safe babywearing - our top tips
Is Babywearing safe?
Although to many of us Parents it seems like babywearing is a new concept, the reality is, that it's been the normal way we have carried our babies for centuries. Long before the pram was invented we used cloth and fabric to carry our babies not just as a mode of transportation and so we could carry out our daily duties, but also to develop our bond, promote breastfeeding and to sooth and support the sleep of our infants.
Babies are born dependent on their caregivers (unlike other mammals where babies are born further developed). Secure attachment is innate within them from birth, they are reliant on us to provide food, shelter and safety. For the first month of their life they do not understand that they are separate from us and it's even been shown that a need for physical contact is even more important than food for their survival. So babywearing provides so much more than just a means of transportation.
But as with most things, it's been westernized and over the last 9 years I’ve seen more and more carriers and slings come onto the market. What's great about this, is that there are options for all incomes, body shapes and babies age and size. But unfortunately there are carriers out there that aren’t always fit for purpose and if not worn correctly can be a hazard to your baby.
When we buy items for our baby whether it's a car seat, cot or sleepsuit we will more than likely want to read the instructions to ensure we are using it safely. Anything can be a risk to a newborn baby, if used incorrectly. So with this in mind, no babywearing isn’t dangerous. But if you are wearing the carrier in an unsafe way, then yes of course it can be.
However the benefits totally outway the risks and with some guidance and support you can easily learn how to wear your baby safely. I would like to say that carrier companies provide good resources for this, but the reality is that they don’t always do so. In fact some brands even show unsafe babywearing within their marketing images!
Promotional image from carrier company, showing baby in a low and unsafe position
If you want to wear your baby there are a few key steps to take to ensure that you are doing so safely. Also please don’t feel that it’s something you have to wait to do until they are older. Wearing your newborn is the most wonderful way to support them (and you) through the fourth trimester. These early months are vital for so many aspects of your baby's development and a wonderful way to soothe them. You can find out more about the positive impact of babywearing here: Top 5 Reasons to Babywear
As well as helping your baby to sleep (which lets be honest, don’t we all want that?) There have been several studies done on the benefits of babywearing, including on sleep and reducing crying.
”We conclude that supplemental carrying modifies "normal" crying by reducing the duration and altering the typical pattern of crying and fussing in the first 3 months of life. The relative lack of carrying in our society may predispose to crying and colic in normal infants.”- British Journal of General Practice - Clinical Trail Increased carrying reduces infant crying: U A Hunziker & R G Barr
So with all that in mind babywearing can truly be magical and have so many benefits for parent and baby. So we're here to guide you through our safe babywearing do’s & don’ts.
Safe Babywearing Do’s & Don’ts
Does your carrier/sling fit you and your baby?
In the first couple of months we can’t recommend stretchy wraps enough. These are soft and mold well around yours and your baby's body. Yes we know that long stretch of fabric can seem daunting, but we promise you that with a little practice it will be well worth it. They are also great due to the fact you can take your baby out and leave it on, making it easy to take your baby in and out throughout the day. If you want something that feels easier to get on and off, then a buckle carrier is great. There are so many options available that work from newborn and will last you for at least 18 months or more.
Whatever carrier or sling you choose the best way to check if it's a good fit is to think of a triangle. Does the carrier fit knee to knee, providing good support for your baby's hips and spine and does it stop at the nape of their neck? A helpful way to think of this, is to think of a triangle.
Does the top panel stop and support the baby at the nape of the neck? Is it adjustable to fit as they grow? Can you clearly see your baby's face?
Is it fitting knee to knee? What we mean by this, is does it support your babies hips and spine, allowing for an M shape position in the carrier? This is often called an Ergonomic carrier. As opposed to a narrow based carrier. Ideally this will also adjust as your baby grows, so you can get good use from it for a long time.
Common safety issues
Carrier too low
This is something we see a lot of, but is also easily adjusted. Unfortunately some carrier companies show the models on the marketing and even in the tutorial booklets with the waistband very low. Or sometimes a carrier doesn't have a waistband at all and shows the baby dangling by their groin.
The waistband should be:
High enough that the baby's head is resting high, up on the hard part of your chest. So when they are small the carrier will need to be higher and as they grow it can move lower.
Tight. It should be tight enough to just get your fingers under it…and not so tight you can't breathe!
Straight. Again this is very common. The waistband should be straight and tight. Often it's not tight enough and slants downwards. This will mean the baby is low and it will start to pull on your back, causing back pain.
Why is this a safety concern?
