About baby carriers, wraps and slings
Baby carriers, wraps and slings help move your baby around.
They ease the pressure on your back and shoulders. They're useful for carrying your baby hands free.
Risks and injuries from the product
Remember to put your baby to sleep in a safe environment.
Always put baby on their back on a flat, firm and level surface with their head and face uncovered. Remove any pillows, soft toys and sleep aids.
Babies and toddlers can suffer serious injuries or suffocate if:
- your baby's face is pressed against fabric or your body
- your baby is lying in a C-shaped position with chin on chest
- your baby is younger than 4 months
- the baby carrier, wrap or sling is not secured properly on you or your baby is not secured properly.
Things to look for when buying the product
Babies can be injured while in baby carriers, wraps and slings. There isn’t a mandatory safety standard for baby carriers, wraps and slings but the following is a guide.
Buying a baby wrap or sling
- Ask for a demonstration to see how the baby wrap or sling works.
- It is made of strong materials.
- It's right for the baby’s age, size and development.
- You can see the baby and monitor their position at all times.
- Never buy baby products described as 'womb-like', 'cocoon' or which put baby in a C-shaped position. They have a higher risk of suffocation.
Buying a baby carrier
- Ask for a demonstration and if possible try on the carrier with baby.
- It is made of strong materials and has heavy-duty fasteners.
- It suits your height and size.
- Putting it on and taking it off with baby is simple and safe.
- There’s enough depth and support for the baby. It should allow for some head, leg and arm movement and for baby’s weight to be distributed evenly.
- It has a broad hip or waist strap that will take weight off your shoulders and stop sideways movement.
- It has safe folding frame joints that won’t trap or pinch fingers.
- It has padding on the metal frame near the baby’s face to protect the baby from bumps.
- There are no sharp points, edges, or rough surfaces that may harm the baby.
- You can see the baby and monitor their position at all times.
- Never buy baby products described as 'womb-like', 'cocoon' or which put baby in a C-shaped position. They have a higher risk of suffocation.
How to use these products safely
Keep your baby safe by following this guidance.
Set up the baby carrier, wrap or sling safely
When using your baby carrier, wrap or sling for the first time, make sure you:
- follow the product assembly instructions
- follow product guidelines for your baby’s age, size and development
- have someone help you the first time you use the product
- know how to correctly secure the carrier, wrap or sling. You need to safely wrap and unwrap the carrier, wrap or sling with baby in it.
Safely use the carrier, wrap or sling each time
Each time you use the baby carrier, wrap or sling, make sure:
- to always follow TICKS to keep baby safe
- to check for ripped seams, missing or loose fasteners, and frayed seats or straps. Fix any issues before you use the product again
- the carrier, wrap or sling is appropriate for different seasons. You don’t want to make your baby overheat in the warmer months
- your baby's fingers are clear of the frame joints when folding the carrier
- to always use the restraining straps, including ones that cover the baby’s shoulders. If you don’t, a jolt or accident could cause them to slip out and fall
- to always bend from the knees, never from the waist, to prevent the baby from falling out. If bending down, make sure the baby cannot reach other hazards, such as hot drinks on a bench.
Don’t use these products with babies under 4 months old
It is not recommended to carry babies younger than 4 months in framed carriers.
Babies who are younger than 4 months, premature, low birth weight or having breathing difficulties are at greater risk of suffocation, neck injuries, finger traps and pinching in baby carriers, wraps and slings.
Consult a paediatrician before using these products with a premature baby.
Remember TICKS to keep baby safe
Follow TICKS when using a baby carrier, wrap or sling.
Keep your baby:
Tight
The carrier, wrap or sling should be tight enough to hug your baby close to you. Your baby is positioned high and upright with head support. Any loose fabric may cause your baby to slump down, restricting breathing.
In view at all times
You should always be able to see your baby’s face by simply looking down. Ensure your baby’s face, nose and mouth remain uncovered by the carrier, wrap or sling and/or your body.
Close enough to kiss
Your baby should be close enough to your chin. When tipping your head forward you can easily kiss your baby on top of their head.
Keep chin off chest
Make sure your baby’s chin is up and away from its body. Your baby should never be curled so that its chin is forced onto its chest as this can restrict breathing.
Regularly check your baby. Babies can be in distress without making any noise or movement.
Supported back
Your baby’s back should be supported in a natural position with its tummy and chest against you. When bending over, support your baby with one hand behind its back and bend at the knees, not at the waist.
Sleeping in baby carriers, slings and wraps is unsafe
It is unsafe for your baby to sleep in a carrier, wrap or sling as it is not a safe sleeping environment. They are inclined, restrained, and your baby can move into unsafe positions like C-shaped. This can restrict breathing and increase the risk of injury or sudden death from suffocation.
If your baby does fall asleep in their baby carrier, wrap or sling, make sure you:
- check your child frequently
- don’t leave them for long periods
- regularly ensure your child is breathing easily and their chin has not dropped to their chest
- wake and remove your child as soon as possible to put them in a safe sleeping environment.
Learn more about how to use a carrier, wrap or sling safely
- Find out from Red Nose how to carry a baby in a sling or wrap properly.
- View a video on How to carry with care by the Queensland Government.
- Find out more about what to look for and how to use a baby carrier on the Australian parenting website.
- Find out more and view a video from Kidsafe on baby sling and carrier safety.
