The American Consumer Product Safety
Commission concerning the safe use of sling style baby carriersBaby Sling & Carrier Manufacturers Speak Out On Baby Sling Safety Warning
Is my sling safe? -or- Not all slings are created equal!
A Great Video news story on Sling Safety
Positioning your Baby Correctly Makes Baby Wearing Safe!
Click here to watch a video describing how to correct bad positioning
Safely Positioning Your Baby in a Baby Sling
Probably the biggest mistake made by most 1st time babywearers is positioning baby too flat and too deep in the sling (as pictured here) pushing baby's chin into his chest. This can restrict breathing causing baby to fuss and cry in order to communicate to you that he is uncomfortable. This type of incorrect positioning is responsible for many parents giving up on babywearing, figuring that their baby just didn't like the sling. This can be corrected easily...
Positioning Newborns Safely
A helpful trick (especially with preemies and newborns in a traditional ring sling) is to fold a receiving blanket and place it on an opened blanket, then baby on top of both.
Baby and blankets are then put in the sling. Notice the blankets are opened around baby's face, he is high and snug to mom and his chin is well off his chest.
The UpMama Design can help you to wear your baby sling safely
by intuitively encouraging a semi-reclined position.
This baby is demonstrating the correct semi-reclined position in an UpMama sling.
Notice the angle of her back? The inner fabric, between you and baby, can be pulled up higher onto your chest for younger babies, leaving less fabric in the front so that you can always see your baby's face, interact with her and she can breath freely. Click the link at the top of the page to see a video of this.
Safe Babywearing is important for Toddlers too!
In the hip carry it is very important that the fabric goes under baby's bottom all the way up to the knees. Baby's knees should be a bit higher than bum and her weight is being supported by the fabric under her bottom so it does not get too tight behind her knees. She should be straddling your body. The upper "rail", across baby's back and under her arms, should be adjusted snugly so your toddler is close to your body and not leaning back away from you.
You are primarily responsible for your baby's safety.
We will not be held responsible for injury or loss resulting from the improper use of this sling.
Please read the use and safety instructions included with your sling and always use caution and common sense.
Failure to do so could result in injury or death.
1. Always make sure there is good airflow to baby's face. Baby's face should never be completely covered by the sling fabric. Baby's face should be visible at all times so you can check on him regularly. If you are breastfeeding in the sling you must take extra care to ensure baby is not pulled in too tight. Never breastfeed a newborn 'hands free' in the sling.
2. Baby's head and neck should not be curled forward pushing chin to chest as this can restrict breathing. A folded receiving blanket under baby's back can help prop him into the correct semi-reclined position.
3. Use age-appropriate positions. Babies need to have good head/neck strength and control to be carried in the hip position or forward facing.
4. Practice.Use a doll, stuffed animal or, even better, to get a sense of working with the baby's weight, use a 10lb bag of potatoes. Practice bending down with your knees to pick something up. Note how snug the sling must be to keep the bag or doll (baby) feeling secure.
5. Always fully support your baby's weight with your arm when you bend over and when adjusting with the rings.Especially when loosening by lifting the outer ring, if you do not support your baby's weight the fabric can move through the rings very quickly and baby could fall. Always supporting baby's weight with your arm
6. When you first start using the sling with your baby always do so while sitting on a soft surface or with the assistance of a second person. Until you are confident using the sling, always provide additional support with your arm.
7. Always make sure there is a wall of fabric between you and baby. Before putting your baby in the sling, tighten the inner rail so the fabric is fairly snug against your chest (not tight). Insert baby, tighten the outer rail, and check again that the fabric is visible between you and baby.
8. Be aware of baby's head when moving through doorways
9. Every time you put on the sling, remember to check the seams and body for wear or damage.
10. Be aware of the weather or room temperature.Don't wear a dark coloured sling in the hot sun as it will absorb the heat and could overheat baby. Remember that baby is getting some heat from your body and the sling fabric so dress him appropriately. In winter, the sling can be worn under or over your coat. If you wear the sling over your coat make sure baby is dressed for winter weather. If you wear the sling under your coat, leave the top of your coat undone to make sure baby is getting good airflow and you can see him at all times.