Positioning and Safety

The way your baby or child is positioned in a sling is important for several reasons - so that you get the most from your carrier, you and your baby are comfortable and, most importantly, your precious cargo is safe.

The Basics
There are a few basic rules with regard to positioning in slings which, if followed, do sort out a lot of the can't-quite-get-this-comfy niggles, as well as making sure your baby is safe.

High & Tight - when in an upright carry the lowest point of your baby (their bum) should be at or above waist level so the top of their head is as close to your chin as is comfortable. A baby sitting too low will start to pull on your shoulders and back. This is also true of a cradle carry in a pouch or ring sling.

A common mistake when people first start using slings is that slings are not tight enough. It isn't always immediately apparent if your sling is not tied properly but a too-loose sling will start to sag and your baby will slump down in the sling over time. A sling should hug your child close to you so that their weight is supported by your whole torso - too loose and the weight pulls down which can make your back and shoulders ache. With most slings it is simply a case of tightening the sling more, the exception is Pouches which do come in different sizes and it is important to get the right size.

Frogged legs - a baby should be carried in a seated position, that is with their legs frogged in a squat position, knees higher than their bum (left) and the sling supporting along their thighs. This places the hips in the correct position and prevents the spine being weight bearing. In a wrap it is important to ensure the fabric is spread right to the back of the knees. Soft Carriers tend to naturally support a child in the right position, the exception are the ones which allow you to narrow the seat so that a tiny baby be carried with their legs out. It is important that you do widen the seat as the baby grows so s/he is supported properly. For an upright carry in either a pouch or a ring sling a babies bottom should be well down in the fabric, knees up and fabric supporting along the thighs.

Support - a baby's back should not allowed to slump or curl. For slings such as Soft Carriers and Wraparound Slings this simply means ensuring they are tied sufficiently tight enough so as to keep the back straight and well supported. In an upright position a young baby should also have their neck and head supported. When positioning a young baby in the cradle position it is very important that a baby is not curled up (see below).

Not Chin to Chest - very young babies do not always communicate their distress if they cannot breathe properly. A baby in an upright position in a wrap or soft carrier which is not tied tight enough may slump and this can partially close their airway. A baby in a cradle carry in a Pouch or Ring Sling can effectively be folded in half if not positioned properly. Always check that their chin is not pressed against their chest. For more information please read this article about Correct Positioning.

Forward Facing - many parents want to be able to carry their baby facing out and this is possible in several different slings however there are some issues to consider. Firstly, it is very difficult to keep a baby who is facing forwards with their legs-out in the seated position (the exception to this is the Pikkolo (left) which is designed to allow a forward facing position). Their legs will naturally straighten and, particularly in a wrap, the fabric will work itself back until the baby is effectively supported by the crotch only and the fabric will need to be adjusted regularly. Secondly, forward facing is not as comfortable for the wearer. When a baby faces outwards, their weight is pulling away from the parent and this can make your shoulders and back ache. Finally, a baby gains reassurance from being able to see your face and they learn about the world by reading your expressions. When they are tired or if they are in a very noisy or bright situation they can turn their head into your body. However if the baby cannot see your face they can become overstimulated and overwhelmed by everything going on around them.

It is possible to carry a slightly older baby (with good head and neck control) facing forwards with their legs in. This is possible in several types of sling including a pouch (see right).

It is worth getting your child used to facing inwards when being carried or adapting the carrying position you use. A slightly older baby can be carried on your hip or on your back which gives them a better view while still providing them with a way of retreating from the world.

All slings and carriers are supplied with wearing instructions - some printed, some in DVD form and more can be found online. We also stock the fabulous Tummy2Tummy DVD which has a section on each of the four types of slings - Pouches, Ring Slings, Soft Carriers and Wraparounds - taught by an expert. Each section shows many different carrying positions, from the basics to more advanced techniques, along with tips and troubleshooting. At 2.5 hours and only £20 we think it's a bargain and a fantastic one-stop resource for both the novice sling user and experienced babywearer alike.

If you want help with an aspect of positioning or have any questions about using your sling or carrier, don't hesitate to contact us.