Although National Baby Safety Month is over, every day is a good day to exercise safety when using baby and children’s products.
The stirrings of Baby Safety Month began nearly four decades ago when the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) initiated “Expectant Mother’s Day.” A few years later, this day was extended to a week-long celebration. In 1991, JPMA sponsored the first “Baby Safety Awareness Month.” Since then, every September has been designated as Baby Safety Month.
At Baby K’tan, we’re passionate about the well-being of babies and their caregivers, and we’re proud to serve as a Safety Ambassador for JPMA. In honor of Baby Safety Month, we’re sharing a handful of wear-them-safely tips:
Choose the appropriate position.
Your little one can safely - and comfortably - be worn in a Baby K’tan carrier from birth all the way through toddlerhood. However, it’s essential to choose a carry position that supports your child’s age and development. Our Kangaroo and Hug positions provide the most head and neck support for newborns. Babies who can sit unassisted and toddlers may enjoy observing the world from our Hip carry or, in shorter bursts, from our Adventure position. Choosing a carry that’s developmentally appropriate is vital for Baby’s safety and security.
Keep Baby close enough to kiss.
While using a Baby K’tan carrier, position your little one so that their head is as close to your chin as possible. You should be able to tilt your head forward and kiss the top of your baby’s head or forehead. Wearing your baby “close enough to kiss” allows you to easily monitor their breathing and neck position as well as pick up on any cues that they may be uncomfortable or in distress.
Ensure proper hip placement.
Ensuring your baby’s hips are in a safe position is important to your child’s physical development, especially during their first 6 months of life. A simple baby carrier rule is to keep Baby seated in an “M,” with legs tucked to tummy in a “froggy style” position, with the baby’s bottom making the dip in the middle of the letter, and their knees making the two peaks.
According to the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, “The healthiest position for the hips is for the hips to fall or spread (naturally) apart to the side, with the thighs supported, and the hips and knees bent. Free movement of the hips without forcing them together promotes natural hip development.”
The International Hip Dysplasia Institute acknowledges the Baby K’tan carrier as a “hip-healthy” product when used as directed.
Practice in front of a mirror.
Though Baby K’tan’s carriers are a breeze to use, it’s still a good idea to practice placing your baby in the carrier in front of a mirror until you’re confident with the carries. Practicing at home or in a familiar quiet place is also beneficial since it’s easier to secure your little one if they are calm and relaxed.
Be mindful of activities you’re engaging in while babywearing.
Babywearing provides a remarkable level of security and freedom, but even if your hands and range of motion are free, certain tasks are best avoided while carrying your little one. Steer clear of potentially hazardous activities that could lead to injury such as cooking, cleaning with harsh chemicals, and strenuous exercise (lifting, climbing, jumping, and so on).
When engaging in any activity while babywearing, always be mindful of your balance and consistently monitor your baby’s positioning as it may shift through your movement.
With a bit of consideration, your carrier can be one of the safest places for your baby. To ensure a secure and comfortable babywearing experience, please read and follow all warnings, instructions, and baby carrier safety tips found in your manual before placing your baby in the Baby K’tan carrier.
Wishing you all many safe babywearing adventures!
For more safety information, please visit safebabywearing.com.