Wearing your baby in a carrier is generally a very safe activity. However, like any activity involving infants and small children, it is important to follow basic safety guidelines, regardless of the child’s age.
Check the carrier before every use.
- Inspect the carrier thoroughly for any signs of wear or damage, such as frayed seams, worn fabric, unsafe parts or broken buckles.
- It is best to purchase a carrier from a reputable manufacturer whose products have all the necessary safety certifications and are approved for sale within the European Union.
Use a carrier appropriate for your child’s age.
- If using a soft structured carrier (also called a front pack or "baby backpack"), check whether your child falls within the recommended age group, and if needed, use the required infant insert.
Make sure the carrier provides proper support for the baby’s back and neck, especially while the baby is still very young.
- The baby's legs should not dangle freely in the carrier. Instead, their legs and hips should be in the “M” position (also known as the “frog” position), with legs spread apart and raised, ideally with knees higher than the hips.
- Ergonomic carriers, soft structured carriers, mei-tais, slings, and wraps offer enough support for the baby and comfort for the wearer.
Wear the baby high enough on your body
- The baby should be positioned high enough in the carrier that you can easily kiss the top of their head.
- If the baby is positioned too low, the carrier is likely too loose, which increases the risk of the baby falling out.
Ensure the baby can breathe freely and that their face is not covered.
- An infant, especially one who cannot yet control their neck muscles, may fall asleep in a position where their airways become restricted.
- Keep the baby high enough on your body so you can monitor their breathing and ensure their chin is not resting on their chest.
- Carry the baby in a horizontal position only while breastfeeding, and return them to an upright position after feeding.
Dress according to the weather and avoid overheating the baby.
- Keep in mind that while babywearing, your body temperature (around 37°C) contributes to warming the baby, so there is a risk of overheating.
- Ideally, dress your baby in the same number of clothing layers as you are wearing.
Practice new wraps and carrier techniques in a safe environment.
- When trying out new tying methods or ways of wearing your baby, always practice with another adult present, over a soft surface or close to the ground, until you feel fully confident.
- This is especially important when carrying a baby on your back, where you can’t see them. If you need help, consult a trained babywearing advisor.
- Do not wear your baby in situations where you wouldn’t normally carry them in your arms.
- A baby carrier is not a substitute for a car seat.
Carriers with a narrow base (those that support only the baby’s bottom but not the legs to the knees) are not recommended, because:
- the baby’s legs lack necessary support and the hips are not properly positioned
- there is increased pressure on the spine and crotch area, which can lead to discomfort or even injury to the baby's legs or genitals
- there is insufficient support for the head and neck, and the baby’s back is unnaturally straightened instead of being in a natural C-curve
- these types of carriers are often uncomfortable for the person carrying the baby as well.
To learn more about why babywearing is beneficial and the advantages it offers for both you and your child, read the article “Benefits of Babywearing.”
Extract from the brochure “Safe Childhood”, UNICEF 2020.
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