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Babywearing is safe if done correctly ! Enjoy all the benefits of Safe babywearing by following  some of these simple tips below:

Choosing a Babycarrier

• Use a babycarrier that is appropriate for your baby’s age.

Starting Out - Before you begin Please Read and follow your carrier’s instruction manual.

• Practice before you begin.
• When you start wearing your baby, support her with your arm until you are  confident.
• Learn to wear your babycarrier properly and get it really comfortable.
• Swap positions. Physical thereapists recommend changing positions, or changing arms, if you are doing something for a long time. If you are using a single-shouldered babycarrier such as a sling, pouch or hip carrier, this means swapping shoulders regularly (perhaps each time you wear your baby). The sooner you start doing this, the easier it will be. Your baby might appreciate changing positions, especially if you are wearing your him for long periods. Be guided by your common sense and your baby’s cues.
• Continue to support your baby whenever you bend over.
• Gradually build up your endurance. This happens naturally if your baby is still small. If you are starting out with an older baby, try a few short sessions each day rather than one long one. Gradually increase the duration as your muscles adjust.
•  Learning back carries. This is a bit trickier than learning to carry your baby on your front or hip. Have someone watch and assist the first few times you try. Get your helper to check that your baby is securely in the carrier. If you are desparate to try a back carry and have no-one to help, practise first with a large teddy bear or doll. Once you feel confident, you could try  with your baby: choose a safe place (perhaps over a bed) and carefully check the positioning and adjustment in a mirror afterwards.

Everyday babywearing

• Check the seams, buckles and straps regularly. 
• Beware of what you put in the carrier with the baby. This is particularly important while your baby is young: keys, wallets, handkerchiefs can become hazards when they jiggle around and end up near your baby’s face or poke into delicate flesh. Many babycarriers have built-in pockets to contain these items.
• Sun care. Babies in carriers can be very exposed to the elements so the normal rules of sun protection apply. Babycarriers vary in the amount of sun protection they offer. If your sling has a tail, this can be draped across a small baby for some shade, but most fabrics won’t provide total shade. Some slings are made of a relatively new fabric called Solarveil™, which                   claims to offer better sun protection than ordinary fabric, without being hot. Beware also of little legs that stick out of the babycarrier; trousers and dresses often ride up, exposing  delicate flesh to the sun.
• Don’t leave your baby unattended in a carrier.

Special Activities

• Don’t cook with heat, or handle hot liquids, while wearing your baby on your front or hip. If your baby is on your back, be careful.
• Keep the tail of your sling or wraparound out of harm’s way.Long tails can catch fire on gas stoves and fires. They can also get caught in doors.
• Keep dangerous items out of reach of little hands. Especially when cooking, there can be tempting knives, glasses, foods etc. all within reach of inquisitive hands. When wearing your baby on your back, she can reach things without  you being able to see.
• Babycarriers are not suitable for some activities. Don’t use a babycarrier while you’re in a moving car: your baby can easily be thrown from your arms and a carrier provides a baby with no protection whatsoever. For playing sport or cycling, use your discretion: what would happen to your baby if you were knocked over? How much is your baby being bounced or shaken? There are usually safer alternatives.

Above all, use your common sense. If you have doubts about the safety of what you are doing, don’t chance it!

Age recommended Safe Baby Carrier Positions

Carrying your baby is the correct position for his age is one of the most crucial aspect of Babywearing. Below is a list of recommended Baby carrier positions which are recommended based on the age of the baby :

For Newborns: The most appropriate positions for newborn babies are:
• Semi-reclining or Nursing Hold Snuggle Hold/Tummy to Tummy Carry
• Shoulder Carry or Burp Position.
• High Back Carry.

For Young babies with head control:Once past the newborn stage, when your baby can hold his head up well, he will probably enjoy being more upright.
• Snuggle Hold 
• Buddha Carry.
• Sideways Kangaroo Carry
• Upright Back Carry.

For babies that can sit

• Hip Carry
• Upright Back Carries
• The Sumo Hold
• Front and hip carries

For Toddlers: Most positions are developmentally appropriate for carrying a toddler; the key factor is that you are both comfortable.
• Front and hip carries
• Sumo Hold and Buddha Carry
• The Back Carry