As with all things relating to babies and children, safety is an issue with baby slings, and parents often wonder if their sling is safe.

The simple answer is yes, providing you are using it correctly.

In fact, baby carriers can be the safest place for a baby – even safer than in your arms, since a sling doesn’t start to ache after a while! Ultimately you are responsible for your child’s safety, and you must always use common sense to determine whether an activity is safe, but to ensure your sling is being used safely, you should follow these basic guidelines, known as the TICKS.

Tight
In view
Close enough to kiss
Keep chin off chest
Supported back

Tight
The sling or carrier should be tight against you – as if you are hugging your baby. If the fabric of the sling is loose, not only will it be less comfortable, but it could cause the baby to slump, and affect their breathing.

In View
You should always be able to see your baby’s face easily – never allow the fabric of the carrier to cover their face. If using a sling in a cradle position, the baby should be face up not towards you. In a mei tai, their face should be turned to the side.

Close Enough To Kiss
Baby should be high up against your body, so that you can kiss them easily by simply tipping your head forward.

Keep Chin Off Chest
Your baby should never be positioned so that their chin curls down to their chest, as this could restrict breathing. Always make sure there is at least a finger space under your baby’s chin.

Supported Back
When in an upright position, the baby’s back shold be well supported so that they cannot slump down, and potentially close airways. If using a pouch or ring sling in a cradle carry position, you should make sure that their bottom is at the deepest part of the sling, to avoid the sling folding the baby in half, putting their chin on to their chest

In addition to this, when using any kind of sling, attention should be paid to the activities for which the sling is and isn’t recommended. As a general rule, if you wouldn’t do an activity whist holding your baby in your arms, you shouldn’t do it with your baby in a sling. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Horse riding
• Cycling
• Climbing ladders
• Driving, or being a passenger in a car (a proper car seat should always be used, and a baby carrier is not a replacement for such a restraint)
• Cooking

Ultimately, you must be aware of your baby when they are in a sling. Only ever use carriers appropriate to your baby’s age and weight, and be aware of the extra space your baby takes up when in a sling – especially when using a back carrying position. Never put anything inside the sling with your baby, which could present a choking hazard, and make sure you consider weather conditions and adjust your baby’s clothing accordingly (remember they will take body heat from you too, so be careful not to overdress them).

Some slings on sale in the UK are tested to BSEN 13209-2:2005, the optional British Standard for soft baby carriers. This stringent test assesses slings for their mechanical strength, flammability and toxicity, as well as ensuring that the sling is safe to use, in accordance with the instructions provided. It also checks that their are no parts of the sling that could pose a strangulation hazard, and that the baby is held securely. If possible, when choosing a sling, look for one that holds the BSEN 13209-2:2005 certificate.

There are many different types of baby sling available, but whichever you choose, the most important thing is to ensure you know how to use it correctly, and stay safe.