T.I.C.K.S

Babywearing safety is important but some parents become very anxious about it and almost too scared to use a baby carrier. Which is not the intention.

Babies have been carried for millennia, often in structures 21st century recommendations might deem unsafe. So let's unpack some of them to explain the Why that goes with the What.

The T.I.C.K.S. guidelines have been embraced by the modern western babywearing community in the past decade as an easy way to remember the most important positioning recommendations. The goals here are to protect the infant's airway and ergonomically support their spine and hips.

Let's look at those two concerns in a bit more detail:

AIRWAY PROTECTION

A very small but important number of fatal accidents have occurred in the past when babies were in a baby carrier. Any infant death is horrible and we all want to prevent avoidable ones. Risk factors were identified, especially positioning which pushes the baby's chin towards their chest. Because the infant head is so big and heavy, the weight of it can compress the airway in that position. This is not a risk exclusive to baby carriers and is also considered in the design and use of car restraints, prams and other equipment. However, unlike those products, there is no Australian Standard for their design and inappropriate products can be imported or even produced in Australia. Therefore, it falls to parents to be aware of safety issues.

Most baby carriers designed and intended for use by babies under six months will protect the airway when used as directed by the manufacturer. If you have any concerns, stop using the carrier and seek guidance from a babywearing educator, consultant or the product manual or website.

HEALTHY HIPS

There is a suggestion that narrow-based baby carriers might aggrevate an existing issue with a babies hip development. Where there is a possibility of hip dysplaysia - either through unclear diagnosis undergoing investigation or a family history - we recommend against using that style of product. This is not to suggest they cause hip problems.

Manufacturers have gradually modified their designs in recent years but there are a lot of second-hand carriers on the market and still some low-end products using that design. However, the majority of baby carriers today seat babies in a wide base which positions them in the desired M position. So parents don't need to stress they might be risking damage inadvertently in use. Indeed, many babies who are put in a brace for hip dysplaysia are fixed in this very position!

So please don't be frightened of getting something wrong and causing harm. By following the T.I.C.K.S you’ll be on the right track and practice makes perfect. Most importantly, keep your baby visible and kissable without restraining their head. And always ask for guidance if you are unsure - the only silly questions are the ones you don't ask!!