A baby sling is a length of fabric worn across the parent's body to carry a baby close to them. It is safest when the baby sits high and snug, their face is always visible and their chin is kept off their chest.
Key takeaways
- Young babies, especially under 4 months and those born early, can suffocate if their face presses into fabric or their chin drops to their chest.
- Check your baby's position and breathing often.
- Follow the maker's instructions for age and weight.
What you can do
- Keep your baby close enough to kiss the top of their head.
- Make sure you can see their face at all times and that nothing covers their nose and mouth.
- Keep their back supported in a natural position, with the chin off the chest.
- Bend at the knees, not the waist, when picking things up.
When to talk to your doctor
If your baby seems floppy, unusually quiet, or their breathing sounds noisy or strained in the sling, take them out straight away and check on them; call your local emergency number if they are not breathing normally.
Frequently asked questions
Babies often fall asleep while carried; check them often and move them to a flat, firm sleep surface for longer sleeps.