Babywearing Safety Tips

With all the benefits babywearing offers, it’s a no-brainer necessity for any caregiver. Safe baby wearing practices allow you to tackle the day while keeping your baby close and calm. Keep reading as we provide baby wearing tips that allow you to safely enjoy the many benefits that baby wearing has to offer. 

Babywearing Safety Checklist

Table of Contents

• Is babywearing safe for a newborn?
• Is babywearing safe for a toddler?
• Is it OK to baby wear all day?
• Can you wear your baby too much?
• What are the cons of baby wearing?
• How should baby be positioned for safety while babywearing?
• How many hours should a baby be in a carrier?
• What are some safety tips for babywearing?
• Questions to ask yourself for babywearing safety
• What are safe positions for babywearing?

Is babywearing safe for a newborn?

You may wonder just how soon it is safe to start babywearing with your newborn. The answer is typically right away. It’s said that it is safe to begin babywearing at about 7 or 8 pounds. If your newborn has any medical conditions or is under this weight, it is always best to check with your healthcare provider for babywearing safety. Be sure to read below as we go over all the babywearing safety tips to prep you for babywearing with your newborn.

Is babywearing safe for a toddler?

By following proper safety precautions, babywearing can be safe at any age. Safe babywearing comes with many benefits for both toddlers and their parents.

For parents of toddlers, you may know just how straining it can feel to carry your little one around. A baby carrier is a great way to alleviate some of the stress that carrying a toddler can put on your body. The Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier provides an easy-on, easy-off solution for the toddler that is on the move but still wants to be held throughout the day.

Is it OK to baby wear all day?

So long as the baby is in a safe and comfortable position, there really is no limit to how long you can babywear. At some point, either your baby or your body will let you know when it is time to switch things up. There may be some days when your little one just can’t seem to stop crying, and babywearing might be the only solution. Babywearing helps soothe your baby, which in turn can reduce your stress. If you follow all the proper babywearing safety precautions, don’t worry about how long you are carrying your baby.

Can you wear your baby too much?

When it comes to babywearing, trust your instincts. There really is no need to overthink how much you wear or hold your baby. With safe babywearing practices, it’s okay to hold your baby as much as you and your baby would like. Your baby will let you know if they are uncomfortable, and you will know if babywearing is not a good fit for either of you. If you do choose to babywear, be sure to use a carrier that is supportive and safe for the wearer and the baby’s body. The Tushbaby is recognized for its open-style design that keeps your baby in the “M” position while offering a streamlined solution for storage, too.

What are the cons of baby wearing?

Some of the cons of babywearing might include: 

• Lack of adequate support
• Tricky straps
• Navigating baby wearing in less than ideal weather
• Poorly designed carriers may not offer enough support 

All of these cons can be eliminated by finding a carrier that suits your needs. The Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier is designed with all of these challenges in mind. The Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier is strap-free and evenly distributes your baby’s weight, which means you can carry your baby longer and more comfortably. This design means that you and your baby can both practice babywearing safely.  And for navigating the less than ideal weather, read more about how to safely babywear in the winter or rain.  

How should baby be positioned for safety while babywearing?

 A baby should always be positioned to allow for proper posture, good support, and safe breathing. We will highlight below a baby wearing safety checklist to ensure you are carrying safely. Read the recommendations that come along with the carrier of your choice to ensure you’re using it properly. Some carriers may offer more than one carrying position. 

How many hours should a baby be in a carrier?

Your baby will likely let you know when they’ve been in their carrier for too long. Before using a carrier, make sure it has an efficient and supportive design. Safety is always a top priority with a baby, and baby carriers that don’t restrict the baby’s movements can be safer when babywearing for extended periods. Additionally, baby carriers that allow you to switch up carrying positions can promote babywearing for longer durations. 

A baby snugly secured in a hands-free carrier may enjoy the sense of security. Still, eventually, they may want more interaction and freedom, especially as they get older. With the Tushbaby, you have carrying options that will come in handy. 