You cannot easily check on baby, as you don't have full view of their face
If it's too low it's likely that it's too loose too. This can cause the back to not be fully supported and the baby will slump down. This can then cause the baby's chin to fall on their chest and can restrict airways.
Boobs! Nuzzling into your boobs can be a suffocation risk. If they are high on the hard part of your chest and tight then this allows for open airways
Extra tip!
If your baby is tiny and doesn't yet have neck strength, you can use their fist to tuck under their chin to keep the chin off the chest. Try to keep the baby's head to the side to keep airways open and so you are able to see them better.
2. Carrier too loose
It's totally understandable to feel like a tight carrier might be less safe than a loose one. But in reality if the back isn't fully supported then they can easily slump down and airways can be restricted.
When they are newborn they will have more of a curve in their spine, partly because their legs are more tucked under (little froggy legs!). As they grow and their legs wrap more around you their backs will straighten. Ideally the carrier will mould around them, offering support, but allowing the curve in the spine. The carriers we recommend LINK are all made from soft fabric and so provide support and comfort.
You are aiming for it to be tight enough, that when you cuddle them in against you they don’t move.
Why is this a safety concern?
This can cause the back to not be fully supported and the baby will slump down. This can then cause the baby's chin to fall on their chest and can restrict airways.
Will not be providing support for the spine and hips
Extra Tip!
You should be able to slide the palm on your hand in between you and baby. If you can move your hand around easily or there's a gap, the carrier isn't tight enough.
3. Fabric covering baby’s head
As mentioned earlier, the carrier or wrap should be supporting the baby up to the nape of their neck. But also importantly it should never cover a baby's face or restrict you from seeing their face. Often carriers have big flappy panels that can go above the nape of babies neck, which does not provide support, or hoods that can be used to protect them from rain for example. However we would urge you not to use this to fully go over the baby's head (see examples below), and rather just use one side to protect the baby's head, whilst keeping the face visible.
Why is this a safety concern?
Can restrict airflow and airways
You are unable to check on them, by just glancing down
Not providing support to nape of baby’s neck
Extra Tip!
Some carriers have a hood that can be rolled up, to provide extra neck support. The Integra is great for this. If you are using a stretchy wrap, try our muslin hack! Roll a muslin up in the top panel to provide extra padding and support.
Outward facing when baby is too young
Again unfortunately there are brands out there who not only push the idea of outward facing, but also show on promotional images babies that are very young in this position. The reason this is an issue is that until around 5-6 months babies do not have neck strength and so cannot hold up their own head. Facing outwards takes a lot of neck and body strength for the baby and if they are unable to lift their own head it can be a suffocation risk.
The hip dysplasia association recommends inward facing until the baby is 6 months old.
“Inward-Facing Carrying may be healthier for hip development, especially during the first six months of infancy. For this reason, the IHDI recommends inward-facing during this period of rapid hip development. During the second six months of life the hips are developing more slowly, but there may be additional benefit for inward-carrying until age one year.”
Babies will need to be sitting unaided and not be sleepy. Never let your baby outward face asleep as again they can slump forward. Ensure that it's for around 20 minutes max, as it can be quite strenuous on the baby's neck and spine. Also we are taught that babies need lots of stimulation, when in reality they can be very easily over-stimulated. We live in a loud and busy world most of the time and this can have an adverse reaction on their nervous system. It can be more helpful and beneficial for babies (especially before 6 months) to have face to face interaction with their caregiver, feel safe and be able to fully rest their body in an inward facing position. If the carrier is fitted well and provides support up to the nape of their neck, then they should be able to see around no problem.
Personally, I never outward faced my Daughter. When she started to get bigger and it became harder to carry her for long periods on my front, I moved to a back carry. This can provide better support for them, is much better for your back than outward facing and allows them to see around, whilst also being able to fall asleep safely. Plus there is no restriction on how long you can back carry for in terms of length of time, which is great for long walks or day trips. Also perfect for toddlers with tired legs too!
If you would like to know more about our Back Carry workshops, you can contact us here: contact
Final Points on Safe Babywearing
Babywearing can be the most amazing experience for you and your little one, bringing about so many positive aspects for you both. With knowledge of how to wear your baby safely (which we hope we have given you here) and an understanding of the right carrier for you; see our blog on this topic here: BLOG you will be on your way to feeling confident and safe to wear your baby and ready to make some truly magical moments together.
If you would like further assistance on babywearing we can support you in class or offer 121 sessions in your own home. To enquire contact us here: contact
Happy, Safe Babywearing!
Nikki xx