Slings and Carriers for Babies

Slings and Carriers for Babies

There’s a fair bit of conflicting information about these around so i’ll try and put the important points down here, if you have any specific questions, do feel free to contact us us.

Slings;
– Should always be comfortable for you the Mum, try a few, don’t just buy the first one you see.
– You should ALWAYS be able to see your baby’s face
– Follow the TICKS safety guidelines:
(T) Tight enough to keep baby close to you
(I) In view at all times just by glancing down
(C) Close enough to kiss baby’s forehead
(K)Keep chin off chest, should be at least a finger width between the two
(S) Supported back, natural position with tummy and chest against you.
– If you swaddle your baby, don’t have the legs held straight and next to each other, hips should be loose and able to move with some space between the legs.
– Take extra care with ‘bag’ type slings that baby can move and face is clearly visible.

Front carriers;
Very safe, excellent position for baby, again, just make sure face is clear so baby can breather.
– Don’t use forward facing ones until baby can support its own head weight properly (2months+)

Back carriers;
Good position for baby/child but always ensure you keep checking their temperature, if you are walking up a steep hill outdoors you will stay very warm from the exercise but if it is windy or cold, your passenger can become very chilled very quickly.

Comfort for you;
– The wider the straps the better. Ideally crossed diagonally over your back, with the buckle nice and high.
– A waist strap is always preferably as it takes the weight off your shoulders so much better for your own back. After about 6 months of age, this is ESSENTIAL.
– With slings, the higher on your own body you can keep baby, and the tighter to you, the better.

Any other questions, or if you’re unsure about how best to wear yours, either give us a call on 01179231138 and ask to speak to one of the osteopaths, or bring your carrier in and we will have a look at it with you.

Sally

14 September 2013