride on your back today instead.

It shouldn’t hurt or be uncomfortable for yourself or your baby/child, check positioning, and ask for help/search for tips & tweaks. Not all carriers suit everyone, but sometimes a simple tweak can make all the difference.

If your baby/child has hip dysplasia or suspected hip displaysia and your carrier is narrow based, please contact a babywearing consultant for assistance. This article has some very good research based advice from Dr Rosie Knowles.

Always learn a new skill in a safe place, over a bed/couch; clear space and a mirror can all help.

Be aware of temperature and wind/sun/cold, a carrier layer is equivalent to a layer of clothes, but don’t forget heads/hands/feet which aren’t covered.

Keep hydrated.

Avoid the horizontal cradle carry, (commonly seen with bag slings), it is very difficult to ensure that your baby’s airways are clear, and protected with sufficient airflow.

Carriers are designed to be used during normal daily activity, they are not suitable for use during sports, dangerous activities, sleeping or as safety seats. This leaflet by An’So is very detailed and a great reminder of safe guidelines.

If you or your child have special circumstances, please seek specialist help.