Have you been wearing your baby, but you’re not convinced they look ‘right’? Here’s how to correct a couple of common mistakes to keep baby in an optimal carry position.

‘C’ Shape Spine

Baby is cuddled in to mum, with his spine in a naturally formed ‘C’ shape.

What’s Wrong?

Baby is hugged in too close to mum.

This can restrict the airways, increase the chance of baby overheating and holds baby’s spine in an natural curve.

How do I correct this?

Loosen the straps at the sides of baby to allow the spine to relax and form the optimal ‘C’ shape.

What’s Wrong?

Baby is not held close enough to mum.

There is a risk that baby could slump down in the carrier, restricting baby’s airway.

How do I correct this?

Tighten the straps to the sides of baby, so he is cuddled in to your body and his spine is in the optimal ‘C’ shape.

This should also make baby’s head “close enough to kiss”, one of the TICKS safety rules of babywearing

‘M’ Shape Position

Baby’s legs are positioned, so the knees are above the hips creating the optimal ‘M’ shape.

What’s Wrong?

Baby’s legs are hanging, knees are positioned lower than the hips

How do I correct this?

Ensure that the seat of the carrier is adjusted to suit your baby’s size and carrying position, according to the carrier’s instructions.

If you are wearing an Ergobaby 360 or Omni 360 carrier, make sure to use the black seat buttons when baby is carried in the front inward position.

Watch This…

The Pelvic Tuck is a little trick that helps to keep baby’s hips in the optimal position. Hannah from the Harrow Sling Consultancy shows how it’s done in this handy video.