Baby carriers, slings and backpacks: safety guide

About baby carriers, slings and backpacks

Baby carriers, slings and backpacks are types of equipment for carrying your child on your front or back.

A baby carrier is a soft padded carrier that you wear on your front. A carrier with baby facing inwards is suitable for younger babies and babies who can’t hold up their heads or sit well by themselves. You can adjust some carriers to wear your baby on your back or hip or face them outwards when they’re older.

A baby sling is a pouch or strip of fabric, usually secured over your shoulder and worn across your front. A sling with baby facing inwards is suitable for younger babies and babies who can’t hold up their heads or sit well by themselves.

A baby backpack usually has a rigid frame. You wear backpacks only on your back. They’re suitable for older babies and toddlers who can sit well by themselves and hold their heads steady. It’s a good idea to ask your GP or child and family health nurse whether your child is old enough for a backpack.

Carrying your child in a baby carrier, sling or backpack gives you the advantage of having your hands free, and most young children like being able to see the world from up high. If you use baby carriers, slings and backpacks correctly, they’re safe and practical ways to get around.

What to look for in baby carriers, slings or backpacks

If you’re interested in baby carriers, slings and backpacks, it’s important to look for one that:

allows healthy hip positioning for your child
is safe to use
is comfortable for your child to sit in
is comfortable for you to wear.

Healthy hip positioning
Healthy hip positioning encourages proper hip development in children and reduces the risk of developmental dysplasia of the hip.

Your baby carrier, sling or backpack should allow your child’s hips to spread so their legs are straddling your body. Your child’s knees should be spread apart, their thighs supported, and their hips bent.

Here’s how to carry your child for healthy hip positioning, plus what not to do.

Image showing how to carry a baby for appropriate hip support Image showing how not to carry a baby for appropriate hip support

Carrying your child with their hips together inside a sling can increase the risk of hip dysplasia.

Image showing child being carried with hips open

These images are reproduced with permission from the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.

Safe baby carriers, slings and backpacks
There’s no Australian Standard for baby carriers, slings and backpacks. But the following tips can help you choose a safe baby carrier, sling or backpack:

Check that the baby carrier, sling or backpack comes with easy-to-understand written, visual or video instructions that show you how to use it safely.
Make sure the baby carrier, sling or backpack is made from sturdy, durable materials.
Take your child with you when you’re shopping for a baby carrier, sling or backpack. Ask a shop assistant to show you how to fit the baby carrier, sling or backpack correctly to suit your child’s size.
Check that your child can move their head, arms and legs and see out of the baby carrier, sling or backpack. Also check that the fabric doesn’t cut into their face.
Make sure you can put on the baby carrier, sling or backpack and take it off without any help. Also ensure that you can do up any buckles, straps or clips without help and that you can adjust all straps firmly with one hand.
Never use products that are described as ‘womb like’ or ‘cocoon like’. These products can cover your child’s face or force them into the fetal position. This increases the risk of suffocation and overheating.

Comfortable baby carriers, slings and backpacks
The best way to find a comfortable baby carrier, sling or backpack is to try on different styles with your child. If your partner and other carers will be using the baby carrier, sling or backpack, look for a style that will be comfortable for them too.

Here are tips for choosing a comfortable baby carrier, sling or backpack:

Look for broad, padded shoulder straps that go across your back, as well as a broad waist strap. These will help to distribute your child’s weight evenly, keep some pressure off your shoulders, and stop the baby carrier, sling or backpack from moving from side to side.
Ensure the baby carrier, sling or backpack is appropriate for different seasons and will be cool for your child in the warmer months.
If you plan to use a baby carrier or sling as your child grows, look for one that you can change around so your child can face forwards.
Stop using the baby carrier, sling or backpack when your child feels too heavy or uncomfortable to carry safely. Check the product’s instructions for the maximum weight the product can handle.