Tushbaby is a versatile hip seat carrier that features four different carry positions: face-to-face, front-facing, side-carrying, and feeding position. Simply strap the Tushbaby high and tight above your natural waist and rest your baby’s bottom on the plush hip seat; our simple open-style design allows wearers to pick baby up, put them down as needed, and change positions seamlessly. Tushbaby’s design allows the wearer to interact with baby while giving both more freedom. 

If your baby loves to be held for hours on end, Tushbaby can support you and your baby as you do what it takes to keep them happy. Achy arms, a sore back, and a tired mind can be a downhill combination for parents on the verge of exhaustion. Utilizing a baby carrier like Tushbaby to alleviate strain on your body can benefit both you and your baby. 

Want to go hands-free? Pair your Tushbaby with The Snug for a flexible babywearing experience! The Snug is a simple wrap-style attachment designed exclusively for Tushbaby carriers, for babies 12-45lbs. With Tushbaby + The Snug, you can combine the hands-free flexibility of babywearing with the storage and support of a hipseat: simply attach The Snug to your Tushbaby Carrier, place your baby on the seat, wrap the straps over your shoulders to form an X across your back, then buckle up and go. When The Snug is not in use, just store it in Tushbaby’s under-seat storage pocket. 

And when your baby wants to use those little legs, tote your carrier and all your things with our Crossbody Straps—the same way you would with your favorite purse. All of our products at Tushbaby are designed by fellow moms to help streamline the baggage that comes with leaving the house with a baby. 

What are some safety tips for babywearing?

Here are some top safety tips for babywearing. Let’s dive in!

1. T.I.C.K.S. rule for safe babywearing

To make babywearing safety tips easy to remember, follow the T.I.C.K.S. acronym for safety rules: 

• T- Tight: Keeping your carrier strapped snug and tight will make babywearing more comfortable for you both while avoiding any slouching or unsafe posture for your baby and their airways. 
• I- In View: Ensure your carrier or any clothing is not covering your baby’s face, and keep their face in view at all times. 
• C- Close Enough to Kiss: You want your baby close enough to your chin or close enough that you can lean down and kiss them. 
• K- Keep Chin Off Chest: Your baby’s chin should not be touching their chest as this can hinder proper breathing. One way to ensure there is enough space is by making sure there is always at least one finger's width of space between your baby’s chin and chest. 
• S- Supported Back: Make sure your baby’s back is supported in any carry position. Ensuring tight straps and keeping your baby close to your body will prevent any unsafe posture that could impact your baby’s breathing.
  

2. Do your research on baby carriers

There are many types of carriers, from slings to wraps to hip carriers. While it can feel daunting choosing a baby carrier, researching the pros and cons of each style can help you make the best decision for a baby carrier  that suits your needs.  

3. Choose a properly fitting baby carrier

As you have read so far, having a carrier that fits you properly can keep your baby in a safe position. A properly fitting baby carrier will also provide the right support to keep your baby safe while you save your back and arms. 

4. Practice using your baby carrier without baby first

Practice taking on and off your baby carrier as you prepare to start babywearing with your little one. This will help you become more comfortable and increase your confidence in safely carrying your baby. 

5. Dress baby and yourself appropriately for the weather while babywearing

Some weather may call for more layers to keep your baby comfortable. Be sure to adjust your carrier to accommodate the layers that you and your baby have added to your wardrobe. Doing this before you leave the house is always a good idea. No need to be adjusting in the rain! 

6. Keep baby visible

Following the ‘I’ in T.I.C.K.S, keeping your baby in view is important. This means ensuring no clothing or even carrier straps are covering your baby’s face. This is an important safety consideration to be sure your baby has proper airflow. 

7. Head and neck support

Baby carriers can be a great addition to make everyday tasks easier but shouldn't be a replacement for proper support. As your baby builds the muscles in their head and neck, it is crucial to ensure proper support no matter the carrier type. 

