Safe babywearing

A woven wrap is a long strip of fabric that is properly tied around the wearer’s body to form a stable carrier for carrying a baby. Pay attention to the safety of carrying a baby in a sling – follow the rules described below.

The most important rules:

  1. CONTINUE TO WATCH YOUR CHILD. PAY ATTENTION, ABOVE ALL, ABOUT THE BREATHING FREEDOM!
  2. WEARING WEAR MAY HAVE AN EFFECT ON BALANCE AND VISIBILITY. BE CAREFUL, ESPECIALLY IN DIFFICULT PLACES (STAIRS, SILLS).
  3. CAREFUL WHILE BENDING AND MAKING SUDDEN MOVEMENTS. PROTECT BABY’S HEAD.
  4. WRAPS AND SLINGS ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE USED DURING SPORTS.

Is that all? These are the most important issues directly related to the child’s safety. However, let’s follow other recommendations so that the babywearing is not only completely safe, but also as pleasant as possible.

Let’s carry our babies safely!

Sling, wrap or babycarrier

  • Regularly check the technical condition of the wrap or the carrier for abrasions, seams, and the condition of the buckles in the carriers.

The way of use

  • When deciding on the choice of carrying method, parents are guided by intuition, supported by the observation of their own child and thinking about their and their needs. However, in situations where a parent or child, due to their health condition, is under the care of a doctor or physiotherapist, it is worth consulting your plans regarding the use of wraps with a specialist.
  • It is worth doing the first reeling with the help of another person, or at least in front of a mirror, observing the arrangement of the wrap and the baby. It is worth starting under the supervision of a person with experience in wearing, preferably a certified babywearing advisor.
  • Each tie should end in a double knot!

Baby inside

  • It is hard to find a better contact between a parent and a baby than keeping him cuddled close to you. Babywearing allows you to carefully observe your baby without effort. However, let us pay attention primarily to the freedom of breathing of the child, especially in relation to newborns snuggled into the parent’s chest and cradle-type bindings.
  • We constantly control the position of the child.
  • We avoid giving the baby drinks and snacks in the sling, as well as small toys or objects that could choke. Let us remember that even with a lot of practice, removing the baby from the sling takes at least a few to several seconds, which would delay helping the baby in a choking situation.

Babywearing while every-day activities

  • The center of gravity of the parent with the baby wrapped on the chest moves slightly forward and the field of vision “under the feet” is slightly limited. Remember this when moving on slippery or uneven surfaces, on stairs, going through doors, thresholds, etc.
  • A baby in a properly tied sling sits confidently and safely. Nevertheless, we say a definite NO to dynamic and risky forms of activity – running, cycling, rollerblading, skiing, horses, etc..
  • We don’t drive with a baby in a sling. On public transport, try to take a rear-facing seat and have your child tied up in front. Avoid crowds if possible.
  • Babywearing is a great help in performing household duties. However, remember to be especially careful in the kitchen, where there is a risk of burns.
  • Let’s watch not only the baby, but also ourselves. If carrying in a sling causes pain in the back, shoulders, spine – let’s think about how we can change the carrying technique.

Babywearing safety in general

Long list, right? But all these recommendations are simply common sense. By approaching babywearing with a bit of imagination, we will certainly not expose ourselves or the baby to any unpleasant adventure.