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Baby Sling and Carrier Safety

Michael Agruss

Written and Reviewed by Michael Agruss

  • Managing Partner and Personal Injury Lawyer at 844SeeMike.
  • Over 20 years of experience in Personal Injury.
  • Graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law: Juris Doctor, 2004.

Baby slings and carriers are useful tools for parents. The practice of babywearing has many benefits, including easing reflux symptoms, helping with colic, regulating body temperature, allowing for closeness and bonding, and letting mom or dad keep baby close but also hands free. 

Whether you plan on carrying baby in a wrap, ring sling, mei-tai, soft structured carrier, or other type of babywearing device, there are a few rules you should follow to keep baby safe. According to the British Association of Babywearing Instructors, parents should follow their T.I.C.K.S rules checklist, which states:

  • T-Tight: Slings and carriers should be tight enough that you can hug your baby close. A loose sling or carrier will cause baby to slump which could affect their breathing and pull on your back.
  • I-In View at All Times: You should always be able to see your babies face by glancing down. The fabric of the sling or carrier should never be closed around their face and when your baby is in the cradle position, they should be facing upwards and not into your body.
  • C-Close Enough to Kiss: Your baby’s head should be close enough to your chin that is still comfortable and easily kissed on their head or forehead.
  • K-Keep Chin Off the Chest: Baby should never be curled so that their chin is forced into their chest which can restrict their breathing. There should always be a finger width space under your baby’s chin.
  • S-Supported Back: In an upright carry position, baby should be close to the wearer, with their tummy and chest against them and their back supported in a natural position. In a cradle position, baby’s bottom should be positioned in the deepest part of the sling to avoid their body being folded in half. 

Babywearing International also recommends that parents follow the ABC’s of babywearing: 

  • A-Airway: Check that baby has a clear airway and their positioning does not impede breathing in any way.
  • B-Body Positioning: The carrier should provide appropriate support for baby’s neck and back. Ideally, baby would be positioned with their knees higher than their bottom (in a frog position) and prevented from slumping. The frog position helps with baby’s hips and simulates the position they were in while in the womb. If feeding baby in a sling, baby can be fed in a cradle or horizontal position, but they should be returned to a vertical position when done.
  • C-Comfort: A carrier should be comfortable for both you and baby.

Regardless of what type of carrier you use, it should be checked frequently for signs of wear, loose stitching, or damage that could put baby at-risk for falling. If you are new to babywearing, it is also recommended that you use a “spotter” or stay close to a bed or couch until you are comfortable with wearing your baby on your chest or back.

When choosing a baby sling or carrier, check with the manufacturer’s recommendations on what age a baby should be when using their product. Some carriers are safe from birth on and some are for children who are older.

Never use a carrier when you or baby are suffering from a medical condition, anatomical defects, or the need for constant monitoring of baby’s breathing. Mom should not carry baby for an extended period of time during the first six (6) weeks following birth. And finally, most experts recommend that baby not be carried facing outwards. 

When baby is facing the front, instead of facing mom or dad’s chest, there are certain risks involved, which include:

  • Dangling legs do not allow for an ergonomic position;
  • Facing outwards straightens the spine into an unnatural position-putting a lot of pressure on a still developing spine and neck;
  • Baby’s neck is still developing and their heads, while little, are heavy. This allows for their head to slump forward, making it more difficult to breath and could cause asphyxia;
  • Forward-facing puts pressure on baby’s crotch, which is uncomfortable and can restrict blood flow;
  • Baby is exposed to too much stimuli and cannot hear your heartbeat or see your eyes, both of which work in helping to calm a fussy or scared baby;
  • Front-facing positioning makes it difficult to respond to baby and their needs;
  • This type of positioning is uncomfortable for the baby wearer. 

It is also important to remember that a baby sling or carrier counts as at least one layer of clothing. Babies have trouble regulating their body temperature and can overheat quickly if dressed in too many layers while in a sling or carrier, especially during warmer months. Both baby and the baby wearer should stay hydrated and try to stick to shady areas, especially during summer.  

During winter, it is best to dress baby in multiple layers instead of one bulky snow suit. Baby’s head, legs, and feet will need extra protection during colder months as well and the babywearer should make sure they are wearing safe shoes or boots to prevent slipping.

Parents should consult with their pediatrician or a certified babywearing instructor if they have any questions prior to using a baby sling or carrier.

If your child has been injured in an accident, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you. Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice. 

We see you as a person, not just a client – and that makes us better at work we do. We listen. We learn your story. And, as we help you get the money you deserve, we go above and beyond in a way most law firms never could and never would. Because we’re not just lawyers. And you’re not just a client. We’re friends, neighbors, family. We’re all people and here at 844 See Mike, we put People, First

Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 900 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 120 five-star reviews on Google.  Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at michael@agrusslawfirm.com, or schedule meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7. 

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