Baby Slings and Carriers

Keeping your baby close, comfy and safe

Many parents use baby slings and carriers to carry their babies against their bodies. While having your child close to you may be practical, there are potential risks of injury and suffocation that you should keep in mind when using these products.

Babies have been seriously injured or died in Canada when carried in slings, soft carriers and backpack style carriers.The important thing is to know how to use your sling or carrier properly. Injuries can happen when:

• The wearer trips and the baby falls out of the sling or carrier
• The product malfunctions or its hardware breaks
• The baby falls over the side of the sling or out through its leg openings
• The baby suffocates against the product's fabric or the caregiver's body
• The baby is positioned improperly - with head or chin pressed against his or her own chest - restricting breathing

Slings and carriers that use knots or rings to hold two ends of fabric together present additional safety risks because:

• The knots can come loose
• The fabric can slip through the rings
• The rings themselves can break

Safety tips for slings and carriers

• Never leave a baby alone in a carrier or sling.
• Check your sling or carrier for ripped seams, torn straps and damaged hardware before every use.
• Be very careful putting a baby into a carrier and lifting him or her out. Have someone help you if needed.
• Make sure your baby's face is not pressed into the fabric of the carrier or sling, your body or clothing. A child's head should be above a sling for exposure to the air, and you should be able to see his or her face.
• Make sure your baby's chin is not pressed into his or her chest.
• Make sure your baby's legs are not bunched up against his or her tummy, as this can also restrict breathing.
• Check your baby often.
• When wearing a carrier or sling in cooler weather, do not zip up your coat around your baby to keep him or her warm, because there is a higher risk of overheating or suffocation.
• Hold onto your baby when bending over so he or she does not fall out of the carrier or sling.
• Do not use a carrier or sling during activities that could lead to injury such as cooking, cycling, or drinking hot beverages.

What to consider when buying a sling or carrier

• Choose a model that has detailed and easy-to-understand instructions. Always follow the instructions carefully and keep them for future use by you or others.
• Buy a product that fits your baby well. When using a sling, make sure your baby's head is above the sling and that you can always see your baby's face.
• Buy a product that fits you well. If more than one adult will be using the carrier or sling, choose one that fits everyone properly.
• Talk to your doctor or health care professional if you are pregnant and using a sling - to ensure your baby is positioned properly.