The rules how to “wear” a baby are very simple, easy, and completely aimed at the child’s safety and the wearer’s comfort. They concern the child’s legs, spine and head position against the wearer, as well as the correct use of the baby carrier.

When you carry your baby in an ergonomic carrier you should abide by the following safety rules:

Clear airways: The mouth and nose of the baby should be clear. The nose should point upwards. Between the baby’s chin and chest there should be a distance of about 5 cm, so the child’s breathing is not hampered. The baby should be placed in a way that allows you to see its face all the time (at least during the first 6 months).

Spine position: The spine of a new-born or a baby should preserve its natural C-shaped curve, without any unnecessary pressure on it. When the child starts rolling over from tummy to back and vice versa, this C-shaped curve will naturally disappear and will be visible only during sleep.

M-shaped position of the legs: The lower part of the ergonomic carrier or sling should support the child’s leg position from one knee to the other. The knees should be placed higher than the pelvis and should point toward the wearer.

To achieve an ergonomic and safe position for the baby, as well as a comfortable experience for the wearer, you should put on the carrier correctly by following these steps:

1. If the carrier has a waistband, it should be parallel to the ground, closely wrapped around the body of the wearer, and securely tightened.
2. After putting the child inside, slings and ergonomic carriers should be securely tightened. If they are loose, this may cause improper posture, breading difficulties, or pains in the wearer. You can check if it is well secured by carefully bending forward (once the baby is already in the carrier/sling) and making sure your tummies do not separate.
3. Носените бебета плачат почти наполовина по-малко. Има изследвания, които дават резултати за 43% по-рядък плач на бебетата като цяло и над 50% по-малко плач през нощта.
4. A kiss apart. You need to place the baby high enough – meaning that if you lower your head towards it, you can easily kiss its head. Figuratively speaking, the distance is about 10 cm below your chin.
5. The shoulder straps should be laying flat on the wearer’s shoulders.

Babywearing can start from Day 1 and there is no limit to how much time the little one can spend in the carrier/sling. However, do not forget that a new-born baby needs regular feeding and diaper changing.