About Babywearing

When you’re just beginning to start babywearing or adding a new baby carrier model to your collection, it’s important to keep these guidelines in mind for safe babywearing.

• Read and follow the safety guidelines that came with your baby carrier, and pay close attention to the warnings listed in the instruction manual.  Make note of weight and age requirements and limits to insure you’re using the baby carrier for the job it was designed for.  If the carrier says not to use it before your baby is 6 months old, there’s a good reason why you should wait, and that time will come faster than you think!
• After walking, activities where you’ve been moving a lot, or just after a long period of wearing your baby, check the fit of your baby carrier.  If it feels a little loose, take the time to tighten it and readjust your baby.  Holding your baby in a loose fitting carrier is much too dangerous to chance, and the resulting accidents are totally avoidable.
• Do not bend at the waist while wearing baby, use your knees to squat down.  Not only will this prevent injury to your back, but it will also prevent your baby from falling out of the carrier.
• Insure the baby carrier does not interfere with your baby’s breathing.  This is especially important for newborns and if you’re wearing a soft carrier like a sling or wrap.  Make sure the carrier’s fabric does not block their nose and mouth, compromising their ability to breathe.
• One of the great things about using a baby carrier is the freedom it gives you to do everyday tasks.  In the kitchen, making sandwiches, washing dishes and prepping food are perfect examples of the types of activities babywearing allows you to do.  Think carefully before you start cooking though, and if you do decide to do light cooking, be extra conscious around the stovetop and sharp knives.
• Learn how to adjust and wear your particular type of baby carrier.  Wearing a baby carrier in the wrong way can cause stress to your body, and can be unsafe for your baby.  Many baby boutiques offer classes for the babywearing products they offer, ask about their next session or stop by for a demo.  If you purchased your carrier online, and it’s new to everyone in your circle, it can be difficult to figure out all the adjustment options and tying methods.  If your babycarrier does not feel comfortable, contact the manufacturer or visit their website. Many companies making babywearing products offer amazing support, including videos. By making the appropriate adjustments, your baby carrier should be comfortable to wear.
• Along with adjusting your baby carrier, be aware of how wearing it is affecting your body and its posture.  If you’re using a front carrier that tends to pull your shoulders forward, consider alternating with a back or hip carrier to distribute weight differently, and give your body a break.
• If you’re still having a tough time figuring out your baby carrier, ask for help. Try attending a group meeting in your area, like La Leche League or Attachment Parenting International, or even asking around at the playground or Gymboree. Babywearing is pretty common, and more than likely, you’ll find fellow moms who would be happy to help, just like someone probably helped them!