Framed baby carriers and backpacks aren’t recommended for babies under 4 months of age. Young babies have limited head control, which increases their risk of airway blockage and neck injuries in framed carriers and backpacks.

Using baby carriers, slings or backpacks safely

Here’s how to secure your child in a baby carrier, sling or backpack and use this equipment safely.

Securing children in baby carriers, slings and backpacks

Read the tags for height and weight, and use the right baby carrier, sling or backpack for your child’s size.
Tighten the straps before you put your child in a baby carrier or backpack, and then use the straps to get a snug, secure fit.
Make sure you can adjust all straps firmly with one hand.
Make a habit of checking that straps are secure and show no signs of damage before putting your child in each time. If any straps or buckles are damaged, contact the supplier or manufacturer.
Get someone to help you put your child in the baby carrier, sling or backpack until you can do it on your own. It might help to practise with a doll or teddy before putting your child in.

Using baby carriers, slings and backpacks

Wear shoes that are easy to walk in, and look out for uneven surfaces so you don’t trip.
Avoid using baby carriers, slings or backpacks in hot weather, because your body heat and the equipment will increase your child’s temperature.
Take care when putting on and taking off the baby carrier, sling or backpack because this is when falls are most common. If you can, get somebody else to help you or sit down on the floor.
Hold on to something stable – like a pole – if you bend down while wearing the baby carrier, sling or backpack.
Bend at your knees, rather than from your waist. This will prevent your child from falling out of the baby carrier, sling or backpack.
Make sure your child can’t reach safety hazards, like hot food or drinks, when you bend down.
If you’re cooking, don’t carry your child in a front-wearing baby carrier or sling because of the risk of burning your child.
Never hold hot food and drinks, run after other children and do anything else that could be dangerous.

Physical activity is vital to children’s healthy growth and development. Aim to balance any time your child spends in baby carriers, slings or backpacks with plenty of tummy time and other physical activity.

Using the T.I.C.K.S. rule to avoid suffocation risks in baby carriers and slings

Babies are at risk of suffocation if they’re put into baby carriers and slings incorrectly. This is because young babies can’t move if they’re in a dangerous position that’s blocking their airways.

The T.I.C.K.S rule can help you remember how to position your baby safely in a baby carrier or sling:

Tight – the baby carrier or sling should be tight, with your baby positioned high and upright with their head supported. Any loose fabric in a sling might cause your baby to slump down, which could restrict their breathing.
In view at all times – you should always be able to see your baby’s face just by looking down. Ensure your baby’s face, nose and mouth remain uncovered by the baby carrier, sling and your body.
Close enough to kiss – your baby should be close enough to your chin that by tipping your head forward you can easily kiss their head.
Keep chin off the chest – ensure your baby’s chin is up and away from their body. Your baby should never be curled so that their chin is forced onto their chest. This can restrict breathing. Regularly check your baby’s breathing. Babies can be in distress without making any noise or movement.
Supported back – your baby’s back should be supported. This should be with their tummy and chest against you when they’re facing inwards. Their back should be against you when they’re facing outwards. If you’re reaching down, support your baby with your hand, and lower yourself by bending at the knees.

It’s important to check your baby’s position regularly. Here’s when to take your baby out of the baby carrier or sling straight away:

Your baby’s face is covered, chin is tucked in, or head is turned to one side.
Your baby is curled into the fetal position.
Your baby is grunting, wheezing, or taking laboured, rapid or whistling breaths.
There’s a grey or blue tinge to your baby’s skin.
Your baby is fussy, restless or squirming.

The safest place for your baby to sleep is on a firm, flat, level surface on their back. If your baby falls asleep in their baby carrier or sling, move them to a safe sleep surface as soon as you can.

Babies who were premature, had low birth weight, are unwell, or are under 4 months of age are at greater risk of suffocation in baby carriers and slings. Talk to your child and family health nurse, GP or paediatrician before using a baby carrier or sling. They can help you find a baby carrier or sling that suits your baby’s age, weight, health and development needs.