Babywearing, or holding your baby with the aide of a carrier, enables caregivers to keep their little ones close. This helps your baby feel secure and promotes a bond between the caregiver and baby.
It is important to remember a few key safety points when babywearing and the TICKS guidelines are the best way to ensure safe babywearing.
Remember and follow the TICKS rules:
T— tight: Slings should be tight enough to hug your baby close to you.
I— in view at all times: You should always be able to see your baby’s face by simply glancing down.
C— close enough to kiss: By tipping your head forward you should be able to kiss your baby on the head.
K— keep chin off the chest: A baby should never be curled so that their chin is forced onto their chest as this can restrict their breathing.
S— supported back: The baby’s back should be supported in a natural position so their tummy and chest are against you.
Here, the Bounty Editors reveal their favourite baby carriers.
1/5 The Ergobaby Omni 360 Carrier, $289, carries bub from week 1 to 36 months. The crossable shoulder straps give a personalised fit. There is lumbar support for extra back comfort and a detachable storage pouch is included.
2/5The BabyBjorn Baby Carrier One Air, $249.95 is ergonomically designed and features an airy and cool 3D mesh that dries rapidly. With 4 front and back carrying positions, it is suitable from birth to approximately 3 years.
3/5The i-Angel Rainbow II Carrier, $265, is a multi functional carrier. It can be used as a hip seat, traditional baby carrier and hip seat carrier depending on baby’s size and personal preference.
4/5 The Hug-a-bub Fair Trade Organic Wrap Carrier, $99, is made from light, breathable 100% certified organic cotton. Wrapped in a Hug-a-Bub, your baby is firmly carried with their spine supported in its natural convex (rounded) shape and legs froggied in a spread/squat deep seat.
5/5 The Stokke My Carrier Front & Back, $280, has been carefully designed and ergonomically developed to give a tailor-made fit to mums and dads of all sizes as well as your growing baby. It can be used from 4 weeks and up to 3 years with 2-way front and back carrying
