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

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 pediatric-recommended “M” position while offering an ergonomic 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 ergonomic 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.

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 pediatrician recommended ‘M’ position refers to how your baby should safely sit in a carrier. 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!

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