8. Check carrier for wear and tear

As with any product we use, things can wear down. When it comes to a baby carrier, any sign of wear and tear should be cautioned and can sacrifice the carrier’s safety. While it can be tempting to purchase a used carrier online, be sure to be thorough when inspecting for wear and tear. There are many affordable carrier options that don’t sacrifice the safety of your little one.

9. Keep hips in the “M” position

The Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier is designed to allow your baby to sit in an ‘M’ position, meaning your baby’s legs are in the correct squat position around your hips to promote stable hip positioning and development. 

The Tushbaby is the best-selling hip seat carrier on the market. From its safe design to its practical features, the Tushbaby can make everyday life with a baby easier. It has four carrying positions, five storage pockets, an easy on-and-off design, and the ability to double as breastfeeding support. It’s not just another carrier designed to wear your baby with: made with intention, love, and the hope of making your day-to-day life more manageable, Tushbaby has your back. . . literally!

Questions to ask yourself for babywearing safety:

1. Are you using the correct carrying position for your baby’s growth stage?

As babies grow and develop, their needs change. Before babywearing, you should check product recommendations to determine what the carrier is designed for and what’s deemed safe. The physical positioning of your baby can support their physical development while keeping them safe. 

• Newborn: Newborn babies need more support. Some carriers may have required attachments for babywearing with a newborn, some may recommend only using certain carrying positions for a newborn, and some may just not be designed for a newborn at all. The Tushbaby hip seat carrier can be used right from infancy for feeding support, all the way to age 3 or up to 45 pounds. Before using the Tushbaby with The Snug attachment for hands-free babywearing, you should wait until your baby is at least 12 pounds. 
• Infant: As your baby gets older, their physical development evolves. Now that they can hold up their head and control their movements, they might be a bit harder to restrict in a baby carrier. A baby carrier with multiple carrying options, such as the Tushbaby, can benefit infants and parents.
• Older infant-toddler: Most carriers have maximum weight recommendations. As your tiny baby grows into an older infant or toddler, you’ll want to be mindful of weight recommendations. While your child may still love to be carried, and you might need support to simply hold them, it’s critical to continue to prioritize safety. The Tushbaby can accommodate infants 0-3 years of age or up to 45 pounds. Our hands-free Snug attachment should only be used for infants that weigh 12 pounds and up.
  

2. Can you see and kiss your baby’s face?

It’s important to ensure your baby’s airways are always unrestricted, especially when babywearing. When babywearing, you should be able to see your baby’s face—and kissing that sweet face is a bonus. Baby carriers such as the Tushbaby feature an open design, making it easier to see your baby’s face at all times. 

3. Is the activity you want to do something you’d do while holding your baby?

While babywearing can make us more mobile with a baby…some activities are best to do without a baby. Even though you may be able to do a certain activity or chore thanks to the convenience of babywearing, you should always consider the safety of your baby. 

What are safe positions for babywearing?

Baby carriers should offer safe carrying positions. It’s important to familiarize yourself with all baby products, including baby carriers, so you know what’s safe and at what stage of development. The Tushbaby has 4 different carry positions designed for various developmental stages.

• Feeding Position (0-36 months)
• Face-to-Face Position (4-36 months)
• Side-Carrying Position (4-36 months)
• Front-Facing Position (6-36 months)

Our wrap-style attachment, The Snug, connects around the Tushbaby carrier’s waistband to support hands-free babywearing for babies 12-45lbs. It’s designed exclusively for use with Tushbaby carriers and can be put on alone to create additional hands-free face-in and face-out carry positions. Parents love this first-of-its-kind combo for anything from grocery runs to global adventures—and extra-close snuggles. 

Navigating life with a baby is something you’ll need to adapt to. Their flexible yet fragile little bodies might seem scary, but over time, you’ll get more confident handling them. When it comes to babywearing, always practice safe babywearing techniques; if you’re ever uncertain about anything, check the product’s recommendations, watch any instructional videos you can find, and consult your doctor. 

Promote safe babywearing. . .  order a Tushbaby Carrier today!