Whether in arms or in carriers, there are simple ways to help keep our little ones safe...

 

A...allow baby to maintain an open airway. 

 

How?

Keep the chin off the chest.  When baby's chin curls down towards or onto the chest, baby's airway is partially or completely closed. 

(Imagine a tiny drinking straw with a bend or kink in it.  Not much will go through.)

Avoid at all costs any carrier, position, or device that puts baby in this chin towards chest position.  The carrier that always puts baby in this dangerous position is known in babywearing circles as a bag sling, a tote sling, or a duffel sling.  Most, if not all, other types of carriers can be used safely, if the wearer places baby in a correct position. 

The recommended position for newborns and young infants is a vertical or tummy to tummy position, with baby supported firmly on the wearer's chest.  The best carriers allow babe to benefit from an open airway, proper head and neck support, a slightly rounded spine, and correct hip and leg positioning.

Even breastfeeding can occur in this vertical position.  *If you prefer to use a cradle position while breastfeeding, it is recommended to bring babe back to a vertical position as soon as babe is no longer actively drinking at the breast.*

B...avoid bag slings, also known as tote slings or duffel slings. 

 

See above. 

Not only is baby's airway compromised or completely restricted in this design, airflow within the sling itself is often lacking, due to the very deep body of the carrier and the sides that slope toward each other at the opening of the carrier. 

The size and design of the interior base of the carrier also afford baby the opportunity to roll inward and against the wearer, or to roll outward and against the fabric of the carrier...and either scenario puts babe at risk for decreased airflow.

 

C...always keep baby in a position where baby's face and coloring are clearly visible. 

 

Avoid any carrier that covers baby's face completely, and any position in which baby's coloring cannot be immediately noted.  One should never have to pull aside fabric and peer down into the dim interior of a carrier to guess at a baby's condition.

 

 

These simple ABC's are the perfect place to start when considering any position or carrier for our babies. 

 

 

 

 

 

Want to read more?  Here are a few links to recent news about babywearing safety: