The following are guidelines on safely using a variety of products specifically designed for carrying or wearing your baby.
Soft Infant Carriers
Soft infant carriers are made up of shoulder straps supporting a fabric seat. They are typically designed so that your baby can ride on your chest, facing inward or outward, or on your back or hip, and have adjustable settings to help distribute your baby's weight across your back and shoulders.
Tips for using a soft infant carrier:
Make sure baby's face is visible at all times.
Baby's head should not be covered by any fabric.
Parents and caregivers should be able to look at baby's entire face when they are carrying the child.
Be sure that baby is not hunched with chin touching chest.
Baby's face should not be pressed tight against wearer.
Always make sure your baby has plenty of airflow.
A carrier should only be used when walking with the baby.
Carriers should not be used for transporting baby in a car or on a bicycle.
Be sure baby's weight is evenly distributed in the carrier and all safety straps are secured.
Check the carrier periodically for sharp edges, ripped seams, and missing or loose snaps.
Read and follow all manufacturer's instructions for use and age and weight recommendations.
Do not cover baby's face with a blanket, nursing covers, etc.
Attend to and check on baby often.
Be extra cautious of tripping hazards while walking with baby in the carrier.
Take extra precaution carrying a baby that is at risk including those that have health conditions, are born prematurely or are younger than four months old. In these instances, parents should consult a physician prior to using any baby carrier.
Frame Infant Carriers
Frame infant carriers are often sewn fabric construction on a tubular metal or other frame, which is designed to contain a child in an upright position on the back of the caregiver. Frame infant carriers are the perfect solution for active parents and infants on the go, and they vary widely in size, weight and durability.
Tips for using frame infant carriers:
A frame style carrier can be used when baby can sit up unassisted.
Frame carriers should not be used for transporting baby in a car or on a bicycle.
Be sure baby's weight is evenly distributed in the carrier and all safety straps are secured.
Check the carrier periodically for sharp edges, ripped seams, and missing or loose snaps.
Read and follow all manufacturer's instructions for use and age and weight recommendations.
Make sure a frame carrier fits correctly and is adjusted properly.
Choose a model that has a stable support stand that allows you to prop it up while putting your child in or taking them out.
Protect baby from the elements with the provided canopy, sunscreen (if older than 6 months), hat, and eye protection.
Be cautious of yours and baby's surroundings. Be aware of dangerous objects your baby can see and reach while on your back. Be extra cautious of tripping hazards while walking with baby in the carrier.
Attend to and check on baby often.
Slings, Wraps, and Babywearing
Slings and wraps are meant to mimic in-arms carrying positions. Your baby should be in the same position in which you would hold him in your arms.
Tips for using slings, wraps and babywearing:
Check your baby's position by embracing him after settling him into the sling or wrap; his position should not shift significantly in your embrace.
Make sure baby's face is visible at all times.
Baby's head should not be covered by any fabric.
Parents and caregivers should be able to look at baby's entire face when they are carrying the child and be close enough to kiss the baby's head.
Be sure that baby is not hunched with chin touching chest.
Baby's face should not be pressed tight against wearer.
Always make sure your baby has plenty of airflow.
A sling or wrap should only be used when walking with the baby.
Slings and wraps should not be used for transporting baby in a car or on a bicycle.
Check the sling or wrap periodically for tears or ripped seams.
Read and follow all manufacturer's instructions for use and age and weight recommendations.
Do not cover baby's face with a blanket, nursing covers, etc.
Attend to and check on baby often.
After nursing in a sling, remove baby from breast and return baby to proper carrying position with head above the breasts and face free of fabric and turned away from the mother's body.
Be extra cautious of tripping hazards while walking with baby in the carrier.
Take extra precaution carrying a baby that is at risk including those that have health conditions, are born prematurely or are younger than four months old. In these instances, parents should consult a physician prior to using any sling or wrap.
Everyday Safety
While carriers and slings provide a parent great hands-free convenience, it is of utmost importance to always be attentive to your baby in a carrier. Here are a few everyday safety practices that you should always be mindful of:
Carriers and slings should not be used while driving, jogging, skating, boating, or riding a bike.
When picking something up while wearing a carrier, always bend at the knees so that baby doesn't fall out.
Do not cook while baby is in the carrier.
Stay off stools and ladders while wearing a carrier.
Do not reach for overhead items that could fall and hit baby on the head.
Inspect your carrier regularly to ensure it is sound. Check the fabric, seams, and any buckles or other fasteners. Do this every time you use it.
When using carriers out and about, check that your baby is secure by using reflective surfaces — such as car or store windows — as mirrors, by double hecking the baby's position with your hands, or by enlisting the help of another set of eyes.
If you shouldn't do it while pregnant because of an enhanced risk of falls, you shouldn't do it while carrying a baby.
Be extra cautious of tripping hazards while walking with baby in the carrier.
If you should wear protective gear while doing an activity, you shouldn't do it while carrying a baby.
Protect your baby from the elements. Little limbs and heads may need sun protection. Don't dress your baby too warmly in the summer, and don't use a baby carrier under circumstances that could cause the baby to suffer heat stress. Don't let your baby get too cold in the winter. Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under 6 months old.
Be aware of what your baby can reach. In particular, be aware that a baby on your back can reach things you can't see.
Don't put loose items in the carrier with your baby that can be choking hazards, that can poke your baby, or that can cover your baby's face.
For more information on baby safety, please visit www.jpma.org.
