How to use a baby sling more safely

Many parents wonder if using a baby sling is a safe way to keep their baby close while going hands free. If you choose to use a baby sling, you should follow these guidelines to help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

A baby is in a baby carrier attached to their dad's chest. They are looking around. It is a safer position for baby as their airway is clear and dad could kiss baby's head if he tried.

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How to use baby slings and carriers safely

Slings and baby carriers are useful for holding a baby hands-free, however they are not always used safely. Although there is no reliable evidence that slings are directly associated with SIDS, there have been a number of accidents worldwide where infants have died while being carried in a sling. Particularly in young infants.

The risk of these accidents happening appears to be greatest when a baby’s airway is blocked, either because their chin is resting on their chest or their mouth and nose are covered by the parent’s skin or clothes.

A baby is sleeping on their back. They have a yellow sleepsuit on and they have dark skin with curly hair.

1 – Find a complete guide on using a sling from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

2 – Follow the TICKS guidance.

The Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers also provide the following advice: keep your baby close and keep your baby safe. When wearing a sling or baby carrier, remember the TICKS guidelines:

Tight
In view at all times
Close enough to kiss
Keep chin off the chest
Supported back

These guidelines can help you make sure your baby can breathe easily and is not overheating.

A baby is being breastfed by their mum. They look very young, have curly dark hair and dark skin. Their mum is looking down at them.

'Hands-free' feeding

‘Hands-free’ breastfeeding or bottle feeding, where the wearer moves around and does other jobs while the baby is feeding, is unsafe. This is especially true for babies under four months old. It also applies to babies born prematurely or those with a health condition. Moving around with loose sling fabric could also be a trip hazard. If the baby needs to feed, take them out of the sling. When they have finished feeding, either return them to the sling or put the baby down in a safe space.

Frequently asked questions

Are baby slings safe?

Although there is no reliable evidence linking slings directly to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), there have been a number of accidents worldwide where babies have died while being carried in a sling. Usually when they were very young.

These accidents usually happen when a baby’s airway is blocked, either because their chin is resting on their chest or their mouth and nose are covered by the parent’s skin or clothes. Following the TICKS guidance can help you make sure your baby can breathe easily, and is not overheating:

When wearing a sling or baby carrier, remember the TICKS guidelines:

Tight
In view at all times
Close enough to kiss
Keep chin off the chest
Supported back.

A woman sits on the sofa at home and helps her cute toddler daughter hold her baby brother for the first time. The big sister appears excited and proud.

Remember

If you’re using a sling, make sure you follow the Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers TICKS guidance and you can see their face and they can breathe easily.

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