Birdie’s Room

The BCIA (Baby Carrier Industry Alliance) supports Health Canada’s Babywearing Safety Campaign – Visable and Kissable!   

BCIA recommends the practice of babywearing as it keeps babies in the safest place possible — a parent’s arms, with baby’s face visible to the carrying adult. 

Babies are vulnerable in their first four months of life. They require constant supervision, which is why babywearing is critical to the well-being of infants.  Baby carriers are meant to mimic in-arms carrying positions. Your baby should be in the same position in which you would hold him in your arms. Check your baby’s position by embracing him after settling him into the carrier; his position should not shift significantly in your embrace.

Here are some additional guidelines from the Baby Carrier Industry Alliance’s (BCIA) website on how to safely wear your baby:

• Read and follow all manufacturer’s instructions for use, and watch any included DVDs, if applicable.
• Ensure you can see baby’s face at all times. Do not let baby’s face press into your body. Do not cover baby’s face with a blanket, sling fabric, nursing covers, etc.
• Baby’s head and neck must be gently and completely supported, with chin off chest. If baby’s chin is pressed tightly to baby’s chest, this can restrict baby’s airway. Check to ensure you can slip your finger between baby’s chin and chest to check for correct positioning.
• Consult an expert if your infant was born with a low birth weight, such as a preemie or twins, or if your infant has respiratory illness or other respiratory problems. Extra vigilance is required with these babies.
• After nursing in a carrier, remove baby from breast and return baby to proper carrying position with head above the breasts and face free of fabric and turned away from the mother’s body.
• Attend to and check on baby often, especially those under 4 months of age.

Visit https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/infant-care/baby-slings-carriers.html  &   http://babycarrierindustryalliance.org/babywearing-safety/consumers/  for additional information.