Baby slings are a fantastic option for parents who want the convenience of hands-free carrying of their baby but still want to be able to carry their baby often and for more hours. Baby carrying and baby slings have been around for centuries, and both have recently become popular in the United States. Both carrying and baby slings have wonderful benefits, which are backed up by a lot of research. Before you make the decision to carry or to buy baby slings you need to research benefits and risks of both. There have been some safety issues associated with baby carrying, but these risks can be minimized or eliminated if you are careful and you know the safety risks associated with using a baby sling. If you are in the market to buy baby slings make sure you read and understand the following rules to safely carry your child using a sling.

First, make sure your baby can breathe at all times. Baby carriers allow you to work hands free, but you should still be actively parenting at all times when you are carrying your baby. Only you can ensure your child has an open air way at all times. You should never allow your baby to be carried in a way that will allow the chin to fall and touch his/her chest. This position can restrict your baby's airway and prevent proper breathing. In addition, you should never allow the baby's face to be covered with any type of fabric. Covering a baby's face can cause them to "rebreath" their own air which is full of carbon dioxide. This creates a dangerous situation for babies and children. Also, if your child's face is covered, you can't check on them as often as you need to. When you are carrying your child in a sling, always make sure they have a clear airway and that your baby's face is never covered.

Next, only use a carrier or sling that is appropriate for your baby's size and age. Don't use hard-backed carriers for small babies who can't sit up or support their own head in a sitting position. Also, bigger babies who exceed certain weight limits shouldn't be carried in a pouch. Make sure to follow specific guidelines and specifications associated with slings and carriers before you buy a sling.

Finally, make sure you never jog, jump, or do any shaking motion while carrying your baby. These motions can damage a baby's neck or even cause brain damage or brain injuries. In addition, never carry your baby in a moving vehicle. Make sure they are securely buckled in a car seat.

When done properly, slings can be a safe way to carry your baby. Ensure you implement the best safety practices when carrying your baby and make sure any other care givers do the same. Also, make sure you understand the risks associated with baby carrying before you buy a sling. Knowing the risks allows you to prevent problems and enjoy using a sling to carry your baby.