Learn more about the 4th trimester and how to support your baby’s development and growth.
Additional safety tips
While the T.I.C.K.S. rule is great for babywearing and getting comfortable with general positioning. However, there are additional safety tips to be aware of.
- Monitor baby temperature: Because you are wearing your baby pretty close to you, monitor their temperature, especially in warm rooms or climates. Do this by feeling the back of their neck to see if it’s warm, if their cheeks are red, or if they are short of breath. They are likely to get much warmer more quickly being so close to you for extended amounts of time.
- Baby hips in “m” or squat position: The “M” position or the squat position, is where baby’s legs surround the carrier’s hips. This position can support healthy hip development.
- Check for carrier wear and tear: Like many other items we use daily (or often), we should always check for wear and tear to make sure it’s still working properly and safely. Baby carriers are no different; check them and replace them once it shows signs of aging or wear.
- Follow your baby’s cues: This safety tip may seem obvious, but sometimes reminders are good! If your baby seems uncomfortable or your baby feels too hot in the carrier, follow their cue. Take them out and try something else.
- Practice: Practice makes perfect! Practice wearing your baby for short periods at first to get you and your baby comfortable and used to this new activity. Then, as long as it goes well, you can try wearing them for longer.
- Mindful of general safety: The general rule of babywearing is: If you wouldn’t do it holding your baby, don’t do it while you babywear. While babywearing may feel like it gives you the freedom to do many things, you still shouldn’t do it if it’s unsafe.
Different types of carriers for babywearing
There are a lot of different types of carriers for babywearing. Below, are the seven main types of babywearing carriers: Soft-structured carriers, stretchy wraps, Mei Tais woven wraps, slings, ring slings, and pouch slings.
Finding which type of carrier works best for you will depend on a few factors. Consider the age of your baby and the activities you want to do while carrying them. Each type of carrier has pros and cons that will influence your decision.
No matter which carrier you choose, please follow the instructions for each.
Soft structured carriers (SSCs)
Soft structured carriers, often called SSCs, are worn similarly to a backpack with padded straps around the shoulders. You can wear these carriers on your chest or your back. People like this option for a carrier as it’s pretty easy to use and doesn’t involve much wrapping.
These carriers are typically worn after your newborn has grown a little more into the baby stage, but it depends on the brand. SSCs can be used into toddlerhood too which makes them a long-lasting option!
Stretchy wraps
Stretchy wraps are ideal for babies under one year old. These wraps are great for many things especially if you live in harsh climates or have limited storage. There are stretchy carriers made for colder temperatures, and ones for warmer temperatures that keep the baby (and you) cool. Plus, they fold up compactly and can be easily stored.
While these may look complicated, once you know what to do they are very easy to use! These wraps you put on, and then place your baby in the carrier making it easy to go out and about with your routine.
Mei Tais
Mei Tais are great for newborns up to toddlers. The Mei Tais wraps are similar to soft structured carries because you can wear your baby on your chest or back. They are similar to woven wraps because of the way you use them – they have long straps you wrap around your baby but also still have the structure of a SSC which people tend to like.
Woven wraps
Like stretchy wraps, woven wraps resemble the womb in how they hold newborns and babies making this wrap a popular option.
Woven wraps may look similar to stretchy wraps as they are long pieces of fabric, but the difference is in the material. The material of woven wraps is more supportive because it has less stretch making it stronger and more firm. In fact, these carriers are long-lasting and can be used into toddlerhood.
However, some people have a harder time getting used to how they work. This option has a bit more of a learning curve and will take some extra practice, and patience.