Baby-Wearing Safety Information and Guidelines

On March 12, 2010, the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning regarding the use of baby-slings. To attachment-parenting mothers like me, these warnings are frightening. When my daughter was an infant, I wore her nearly constantly. She spent nearly the entirety of her newborn days snug against my chest. Baby-wearing moms are aware of the many benefits of babywearing. 

In light of the CPSC warning, many parents are asking themselves: "Is baby-wearing safe?"

According to the CPSC warning, fourteen deaths have been attributed to baby slings in the past twenty years. While even a single death is tragic, advocates of attachment parenting might consider that hundreds of thousands of caregivers engage in baby-wearing every day. Amid the millions of babies worn in the past two decades, the fourteen who have died represent an extremely small minority. Nevertheless, fourteen deaths are fourteen deaths too many-- and parents need to take safety precautions to minimize the risks associated with babywearing.

Some former babywearing parents might choose to abandon the practice entirely. Others might view the CPSC warning as encouragement to take adequate safety precautions. Dr. Sears and the CPSC offer the following guidelines for babywearing safety:

1. Keep the baby face-up and visible.

Check every few minutes to make sure that the baby's face is exposed and that he has access to air. The baby should never have his face pressed directly against the fabric or his mother's body. If you breastfeed your baby while she is in the sling, reposition her promptly after she finishes.

2. Be cautious with food and drinks.

Do not wear your baby while cooking, eating or handling hot beverages. Eating utensils and hot foods can seriously injure the baby.

3. Bend and lift carefully.

If you need to bend over to pick something up, bend with your knees-- not your back. Hold the baby in the sling with the other hand. While wearing your baby, pick up only light objects-- like a cup or a cereal box-- not heavier items that could injure the baby.

4. Be wary of C-shaped baby slings.

According to the CSPC, several of the suffocation incidents in the past 20 years have involved "C"-shaped slings, which place the baby's neck against his chest. Newborn babies can suffocate in this position. If you use a "C"-shaped carrier for babywearing, check the baby frequently to make sure he is positioned properly and able to breathe.

5. Use caution entering doors.

Be very careful as you walk through a doorway while wearing your baby. Many parents have injured their babies' heads while walking through a doorway. Be sure that you have enough clearance to walk through without bumping the baby against the wall.

6. Ensure an adequate fit.

Be sure that the baby-carrier is loose enough that the baby can breathe, but tight enough that he will not fall out. Note that extremely tight-fitting baby slings can restrict a baby's growth and cause spinal deformities.

7. Talk to your pediatrician about your special-needs baby.

If your baby was premature or suffers from respiratory problems she may be at a higher risk of experiencing complications related to babywearing. While "kangaroo care" is highly beneficial for preterm babies, they may be at higher risk of experiencing death or injury from baby-wearing. Consult your child's health care provider about the possible benefits and risks of baby-wearing a special-needs child.