How to safely use a baby wrap, carrier, or sling
Isn’t it wonderful to snuggle up to your baby, but still have the ability to do things with one hand? Many parents find that their baby is safer when they are wearing a baby wrap, carrier or sling.
You must properly carry your baby in order to keep them safe, and you and your child happy. The rules of safe babywearing will help you choose the right baby carrier for you and to keep your child safe.
What does Baby Wearing Mean?
Baby wearing has been around since the birth of babies. This is due to the practicality of baby wearing: It allows the baby to be safely held, while the caregiver or parent can take care of other tasks.
A sling is a piece of cloth or a special carrier that attaches the baby to their body. This allows them to be held hands-free. There are many options for how to carry children, from babies to preschoolers. Wraps (such as the Solly Baby and Moby), soft-sided carrier (such the Ergo or Baby Bjorn), and even slings.
Safety precautions
While a baby wrap or sling can help keep your baby close, it is not a good option. There are many precautions that you can take to make sure your baby is comfortable and safe.
Make sure your baby is happy
You should always keep your baby upright while you’re carrying them. A baby lying in a cradle can result in their neck being too close to the chest, which could cause them to have difficulty breathing.
Standing upright allows your baby to breathe easily and maintains their airway. This position will allow your baby to explore the world around them.
Make sure they are visible
Your baby’s safety is ensured by you being able to see all of their faces at all times. To ensure safety, you can make sure that their head is in a neutral position (chin away form chest) and that they are still breathing.
Tie Your Baby in Tights
Comfort and safety are paramount. The sling, wrap, carrier or carrier should hug your baby closely. The loose fabric can cause your baby to slumber, which can affect their ability to breathe.
You also have the possibility of them falling if they are not in a secure carrier. An adult’s back can also be affected by a loose fit.
Keep them close enough to kiss
You should have your baby close enough to you to kiss their head. This means your baby’s sling, wrap or carrier should be high enough to support them.
A baby who is too low in their carrier can become slouched, which can lead to their head dropping to their chest. It is more difficult to see your baby’s face and head if they are too low.
You can be sure that they will always have your back
If your baby is looking in your direction, ensure that their back is in a natural straight position. As this can lead to difficulty in breathing, the baby shouldn’t be curled up in a C shape with no space between their chest and the adult.
Keep Their Hips Flexible
At birth, hip joints in babies are often loose. It takes approximately six months for them get stable and to tighten up. A condition known as hip dysplasia can be more common in newborns with soft bones and looser ligaments. This is when the ball-and-socket hip joints are out of alignment or misshapen.
You will be carrying your baby for long hours each day so make sure that the carrier is good at positioning your hips. The carrier should support your baby’s thighs. Properly positioned, the carrier should support your baby’s legs.
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Make sure to inspect the wrap, sling, and carrier before you start to take your baby out. Look out for any missing or loose parts, such as buckles and straps that are broken, loose stitches, or missing pieces.
This is especially true if the baby-wearing device you are using was second-hand, or passed down from an older sibling. Numerous injuries from sling or carrier malfunctions are reported by the Consumer Product Safety Commission every year.