SNUGGbaby.com

Babywearing Safety Checklist

Baby’s breathing well

Always make sure that baby’s airway is not obstructed, fabric shouldn’t cover baby’s face.
Baby should get good airflow especially when you babywear at stuffy and crowded places
Don’t always ASSUME quiet/sleeping baby a content baby. Make sure of it.
Nursing while babywearing is a very handy skill but always make sure your boob is not covering baby’s nose.
Face baby towards the side (preferably facing slightly upwards) when they fall asleep and make sure their face is not pressed against your body.

Newborns are naturally curled by being in fetal position in womb and they retain some of this curlness when they were born
It’s okay for them to curl a little coz even when you carry them with bare hands, their spine is naturally slightly curved
BUT babies shouldn’t be curled further caused by bad positioning in the carrier
You know it’s wrong if baby’s chin is pressed against the chest
When you look in mirror (with slings) baby’s body should be making more of v-shape rather than c-shape or u-shape in cradle position
With tummy to tummy, baby’s back should be supported by fabric or mei tai straps to avoid baby from slumping into carrier
Use support by folding a nappy or small towel placed at baby’s back if it’s necessary to achieve good positioning

Slings and carriers are an additional layer around your baby so dress lightly in hot weather.
Avoid constrictive clothing like tight denim as this may add pressure points onto your baby
Put on sunblock if you plan to go outdoors in daylight
In cold weather, babywearing gear only eventhough thick is not enough to protect baby against cold. Put on layers and cover the head.

Have someone to help you
Try your carrier near soft landing like sofa or bed
Wear your baby as low as possible and stand up when you’re confident that you’re wearing correctly
Both you and baby should be calm
Stop and rest if baby struggles too much and try again when baby is calm

If you need to put on some form of safety gear, chances are you’re not suppose to wear your baby. E.g. Rollerskating, operating heavy machinery, biking
Don’t wear your baby in the car. Car seat is the safest place for baby
If you happen to fall into water, baby will be safer if not strapped on your body
Activities that involves a lot of bouncing and shaking shouldn’t be done with your baby strapped on your body. E.g. running, aerobics, jumping
To travel by plane is an exception

Baby is at the same level as you, what you can reach most likely they can too
Be aware of your surroundings
Cooking should be done very carefully especially when dealing with sharp knives and hot surfaces
Be careful when dealing with laundry detergent or misc. cleaning liquid, make sure baby don’t accidentally touch or ingest them
Remember that they can reach things with their feet too