While on the topic of babywearing safety...

Ok, well I guess we weren't technically on the topic of safety, but since it's always on our minds and oh so important I thought it was time for a post! 

A great question came up recently and got me thinking... How many babywearers out there really consider the safety of their child in a carrier? 

Knowing that everyone learns and absorbs new information differently, I figured I would include a variety of safety lessons and reminders. If you ever have questions or feel like something doesn't seem right, trust your instinct and be sure to ask (preferably ask someone who is an experienced and knowledgable babywearer 😉). 

Health Canada released this great campaign for safe babywearing in 2013. 

I also love th T.I.C.K.S. Checklist:

The BCIA (Baby Carrier Industry Alliance) is the regulating board for baby carriers and has a fantastic website that is a great resource. http://babycarrierindustryalliance.org/babywearing-safety/consumers/

Finally, here are the "Absolute Rules" from Babywearing International. Please pop over to check out all of their safety recommendations at http://babywearinginternational.org/pages/safety.php

1. Make sure your baby can breathe. Baby carriers allow parents to be hands-free to do other things … but you must always remain active in caring for your child. No baby carrier can ensure that your baby always has an open airway; that’s your job.

a. Never allow a baby to be carried, held, or placed in such a way that his chin is curled against his chest. This rule applies to babies being held in arms, in baby carriers, in infant car seats, or in any other kind of seat or situation. This position can restrict the baby’s ability to breathe. Newborns lack the muscle control to open their airways. They need good back support in carriers so that they don’t slump into the chin-to-chest position.

b. Never allow a baby’s head and face to be covered with fabric. Covering a baby’s head and face can cause her to “rebreathe” the same air, which is a dangerous situation. Also, covering her head and face keeps you from being able to check on her. Always make sure your baby has plenty of airflow. Check on her frequently.

2. Never jog, run, jump on a trampoline, or do any other activity that subjects your baby to similar shaking or bouncing motion. “This motion can do damage to the baby’s neck, spine and/or brain,” explains the American Chiropractic Association.

3. Never use a baby carrier when riding in a car. Soft baby carriers provide none of the protection that car seats provide.

4. Use only carriers that are appropriate for your baby’s age and weight. For example, frame backpacks can be useful for hiking with older babies and toddlers but aren’t appropriate for babies who can’t sit unassisted for extended periods. Front packs usually have a weight range of 8 to 20 pounds; smaller babies may slip out of the carrier, and larger babies will almost certainly cause back discomfort for the person using the carrier.