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FURTHER INFO
Babywearing Safety
Posted by Peggy and Marites on August 14, 2015
We love that you've found the love of babywearing! While wearing your babies will make your life easier by letting you be hands free, we want to ensure that all our babies are carried in most safest and comfortable way for both the wearer and the wearee.
Our #1 recommendation will always be "follow the manufacturer's guide." The carriers you buy from us will be tested, approved, and compliant to be sold safely as a babywearing sling/carrier/wrap. It will come with a guide and sizing recommendations can be found on this website as well as the maker's websites. We 100% recommend you follow their guide and use the carrier the way it is intended to and do not modify, sew, or cut the carrier in any way that can void the warranty. Registering your carrier when receiving it will ensure that you get safety updates on the item you purchased.
#2 - Use your common sense - if it's not something you would do holding a baby in your arms, then don't do it babywearing. For example, using a frying pan and heating up hot oil while holding your baby, you wouldn't do it while holding your baby in your arms, don't do it while wearing your baby in a carrier in the front.
#3 Practice practice practice. Watch lots of youtube videos on wearing your baby (i.e. Wrapping Rachel) and practice with a doll, then practice with your baby over a bed with someone spotting you, and in the house in front of the mirror.
#4 follow the T*I*C*K*S rule!
T – Tight, The importance of a sling or carrier being tight is to hold a baby safely against the wearer, it supports the spine in a straight-upright position and stops baby from falling out of the wrap or carrier accidentally.
I – In view at all times, Seeing your baby at all times allows you to be constantly monitoring your child’s breathing and general demeanour, you will have the ability to make sure the chin hasn’t dropped and they are happy. You will also be able to check temperature and feeding cues.
C – Close enough to kiss, This is greatly important also, as the lower the child the less you will be able to tell about your child, placed in an upright position you should be able to lower your head and kiss the top of babies head, if you are unable to do this, then it’s advised your re-position your child higher.
K – Keep chin off chest, if your child is tight, in an upright position and spine is curved with legs in the squat position the likelihood of the chin dropping is unlikely, this is the most optimum position for safety, development and comfort. The rule of thumb is a child should have a gap of roughly 2 fingers width underneath their chin.
S – Supported back, the tightness of any carrier will be crucial in the support of a babies spine, it’s also important not to over tighten. The carrier should be tight enough to keep the child against the parents body without a gap, but still have the ability to slide your hands into the carrier with ease if needed. Generally in an upright position, if the carrier is adequately supporting the spine the chin will not drop, but its important to follow all the steps carefully
***We here at Babygeekery does not manufacture carriers or wraps so we do not guarantee any manufacturing defects or take responsiblity for the safety of your carrier. Please get in touch with the carrier maker of your item if you receive it with a manufacturing flaw. Always inspect your carrier prior to each use for any signs of damage or wear and contact the carrier maker if you find any. If you are unable to get in contact with the maker, we will be happy to help you.
RESOURCES:
http://babywearinginternational.org/what-is-babywearing/