These three letters crossover but can really help when it comes to your safety checks each time you carry.
A is for AIRWAYS
Each carry layer (main panel) should support into the nape of neck (no higher, as this can actually push babys chin on chest, OR for baby's with good head control into the armpits. Fabric should be away from face, so make use of flips, if using a hood have one side up, not beyond baby's ear so you can still see a good half of their face and mouth easily.
Bobbing head? Try ensuring things are tight enough (lean forwards with a hand supporting behind the head, if baby comes away from your body - more than a palms width, you need to go tighter).
You want baby nice and high, on the hard part of your chest - so they are super easy to see and monitor.
Smiley bum! If their knees are held higher than bum (known as a pelvic tuck) this will help them support their own head upright too - you can encourage a good pelvic tuck with knee to knee support. (Fabric should extend into each kneepit but not overbunch or restrict leg movement - we want full swinging motion from knee to toe!).
B is for BODY POSITION
Get your carrier prep done and your baby's position set before manoeuvring things carefully around your well position baby.
Get baby comfy and unfurl if needed - concentrating on the following from the feet up:
Hips - M shape (encoraged by good knee to knee support).
Spine - gentle J shape (fabric smooth over baby's back). Encourage hands up by face for smaller babies, try arm or two out for babies with good head control.
Tummy to tummy ideally when starting out (you can back carry a newborn with a meh dai or woven wrap), if there is tummy sensitivity, or with a particularly large bust exploring other positions in a consultancy setting as the next step in terms of comfort and safety for you both.
Ensure your carrier is correctly tightened to hold baby's good position well and avoid them slumping into any gaps.
Make sure your posture is good when putting on too - this will help with tightening, keeping baby well upright etc.
C is for COMFORT
Opt for light layers of clothing under the carrier - indoor cloths (both you and baby) r.e. temperature.
Sleepsuits - absolutely fine but just ensure there is plenty of wiggleroom in the toes as these can bunch up in a carrier / pinch / cause circulation issues, equally you want to avoid fabric swamping baby. Remember your sling counts as at least one extra layer, so heat baby from outside in (coats over top of carrier).
With buckles think about strap formation H/X, so you are confident with where and how you are adjusting. Consider the placement of waistband, if baby is on the hard part of your chest - where does their bottom sit, aim there! A high waistband will help to shorten the panel height - you'll likely need to do this with a smaller baby. When tightening ensure the spine still has a gentle curve and weight is on baby's bum as opposed to their legs (good knee to knee support will help here) - trickier to achieve with narrow-based carriers once baby is a certain size - though you can use a scarf!)
If you are unsure your carry implements these A,B,C. checks well then please get in touch for a fitcheck or more in depth support.
Emma