Here at Sling Jax Baby Slings we take safety extremely seriously.  Please read the information below to help you to be safe while babywearing.

Safety for newborn babies

It is extremely important to ensure that your baby is positioned correctly while being worn in any carrier.

Ensure that baby's face is uncovered so that she can breathe freely and does not have her chin pressed against her chest while in the sling.  This applies to ALL slings and baby carriers.

Please read the safety information here BEFORE attempting to carry your newborn baby in ANY baby carrier.

There is also VERY important information about "bag" type slings here: Concerns about 'bag' slings 

24 March 2010 : UK BABY SLING SAFETY PRESS RELEASE HERE or http://www.babyslingsafe.com

Babywearing Safety

• When learning to use any new carrier it is best to have another adult “spot” you in case you need assistance. Practicing over a soft surface like a padded mat or bed is sensible to begin with.
• Baby should be well fed, well rested, and be clean and dry before practicing…. You will be more successful in ensuring a safe and secure babywearing experience for you both!
• Use all your senses to constantly monitor baby.
  1. Look at baby for proper positioning.
  2. Listen often to monitor airflow. If baby starts grunting, snoring or making any unusual sounds, it may be a sign that the airway is not clear – reposition baby immediately.
  3. Feel baby's skin to gauge the temperature and tone. Avoid “chin to chest” posture of baby, as it can obstruct the airway. Mirrors, car windows, and other reflective surfaces can be very helpful in monitoring baby, or use a hand held mirror.
• Take extra precaution with respect to your personal space when babywearing. Avoid tight fits around door frames, sharp corners, revolving doors, automatic doors (like on public transportation) and other tight spaces. Remember that you are bigger when baby is attached to you, just like in pregnancy.
• SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) can happen anywhere, even in baby carriers. Thus, it is important to incorporate SIDS safety tips everywhere. Do not put soft bedding items, toys, etc in the area of the baby carrier with your child, as it could pose a potential suffocation hazard. Avoid smoking with a baby in the home. Make sure nothing is ever covering baby's face . Do not allow baby to become overheated. Remember that when wearing baby, your own body heat is added to theirs. A single layer of clothing may be all you need for you and baby.
• Babies love skin to skin contact and some experts think that it can regulate baby's temperature and other natural responses. Therefore, you may want to choose thin layers of breathable materials and avoid excessive padding in your clothes and your choice of baby carrier. Never use any accessory that has not been specifically tested and approved for your type of carrier.
• Some common activities are made more dangerous when wearing a baby in a carrier. Cooking with heat/sharp knives, cleaning with harsh chemicals, DIY, jogging, sports, cycling, activities on or near bodies of water such as sailing, fishing etc. Do not engage in these activities when babywearing.
• Always inspect your carrier before use for loose seams and other signs of wear. Replace the carrier at the first sign of wear as it may be dangerous.
• Baby's position and posture in a sling should mimic holding baby in your arms. A high, snug carry that places baby over your center of gravity will help ensure that baby doesn't slip and the caregiver's back will benefit.
• The principles of healthy back positioning and posture apply even more so when you are wearing baby. To protect your back, keep baby close to you and when you must lift something, bend only with your knees and not your back. It is not a good idea to wear high heels for an extended period while wearing baby in a carrier.

This information is provided by kind permission of the DC Metro Area Babywearers, USA. It is not intended as a comprehensive list, but only a starting point to think about babywearing safety issues and should only be used as a complement to your own good common sense.

Babywearing safety is solely the responsibility of the caregiver.

Happy Babywearing!

Edited by Shani Dale