Baby Slings and Safety

With the increasing popularity of baby carriers comes a wider range of models to choose from. Sling or backpack-type carrier? Evenflow, Baby Bjorn or Over the Shoulder Baby Holder? Factoring into your decision is certainly how comfortable it is, but you are also probably wondering how safe they are for baby. Though there is not yet any government safety standards for baby carriers, people have been using them for thousands of years in one form or another. Wearing your baby likely increases their mental and emotional development, since most slings mimic the womb, making the transition to the outside world less harsh. Carriers also foster healthy lifetime bonds between you and baby, as baby can listen to your heartbeat and feel comfortable next to you. All the while, you also keep your hands free for day to day activities!

If you are looking for a baby carrier, where can you start? Choosing a brand and a style is up to you and how involved you are going to be with it. However, comfort and safety is definitely the most important.

Baby Slings and Wraps

Slings and wraps are basically long pieces of cloth wrapped and tied around one or both shoulders. With a sling, baby is placed in a pouch created by how the cloth is wrapped around your shoulder. For newborns, the best option is for them to lay curled in a hammock-like position, much as they were in the womb. Newborns may sometimes look a bit squished inside, with their head too far inward. If they are uncomfortable they will let you know, or you can pad the bottom of the pouch with a receiving blanket. Properly worn in the front, baby will be safe and comfortable tucked near your chest, and you can easily breastfeed.

Different manufacturers will treat how a sling is constructed and tied. For instance, the Over the Shoulder Baby Holder is worn by threading the fabric through two sturdy rings. Using these rings and the resulting "tail" of fabric that runs through the rings, you pull on the tail to adjust where the fabric drapes across your torso and how deep to build the pouch.

Safety Highlights

• Very safe for baby, because they rest in a natural hammock position

• Slings may be uncomfortable for you after long periods, because the weight is on one shoulder - look for a sling that covers your entire shoulder for better weight distribution

• Baby is unsupported in the pouch of the sling, and may fall out if the sling is improperly worn. However, most new parents simply use a doll to practice the technique, which is very easily learned and begins to feel natural after only a few tries

What to Look For

• A sling with a broad width of fabric, so the pouch will be deep, better supporting baby

• Look for padded fabric in the strap, for better comfort on your shoulder

• Your willingness to learn the proper techniques. Some slings can only be worn after you know how to properly tie the fabric, while other slings are structured so that it simply consists of a built-in padded pouch and an adjustable strap. A great balance is a ring sling, which combines the versatility of an adjustable strap (using the rings), and the ability to wear it in many different positions

• Generally speaking, the more structured and padded the fabric, the easier and more comfortable it is to wear, though the less versatile it will then be

Backpack-type Carriers

Another type of carrier is a structured front or back carrier. Baby sits upright in a specialty constructed wall of padded fabric against your body. The Baby Bjorn and Snugli are examples of these. The range of comfort varies greatly among brands and those who use them, with one parent saying a particular style is very comfortable while another saying they can't stand it.

Safety for baby may be an issue. Because baby will be sitting up, especially in carriers where their legs are dangling, all the weight is placed on their under-developed lower back. Some companies have responded by constructing a carrier so baby sits in a more natural position, with legs straddling the torso. Check to make sure the neck is well supported. Carriers such as the Baby Bjorn have a sturdy head support that can be folded down when baby is old enough to lift his head and see the world facing outward. Some front and back baby carriers like the Ergo has some of the versatility of a sling in that you can place baby on your front, back or hip.

Safety Highlights

• Safe for baby, though there are some concerns about stress on baby's spine if they're left "hanging" for long periods

• Make sure baby's neck and body is well-supported. Some backpack carriers have a special newborn insert to help with this, usually purchased separately

• Structured carriers "feel" safer for parents, because baby is well supported inside the pouch. However, baby might not be as comfortable as in a more natural sling

What to Look For

• For newborns, be aware of special, separately purchased add-ons

• If you're concerned about infant spinal stress, look for a carrier that allows them to sit against you, instead of simply dangling in a pouch

• For older infants, look for a carrier with separate hip straps, so all their weight is not on your shoulders