Wearing your little one not only makes it easy to carry your baby around while doing other things, but it’s also a way of keeping the baby comfortable, and help reduce the baby cries. Babywearing keeps your child close to you ensuring you’re always watching on the baby to help where necessary. The most popular way to wear your baby is by using a baby sling. While this is the most convenient way to wear your baby, some safety precautions need to be taken when using the sling.
Here’s how to keep your baby safe if you choose to go the sling way.
Ensure it’s appropriate for the toddler
The baby’s age and weight determine whether it should be carried in a baby sling or not. If your little one is below four months or underweight, you should not use a sling to carry it around. Wait until the baby’s neck is strong enough to stay comfortably in a sling without any possibility of suffocation. If you’re not sure whether it’s appropriate for it, then consult your pediatrician.
Get the right sling size for your baby
Before settling on buying a particular sling, try a few of them to establish the right size and quality that will serve your baby better. As you visit your local store to get a baby sling, always give your baby’s age, height and weight to ensure you get the right size. For more advice on what’s appropriate for your baby, contact your local babywearing educators.
Use the baby sling in a safe space
If it’s your first time using the baby sling, you should practice well before carrying your baby in it. Like, you can do it while sitting on a carpeted floor or on your queen bed with storage just to ensure in case you miss out on a step, the baby will not have to hit the floor. If you still don’t feel comfortable using it even after trying, then seek help from an expert to help you get the hang of it.
Position your baby well
While the baby sling can keep the baby comfortable, the baby can suffer suffocation if not well positioned. It’s always recommended that you keep the baby upright at all times rather than keeping it in a horizontal position. This will ensure there’s sufficient air circulation for your little one and hence preventing it from suffocating. Moreover, you should frequently change the baby’s position so that the baby doesn’t get tired.
Don’t leave the baby in the same position after breastfeeding
You’ll definitely have to change the baby’s position while breastfeeding so as to make feeding comfortable for the little one. In most cases, the breastfeeding position isn’t appropriate to carry the baby. Therefore, after feeding the child to its fill, don’t forget to return it to the upright position. This is just to ensure the baby isn’t suffocated beneath.
If you were considering getting a baby sling for your little one, then ensure you observe the above safety precautions so that the baby remains comfortable and safe.
