SNUGGbaby

1. Baby is breathing well

   • Always make sure that baby's airway is not obstructed, the fabric shouldn't cover baby's face.

   • Baby should get good airflow especially when you wear your baby 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.

2. Naturally curled vs. too much curled (applicable mostly to newborns)

   • Newborns are naturally curled by being in the fetal position in the womb and they retain some of this curl when they were born

   • It's okay for them to curl a little because 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 its chest

   • With tummy to tummy, baby's back should be supported by fabric or mehdai straps to avoid baby from slumping into the carrier

   • Use support by folding a nappy or small towel placed at baby's back if it's necessary to achieve good and snug positioning

3. Not too hot or not too cold

   • 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 extremely cold weather, babywearing gear only, even though thick is not enough to protect the baby against cold. Put on layers and cover baby's head.

4. The first time

   • Have someone to help you

   • Try your carrier near soft landing like a sofa or bed

   • Wear your baby as low as possible and stand up when you're confident that you're wearing them correctly

   • Both you and baby should be calm

   • Stop and rest if baby struggles too much and try again when the baby is calm

5. To babywear or not to babywear

   • If you need to put on some form of safety gear, chances are you're not supposed to wear your baby. (E.g. Rollerskating, operating heavy machinery, biking)

   • Don't wear your baby in the car. The car seat is the safest place for baby

   • If you happen to fall into the water, the baby will be safer if NOT strapped to your body

   • Activities that involve 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

6. Beware of graspy baby

   • 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, be certain that the baby doesn't accidentally touch or ingest them

   • Remember that they can reach things with their feet too

7. Inspect your carriers for wear and tear

   • Make it a habit to inspect your carriers for any signs of wear and tear

   • All support seams should be intact

   • Buckles and rings shouldn't have cracks

   • Fabric shouldn't have signs of ripping

8. Check, reposition and adjust.

   • Eventually, while babywearing carriers may come loose, baby's position can be shifted

   • Stop and check positioning in the mirror

   • Make sure baby's leg doesn't turn blue, this is unlikely with correct positioning

   • Tighten or retie your knots and readjust if necessary

   • Bouncing a bit or repositioning from time to time may help baby's circulation

9. Listen to your body

   • You are carrying extra weight but with good weight distribution that comes with babywearing, sometimes you don't feel this extra weight

   • Ideally, you should take a break from time to time

   • Don't try to exert yourself and risk injuring your muscles

   • If you can, switch shoulders now and again with a single shouldered carrier

   • Share the weight between you and your partner if you're babywearing for long period of time

10. Do!

    • Enjoy all the incredible benefits that come with wearing your baby safely.                                      

Written by: Liza Yaakup, updated 18/5/2018

 

References:

 

https://www.snuggbaby.com/blog/rookie-mistake

http://babyslingsafety.co.uk/

https://hipdysplasia.org/developmental-dysplasia-of-the-hip/baby-wearing/