Families For Life | Baby Carriers, Slings and Backpacks: Safety Guide-Toddlers

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If you want to have your hands free when you’re out and about with your baby, baby carriers, slings or backpacks might be options for you. A few simple precautions will help ensure your baby’s safety when you’re using this equipment.

About baby carriers, slings and backpacks

Baby carriers, baby slings and baby backpacks are different types of equipment for carrying your baby on your chest or back.

Baby carriers are soft padded carriers that you wear on your front. Some have adjustable options so you can wear your baby on your back or hip.

Baby slings are pouches or strips of fabric, usually secured over your shoulder and worn across your front in various positions.

Baby backpacks usually have rigid frames. You wear them only on your back. They’re suitable for older babies and toddlers who can hold up their heads.

Carrying your baby in a baby carrier, sling or backpack gives you the advantage of having your hands free, and most babies like being able to see the world from up high. If you use carriers, slings and backpacks the right way, they’re safe and practical ways to get around with your baby.

Baby carriers: what to look for

If you’re interested in baby carriers, it’s important to look for one that:

allows healthy hip positioning for your baby
is safe to use
is comfortable for you to wear

Healthy hip positioning

Healthy hip positioning is important to encourage normal hip development in babies and reduce the risk of developmental dysplasia of the hip.

Your baby carrier should allow your baby’s hips to spread so his legs are straddling your body. Your baby’s knees should be spread apart, his thighs should be supported and his hips bent.

Carrying your baby with her hips together inside a sling can increase her risk of hip dysplasia.

Safe baby carriers

The following tips can help you choose a safe baby carrier:

Look for a baby carrier with the European standard EN 13209-2:2005 or the US standard ASTM F2236-08.
Check that the carrier or sling comes with easy-to-understand written, visual or video instructions that show you how to use it safely.
Make sure the carrier is made from sturdy, durable materials.
Take your baby with you when you’re shopping for a carrier or sling. Ask a shop assistant to show you how to fit the carrier or sling correctly with your baby in it.
Check that your baby can move their head, arms and legs and see out of the carrier or sling. Also check that the fabric doesn’t cut into their face.
Make sure you can put the carrier or sling on and take it off without any help. Also ensure that you can do up any buckles, straps or clips without help and that you can adjust all straps firmly with one hand.
Never use products that are described as ‘womb like’ or ‘like a cocoon’. These products can cover your baby’s face or force them into the fetal position. This increases the risk of suffocation and overheating.

Comfortable baby carriers

The best way to find a comfortable carrier is to try on different styles with your baby. If your spouse and other caregivers will be using the carrier, look for a style that will be comfortable for them too.

Here are a few tips on choosing comfortable baby carriers:

Look for broad, padded shoulder straps that go across your back, as well as a broad waist strap. These will help to distribute your baby’s weight evenly and keep some pressure off your shoulders. They should also stop the carrier moving from side to side too much.
Ensure the carrier is appropriate for different weather changes and won’t make your baby overheat in the warmer months.
If you plan to use the carrier as your baby grows, look for a carrier that you can change around so your baby can face out.
Use your baby carrier only until your baby feels too heavy or uncomfortable to carry safely.

Baby carriers, slings and backpacks: safety tips

Here’s how to secure your baby in a carrier, sling or backpack and use this equipment safely.

Securing babies in carriers, slings and backpacks: general tips

Read the tags for height and weight, and use the right baby carrier for your baby’s size.
Tighten the straps before you put your baby in, then use the body straps and limb restraints to provide a snug, secure fit.
Make sure you can adjust all straps firmly with one hand.
Try to get into the habit of checking that the straps are still secure and show no signs of damage before putting your baby in each time. If any straps or buckles are damaged, contact the supplier or manufacturer.
Get someone to help you put your baby in the carrier until you get used to doing it on your own. Some people find it helpful to practise with a doll or teddy bear before putting the baby in.

Using carriers, slings and backpacks: general tips

Wear shoes that are easy to walk in, and look out for uneven surfaces so you don’t trip.
Avoid using carriers in hot weather, because your body heat and the carrier will increase your baby’s temperature. On hot days, you could use a shaded pram or stroller instead.
Take care when putting on and taking off the carrier, because this is when falls are most common. If you can, get somebody else to help you, or sit down on the floor.
Hold on to something stable – like a pole – if you bend down or lean forward while wearing the sling, carrier or backpack.
If you’re cooking, don’t carry your baby in a front-wearing carrier or sling because of the risk of burning your baby.

Baby slings: extra safety information

Babies can be at risk of suffocation if they’re not correctly put into baby slings. This is because young babies can’t move if they’re in a dangerous position that is blocking their airways.

The T.I.C.K.S. rule can help you remember how to position your baby safely in a baby sling:

Tight: the sling should be tight, with the baby positioned high and upright with head support. Any loose fabric might cause your baby to slump down, which could restrict her breathing.
In view at all times: always be able to see your baby’s face by simply looking down. Ensure your baby’s face, nose and mouth remain uncovered by the sling and/or your body.
Close enough to kiss: your baby should be close enough to your chin that by tipping his head forward you can easily kiss his head.
Keep chin off the chest: ensure your baby’s chin is up and away from her body. Your baby should never be curled so that her chin is forced onto her chest. This can restrict breathing. Regularly check your baby. Babies can be in distress without making any noise or movement.
Supported back: your baby’s back should be supported in a natural position with his tummy and chest against you. When bending over, support your baby with one hand behind his back. Bend at the knees, not at the waist.

Take your baby out of the carrier or sling straight away if:

Your baby’s face is covered, or their chin is tucked in.
Your baby is curled into the fetal position.
Your baby is grunting, wheezing, or taking laboured, rapid or whistling breaths.
There’s a grey or blue tinge to your baby’s skin.
Your baby is fussy, restless or squirming.

Babies who were premature, had low birth weight, are unwell, or are under four months of age are at greater risk of suffocation in baby slings. Talk to your General Practitioner (GP) or paediatrician before using a sling.

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