We hope our clients find their new carriers helpful and useful. Here are some reminders how to use slings safely.
Ensure children can breathe
All babies and children must be able to breathe easily in the sling or carrier all the time.
Their airways must never be obstructed. Their face must be free of fabric and their nostrils must not be buried in the parent’s skin. The back of their head must be free to move and they must not be buried inside the carrier.
Good positioning is important
Baby’s head should never be pressed forward by fabric behind the head. They must be freely ably to move their head so they can breathe.
The head of young babies should be resting on the flat, upper part of the parent’s chest.
The top of the baby’s head should be close enough to kiss when they are being carried on the front.
Sleeping babies relax. This can mean their bodies slump over and a gap forms between child’s chest and parent’s body.
There should not be a gap between child and parent. This keeps babies upright and stops them slumping.
If your baby is slumped over, correct their position, and make your carrier tighter. A good guide is no more than the flat of a hand between your baby’s chest and your own.
Sleeping in slings
Children sleep well in slings and may stay asleep longer than normal.
Make sure you are feeding your baby regularly, as a baby fast asleep in a sling may demand fewer feeds.
A parent must not sleep while they are carrying their baby in a sling. This may obstruct the baby’s airway.
Feeding in Slings
If you choose to feed your baby in your carrier please be aware this comes with extra risks to the airway. Babies can stop breathing if their nose and mouth are obstructed by breast tissue.
Baby’s head must never be covered by fabric or head rests and they must be able to move their head freely at all times.
Do not feed your baby hands-free in the carrier. Baby’s breathing must be monitored at all times.
Once baby has finished feeding baby must be moved back to a high, tight and in sight position so they can breathe safely.
Managing your baby’s temperature in the sling
Do not overdress your baby. Babies get warm quickly in slings and overheating makes them drowsy.
Avoid putting baby in thick, bulky clothes (like snowsuits) in the carrier. It is better to use several thinner layers.
If going outside in cold weather with baby in the sling, keep their head, hands and feet warm with hats, gloves and socks.
If you use the sling in hotter weather, dress baby lightly and stay in the shade. Give baby plenty of drinks.
Please contact us if you need more help with safety.
Further Reading for Support Staff
Here are some useful links for more in depth reading about safety, please contact us if you have any questions. Four Key Areas for Safety
General Safety with Sling Use for Young Babies
Breast and Bottle Feeding in Slings