Babywearing Safety
Disclaimer
Babywearing is like many other activities. The benefits are numerous but it is still necessary to follow safe practices. Thank you for taking time to review this page.
The information presented here is given in good faith based on our best knowledge and experience. Please discuss it with your health care practitioner
The information presented here is given in good faith based on our best knowledge and experience. Please discuss it with your health care practitioner
SIDS
SIDS is the sudden death of an infant under one year of age which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, including performance of a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and review of the clinical history. (Willinger et al, 1991).
Most SIDS deaths occur when baby is sleeping, but SIDS can happen anywhere. It has even happened to babies being held in their parent's arms.
Most babies who have a breathing problem will wake up and cry. It is suspected that same babies have not yet developed this involuntary reaction and are therefore at greater risk for SIDS.
Rebreathing and Positional Asphyxia may cause SIDS. You can take steps to Reduce the Risk of SIDS. We also recommend that when you use a baby carrier you pay attention to your baby's Breathing and Air Flow.
Most SIDS deaths occur when baby is sleeping, but SIDS can happen anywhere. It has even happened to babies being held in their parent's arms.
Most babies who have a breathing problem will wake up and cry. It is suspected that same babies have not yet developed this involuntary reaction and are therefore at greater risk for SIDS.
Rebreathing and Positional Asphyxia may cause SIDS. You can take steps to Reduce the Risk of SIDS. We also recommend that when you use a baby carrier you pay attention to your baby's Breathing and Air Flow.
Activities
Babywearing is not appropriate in certain activities. Use common sense. If an activity may present a hazard to your baby, do not do it while babywearing.
Do not use your baby carrier during activities such as cooking when there is a chance the baby may reach for or be exposed to dangerous items such as knives, hot beverages, and stoves.
Do not use your baby carrier during athletic activities such as jogging, skiing, cycling which could be hazardous to your baby. Additionally, you may strain your own back or lose balance, resulting in serious injury to you or the baby. Cyclic activities may injure your child.
Flammability requires that you use extreme caution around heat sources.
Your baby carrier may not be specifically designed for use in Water.
When you Travel the safest place for your baby is usually in an approved car seat, not your baby carrier.
Pay attention to your child while Breastfeeding.
Do not use your baby carrier during activities such as cooking when there is a chance the baby may reach for or be exposed to dangerous items such as knives, hot beverages, and stoves.
Do not use your baby carrier during athletic activities such as jogging, skiing, cycling which could be hazardous to your baby. Additionally, you may strain your own back or lose balance, resulting in serious injury to you or the baby. Cyclic activities may injure your child.
Flammability requires that you use extreme caution around heat sources.
Your baby carrier may not be specifically designed for use in Water.
When you Travel the safest place for your baby is usually in an approved car seat, not your baby carrier.
Pay attention to your child while Breastfeeding.
Baby Safety
Please remember to Inspect Your Baby Carrier.
Be aware as you wear your baby and pay attention to Security. We recommend that your baby be at least a year old before using a Back Carry. Pay attention to your baby, especially to baby's Breathing and Air Flow. If your baby falls asleep in your baby carrier, please be sure that your baby is breathing normally.
Do not put extra items in your carrier when babywearing. If your carrier has a pocket, items which could injure or cause discomfort to your baby should not be placed in it.
Remember that babywearing is not appropriate for certain Activities and Travel situations.
Consider the Clothing your baby is wearing and pay attention to your child while Breastfeeding.
Learn about SIDS and Baby's Developing Spine
Be aware as you wear your baby and pay attention to Security. We recommend that your baby be at least a year old before using a Back Carry. Pay attention to your baby, especially to baby's Breathing and Air Flow. If your baby falls asleep in your baby carrier, please be sure that your baby is breathing normally.
Do not put extra items in your carrier when babywearing. If your carrier has a pocket, items which could injure or cause discomfort to your baby should not be placed in it.
Remember that babywearing is not appropriate for certain Activities and Travel situations.
Consider the Clothing your baby is wearing and pay attention to your child while Breastfeeding.
Learn about SIDS and Baby's Developing Spine
Your Safety
To avoid muscle soreness, Build Your Strength Gradually.
Remember that when you are baby wearing, your center of gravity is higher and it is easier to lose your balance.
Switching shoulders and proper lifiting techiniques will help you avoid injuries to Your Back.
If you are breastfeeding, do not allow your baby carrier to dig into your breast tissue because this may lead to Mastitis.
Remember that when you are baby wearing, your center of gravity is higher and it is easier to lose your balance.
Switching shoulders and proper lifiting techiniques will help you avoid injuries to Your Back.
If you are breastfeeding, do not allow your baby carrier to dig into your breast tissue because this may lead to Mastitis.
Learning
Learning to use a baby carrier is like learning to ride a bicycle. It takes practice but quickly becomes second nature.
Consider practicing with a doll or a stuffed animal before you practice with your baby. When you start practicing with your baby make sure he/she is rested and fed before you begin.
Practice next to a couch or the bed. It is a good idea to use a mirror or to have a partner help you, especially if you are learning to wear your child on your back.
Keep an arm around your baby until you are confident.
Build Your Strength Gradually.
Consider practicing with a doll or a stuffed animal before you practice with your baby. When you start practicing with your baby make sure he/she is rested and fed before you begin.
Practice next to a couch or the bed. It is a good idea to use a mirror or to have a partner help you, especially if you are learning to wear your child on your back.
Keep an arm around your baby until you are confident.
Build Your Strength Gradually.