Safety first
There are so many benefits of keeping your little one so close to you. Babywearing creates a feeling of safety, consequently the baby cries less. When the child is calm and happy, mom and dad start to feel more confident in their new role. That feeling leads to them being more organized, serene and overall happy. When there are only good vibes present around the parents, it provides a healthy environment for the baby’s growth.
Baby’s safety is definitely every parents’ top priority. Before buying a baby carrier, make sure that it is intended to use at your baby’s age. Pay attention to the position of the child in the carrier on the promo photos: the sling should support the child's back in a slightly curved position and baby’s hips from knee to knee, forming physiological M-position. In that position, the baby will have no load on the spine and perineum. When choosing a sling for a newborn, make sure that it will support baby’s neck and head as well. Do not buy fakes and ‘no name’ slings.
Read the manufacturer’s manual, watch some “how to” videos, practice with a teddy bear first. When placing a baby in the baby carrier for the first time, check if it is happy: clean, fed, feels comfortable in its clothes, not sleepy in that moment. After all if you aren’t 100% sure if you did everything right, consult with a babywearing educator or with the manufacturer.
Here are some more helpful tips for safe babywearing:
- Always hold the baby with one hand until wrapping is finished or until all buckles are fastened.
- When learning how to use the carrier, always check yourself with all points of safety tips, which are marked in the instructional manual before you go out.
- Keep your eye on a baby at all times: it’s face has to be located above the carrier and never covered by any fabric. Chin off the chest, baby sling feels comfortable and supportive for both baby and you.
- Keep one hand on the baby when walking through the doors, in the crowd, always watch your step. Be careful and use ice cleats or grips when babywearing in winter time.
- Never-ever use your carrier instead of carseat!
- Forget about doing any potentially dangerous activities while babywearing. Such as cooking (cutting down or preparing food on a hot surface, cleaning house with any chemicals, doing sports (running, jumping, dancing), riding a bike, swimming in the boat etc.