Safety of Baby Carriers and Slings

August 11, 2017

Concerns have always been over the safety of baby carriers and slings but these concerns usually arise due to how they are used. It is one thing to be able to purchase an item and it is another thing entirely to ensure that such item is put to use the right way. Hence, when making decision to move around with your baby in a sling, you have got to really consider the baby's body positioning and comfortability. So, the sling should be used in such a way that does not put you or your baby in discomfort- placing the baby close enough to your chest region will help you monitor the baby's condition as you move on.

Front outward-facing OR Facing inwards

As earlier emphasized, the orientation you choose to place your baby matters a great deal as this could have a marked effect on your baby's posture in the long. Though the front outward-facing method is quite predominant [among nursing mother] at the moment but it is important to know the dangers of subjecting your baby to this kind of positioning for a long period of time or when the baby is below a specific age bracket- say between 4 - 5 months. The front outward-facing method can disrupt the curvature of the spine- this curvature needs to be sustained as the baby's development continues through babyhood. Another issue that could arise is that too much weight is exerted on the hip region as the baby is being carried through this method. However, the other option (facing inwards) seems to be much safer for the baby's well-being as it ensures that the baby's spine and hips are well protected. Notwithstanding, this method requires the mother to be more attentive to the baby's placement and/or countenance at every point in time in order to forestall the incidence of airways blockage.

One might be tempted to stick with one of these methods but it is advisable to use these methods complementarily. And on no occasion should you carry your baby facing outwards when the muscle tone is still relatively very feeble.