Babywearing Safety Checklist: Essential Checks Before Every Carry
Updated: Oct 18
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If you're expecting a baby or already navigating life with one, you're in the right place. I'm Emma, a qualified babywearing consultant based in Hastings (UK), helping families across East Sussex choose, fit, and use baby carriers safely and confidently.
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This guide is for you if...
✔ You're wondering about sling safety
✔ Concerned that your carrying isn't optimal
✔ You want to feel educated
✔ You're considering getting support with carrying
✔ You're thinking about buying a sling
One of the questions I'm asked most often is:
"How do I know if I'm wearing my baby safely?"
The good news is that babywearing doesn't need to feel complicated.
By getting into the habit of carrying out a few simple checks before every carry, you can build confidence and help keep your baby safe and comfortable.
I like to remember these using the simple acronym ABC.
A – Airway
Your baby's airway should always be your first priority. And when carrying we need to make sure that they are secure.
Before every carry, check that:
Your little one's face is completely visible.
Their nose and mouth are not covered - you can see / feel good airflow
They are up on the hard part of your chest, if you have breast tissue they particularly need to be fully clear of this. High makes for easier monitoring :)
Baby is unfurled, and their chin isn't down onto their chest, or equally tilted fully back - this reduces oxygen flow (an ill-fitted carrier can encourage slumping – which can cause chin on chest to happen)
You are easily able to monitor their breathing throughout wearing.
Propping babies hands under their chin, plus a good pelvic tuck can all help to better align baby's head into a really good position - note that HEAD SUPPORT DOES NOT COME FROM THE CARRIER at all - 'headrest flaps' should actually be folded down until baby is much taller to continue supporting into the nape of the neck as baby grows). Or you could position the non-airways side up for a little additional support if it'd make you feel more confident.
If you feel that baby is not held snugly against you, they are dangling, slipping down, or you need to move fabric away from your baby's face to see them, then a seeking professional support (from a trained and qualified babywearing consultant or specialist shop - not a big store like John Lewis, health visitor or midwife) will be really helpful, reassurring and you'll learn a skill that you can come back to for months to come, plus know when to check back in for more guidance as needed when your journey progresses (because carrying a newborn vs an older child can look quite different!).
B – Body Position
A well-positioned baby is usually a more comfortable baby too.
Check that:
Your baby is well supported with a correctly tightened sling - you don't want baby falling away from your body when you lean forwards (hand supporting behind head) Aiming for a palm between you both rather than a fist.
Their spine is supported without being forced into a straightened position - do note that in a narrow-based carrier like the bjorn mini baby will be a little bit straighter due to how the panel is built. Airways do always trump spine and hips.
The carrier is adjusted for their current size - and with newborns this can be a bit of a skill, just like learning breastfeeding, for something that is natural it is still something that comes with time - and again seeking support can really help to flatten the curve and keep everyone safe. Just like co-sleeping using a cot, carseat or pram guidance should be followed to remove any risks. It is also worth noting that some sling types will fit better than others in those early weeks.
Small adjustments often make a big difference to comfort and good positioning.
Be aware, even the big brands instructions can be really poor – and often show conflicting advice such as material up behind baby's head - which can lead to positioning of chin on chest - have a look at these tubes of life graphics below:
C – Comfort
Comfort matters for both of you.
Ask yourself:
Does this carrier feel secure? Or does baby feel loose and too low - is the base too wide for their legs? Can I fully see their face?
Is baby too warm or should light layers be added - think of sunburn and covering up exposed skin too. Remember your carrier is at least one layer - and that depends on how padded your sling is too.
If you are adding layers - things like coats should go around the carrier (a little like a carseat, blankets for example could be tucked into webbing under arms or fabric folded over if applicable to hold things in place - or you could use a babywearing cover - do not put chunky layers on under the carrier this will compromise tightening your sling correctly and could cause baby to slump. While babywearing 'gear' can be an investment it is not at all necessary and you can get quite creative :)
Is the weight evenly distributed?
Is your baby settled? - Read about baby crying in the sling and what to do here
Can you move comfortably? How do you feel - ouchy?
If something doesn't feel right, stop and make adjustments and check-in with a professional before continuing.
Four extra checks worth making
Alongside ABC, I also recommend looking at these:
✔ Dress for the weather
Remember that your body heat and the carrier provide extra warmth.
Adjust clothing to suit the conditions rather than automatically adding more layers. As mentioned above think how baby is dressed too!
✔ Keep checking as your baby grows
Many carriers will need adjusting over time as baby grows
Review the fit regularly as your baby's size and development change.
✔ Check your carrier for wear and tear
Look over the fabric, buckles, rings and stitching regularly for signs of wear or damage that might compromise a safe fit.
✔ Know when to ask for help
If you're struggling to get comfortable or something doesn't look right, personalised support can often solve the problem in just a few minutes.
Babywearing safety doesn't have to feel overwhelming
Most parents don't need to memorise dozens of rules.
Instead, focus on building good habits.
Checking your baby's airway, body position and comfort before every carry soon becomes second nature, and can help you enjoy babywearing with greater confidence.
I also like to remember - HIGH, (carrier) TIGHT and face fully INSIGHT - click on the image to enlarge!
Final thoughts
Babywearing is a wonderful way to keep your baby close while getting on with everyday life.
By carrying out a quick safety check every time you use your sling or carrier, you're giving yourself the best chance of having a safe and comfortable experience.
And remember—if you're ever unsure, asking for advice is always a positive step.
Happy Carrying,
Emma
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Every baby, every parent, and carrier is different!
Articles like this can answer general questions, but they can't really check your fit / comfort, adjust your sling or tell you whether your baby is positioned comfortably and safely. That's exactly what I do during support sessions.
I'm Emma, the babywearing consultant behind Little One Snug. I support families across Hastings and East Sussex, to carry their babies safely and confidently from bump right through to preschool. Whether you're choosing your first sling, struggling with your current carrier or simply want reassurance that everything feels right, I'm here to help.
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