How do you know for sure if your baby carrier is safe? Where do you find out about baby carrier safety? Baby carrier safety is a topic that's been in the news this year. Certain baby carriers have caused injury and death, and that makes every parent skittish and fearful.
You have celebrities endorsing baby carriers, manufacturers pumping the benefits of their carriers, and stores that paint a pretty picture about the baby carriers they are selling. Is it all disinformation, or are there some carriers that are better than others?
There are three things you can look for to determine whether a baby carrier safety rating is bogus or true.
Materials. Fabric and stitching is a big factor for baby carrier safety. You want breathable fabrics. If the fabric doesn't breath, you and your baby are trapped. Yes, heavier fabric will keep baby warm, but you don't want her, or you, to suffocate. If you need more warmth, blankets and warm clothing will do nicely.
You don't want too much fabric. Certain baby carriers and slings boast long swaths of fabric to swaddle baby. Problem is that this extra fabric can pose a risk of burying baby, or in the case of fabric being tied around you, it can come loose and baby can come tumbling down.
And you want durable fabrics. Again, if the fabric can't hold up, gets frayed, or is just generally too iffy, the carrier could slip or tear, and again with the baby tumbling down.
You also want high quality stitching for the same reasons you want durable fabric. You'll likely use your baby carrier or sling a lot. The stitching has to hold up to baby's growing weight and multiple washings.
