It is amazing how creative minds find ways to keep a mother’s life easy and comfortable. With the baby carriers around nowadays, I can enjoy my day a hundredfold and be more productive as I can be. Therefore, in making sure that nothing can go wrong, I put safety as my priority!
Being dependent on baby carriers to keep myself in motion all day long, I need to be confident that trusting the right kind is a wise choice to make it happen. However, before I start the day rolling, sticking to safety rules became part of my routine.
If you love multitasking, we are on the same page!
Safety Guide When Using Baby Carriers
Baby Carriers are a soft-padded carrier that helps you wear your baby on your front, back and hip. You cannot imagine how happy I was when I got my first baby carrier. Wearing my baby gave me the convenience of using my hands again.
These baby carriers gave me the power of multitasking, making me more productive at the end of the day. Let me share with you some important tips to enjoy your baby carriers without compromising the safety of your baby.
1. Know When is The Right Time to Use Baby Carriers
The good news is you can use baby carriers even right after your little one is born. However, you should choose the kind of baby carrier that suits your baby’s needs and age. There are plenty of designs and features to keep your baby safe.
Ensure that it is suitable for your child’s size and age. Hence, take time to decide before bringing it home.
2. Master the right positions
Baby carriers are there to give you the chance to do your tasks as much as you can even when you are carrying your baby. However, there is a proper way of using it so as not to impose a risk to your little one. Here are the different positions and a short tutorial on each of them for your guide.
- A carrier that encourages comfortable and correct hip position for my baby is ideal to prevent developmental dysplasia of the hip.
See this video a demo of a baby carrier using a healthy hip position.
My favorite position is the facing in. I like it when I can see my baby’s face right in front of me and talk to her most of the time. REMEMBER: Your baby must be at least 7 lbs. to use it or for 2-3 months. Within this stage, newborns are interested in the human face.
Using the facing in position:
- I suggest using this position when your baby is in a good mood and when the environment is familiar to her. Observe how your baby reacts on what she sees. REMEMBER: Start using this position when the baby is at least 5 months of age when she already developed strong neck muscles.
Using the facing front outward carry:
- This could be difficult for the first time. Ask for some assistance until you master how it works. This position is applicable when your baby is old enough and is too heavy (10 kg or more) to carry in front.
Tutorial on how to use back position safely:
3. Safety Tips You Need to Consider:
- Make sure your baby can breathe. I do not allow additional fabrics when using the carrier. It may cover my baby’s face and increase the risk of suffocation.
- checkDo not wear your baby too tight. Carry her close to you in an upright position, enough to give airways.
- checkClothe your baby wisely, appropriate to the day’s weather. Consider the fact that your body is warm enough close to hers.
- checkBefore going outdoors, double-check the security of the buckles and readjust them according to your comfort and baby’s support.
- checkAlways bend at the knee to keep your little one in an upright position.
- checkNever put your baby at risk. Do not smoke, run, drive, drink hot liquid or join activities imposing danger when carrying a baby.
- checkWear comfortable shoes. High heels are a big NO.
- checkLying down is never an option when using baby carriers.
- checkConsider head support as a priority and protect your baby’s hips.
- checkDo not use baby carriers too long within the day. Give time for your baby to relax and move.
- checkUse your common sense.
Final Thoughts
Are you wearing your baby often? Then you are familiar with the TICKS rule. This rule wraps up all that I need to emphasize about my baby’s safety. It means tight, in view at all times, Close enough to kiss, Keep the chin off chest and Supported back.
Knowing TICKS Babywearing rule by heart is an assurance that you are on the right track of taking care of your baby safely. If you find this interesting and helpful, feel free to share this with your friends and promote baby safety. Let me hear from you!
Great content . Really took the time to post videos and all.
Thank you so much!