A baby sling or carrier is a device designed to hold an infant close to the wearer’s body. This practice, known as babywearing, allows caregivers to keep their hands free while maintaining physical closeness with their child. Close contact supports emotional bonding and physical regulation for the baby. Safe use requires attention to the carrier’s fit and the baby’s position. This guide provides instructions for safely preparing the carrier and correctly seating the infant.
The Core Rules for Sling Safety
Maintaining safety while babywearing starts with a constant, non-negotiable checklist known as TICKS. The “T” stands for Tight, meaning the sling should be snug enough to hold the baby securely against the wearer without any slack, which prevents the baby from slumping. The “I” is for In View at All Times; the wearer must be able to see the baby’s face by simply glancing down, ensuring no fabric obstructs the nose or mouth.
The “C” means Close Enough to Kiss, positioning the baby high on the chest so the wearer can easily lean forward and kiss the top of the baby’s head. This height ensures a clear airway and proper upright posture. The “K” is to Keep Chin Off Chest, which prevents positional asphyxia, a condition where the baby’s chin pressing against their chest restricts breathing. Always ensure there is at least a finger-width of space beneath the baby’s chin. Finally, the “S” is for Supported Back, requiring the baby’s back to be held in its natural position without slumping or curling into a compromising posture. These five rules apply universally, regardless of the carrier type.
Adjusting the Carrier Before Use
The initial setup of the carrier focuses entirely on achieving a high, snug fit on the adult’s body before the baby is placed inside. For a ring sling, the fabric must first be threaded over the top ring and then under the bottom ring, ensuring the fabric is spread evenly without twisting. To adjust the sling, tension is applied to the fabric “rails”: the top rail is tightened by pulling the tail across the body horizontally, the middle sections are tightened with a diagonal pull, and the bottom rail is adjusted by pulling the tail straight down.
With a stretchy wrap, the fabric is typically pre-tied using a pocket wrap cross carry, where the center marker is placed on the chest, crossed behind the back, and brought over the shoulders. The resulting “X” on the front must be high and tight enough that when the wearer pushes their palms together inside the cross, it feels secure and supportive. If the wrap is too loose, the baby will sit too low, which can be corrected by re-tying the wrap tighter.
Soft Structured Carriers (SSCs) require adjustment of the padded components for the wearer’s comfort and the baby’s height. The waistband should be buckled snugly and positioned parallel to the ground, often resting on the hips or slightly higher to shift the baby’s weight off the shoulders. The chest clip, which fastens the shoulder straps together, should be adjusted vertically to a comfortable height to prevent slippage and evenly distribute the load. The shoulder straps should be tightened to draw the baby close to the wearer’s center of gravity, ensuring there is no slack that could allow the infant to shift or slump.
Achieving Proper Infant Positioning
Once the carrier is correctly fitted to the wearer, the baby’s positioning inside must be checked to support healthy development and clear airways. The most important consideration is the “M-position,” also known as the spread-squat position, which is recommended by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. In this position, the baby’s knees are flexed and spread apart, sitting higher than their bottom, which allows the hip joint to align naturally.
The carrier fabric should extend from one knee pit to the other, fully supporting the thighs and ensuring the baby is seated deep within the fabric rather than dangling. This supportive, spread-squat posture promotes optimal development of the hip socket, especially during the first six months of life when the joints are most flexible. Simultaneously, the baby’s back should be supported to maintain its natural curvature.
Newborns and young infants naturally have a primary spinal curve, often described as a gentle C-shape. The carrier should support this curve without forcing the spine into a straight position. This supported, slightly rounded back is achieved when the baby is held upright against the wearer’s chest. The fabric of the carrier should come up high enough to support the baby’s head and neck until they develop full control, while still ensuring the face remains uncovered and in view at all times.