Are baby slings safe for newborns?

One of the most common questions new parents ask is: Are baby slings safe for newborns? The good news is, when used correctly, baby slings are very safe for newborns - and can also provide immense benefits for both babies and caregivers.

Let’s break it down and explain why slings, like the Izmi Baby Wrap and Izmi Baby Carrier, are a fantastic choice for your little one from day one.

The Safety of Baby Slings: What You Need to Know

Baby slings have been used for centuries to keep babies close and cared for. Modern babywearing solutions combine this time-tested tradition with ergonomic designs and safety standards, with a huge (and often mind-boggling!) array of tie on wraps and clip-on carriers available for families.

However, ensuring your baby’s safety very much comes down to how you use the sling- not just which one you buy.

When using a baby sling, follow the High, Tight, In Sight advice. This will ensure your baby's airways are protected - which is our main concern when discussing sling safety. 

High, Tight, In Sight is an easy-to-remember summary of the most critical aspects of the T.I.C.K.S guidlines for safe babywearing.

In all baby slings and carriers, always carry your baby:

• High: Your baby should sit high on your chest, close enough that you can easily kiss the top of their head - without having to crane your neck forwards.
• Tight: The sling should hold your baby snugly against your body, providing secure support so your baby cannot slump down inside the sling and their chin does not rest on their chest.
• In Sight: Your baby’s face should always be visible, allowing you to monitor their breathing and well-being at all times.

Why Baby Slings Are Great for Newborns

Most importantly, you'll have your hands free! But here are some other reasons that slings are great for newborns:

1. Encourages Bonding and Boost Emotional Well-Being

Wearing your baby in a sling helps recreate the comforting sensations they experienced in the womb, with your heartbeat, warmth, and smell providing a sense of security. This physical closeness stimulates the release of oxytocin, often called the "love hormone," in both you and your baby. Oxytocin promotes bonding, reduces stress, and can even aid in establishing breastfeeding by encouraging milk production.

2. Support Physical Development

Baby slings like the Izmi Baby Wrap and Izmi Baby Carrier ensure your baby is carried in the optimal ergonomic "M" position, with their knees higher than their bottom and their spine naturally curved. This position supports healthy hip development (though it's worth noting that 'the hip thing' is not as much of a safety concern as protecting your airways!). The wrap’s snug and supportive design also encourages proper spinal alignment while allowing your baby to move naturally, aiding in muscular and skeletal development.

3. Soothe and Regulate Baby’s Emotions

Newborns are wired to seek closeness, and babywearing helps meet that instinctual need. The gentle motion of being carried mirrors the movements your baby felt during pregnancy, which is why babywearing can significantly reduce crying and fussiness. Research has shown that babies who are worn cry up to 43% less overall and up to 54% less during the evening—a time when many babies are at their most unsettled.

4. Support Cognitive Growth

Babywearing gives your little one a "front-row seat" to the world, allowing them to experience life from your perspective. This safe, secure vantage point fosters early social interactions, strengthens neural connections, and encourages curiosity. Being at your level also helps your baby see, hear, and respond to your facial expressions and voice, promoting those early stages of language and emotional development.

5. Make Life Easier for You

Beyond the benefits for your baby, baby slings also help you. Keeping your baby close allows you to navigate everyday tasks with both hands free while still meeting their need for closeness. Whether it’s enjoying a cup of tea, tending to an older child, or taking a calming walk, babywearing offers freedom and convenience, making those early days and months a bit more manageable.

What Makes the Izmi Range Ideal for Newborns?

Not all baby carriers are suitable for newborns - or for new mums who have just given birth. It can be tricky to get a good, safe fit in some (big brand name)bulky, padded carriers- and they're just abit much to wear when you've just given birth and need more comfort in your life. In contrast, the Izmi Baby Wrap and Izmi Baby Carrier are perfect from day one:

• Soft and Lightweight Materials: The breathable fabric of the Izmi Baby Wrap ensures your baby stays cool and comfortable, while its stretch allows for a snug yet flexible fit.
• Adjustable Fit: Unlike pre-structured carriers, the wrap conforms to your baby’s shape, making it ideal for even the tiniest of newborns.
• Versatility: The Izmi Baby Wrap can be used for multiple carrying positions, growing with your baby from birth to around nine months.

Similarly, the Izmi Baby Carrier offers the snug support of a wrap combined with the convenience of a buckled carrier. Unlike some padded carriers that can feel rigid or bulky, the Izmi Baby Carrier keeps things simple and cozy without compromising on ergonomic support.

Plus the Izmi team offer a free WhatsApp service to check the fit of your carrier, to make sure you're carrying with baby with confidence and peace of mind.

Tips for Safe Babywearing with Newborns

1. Practice Makes Perfect: It might take a few tries to get the hang of tying a wrap or adjusting a carrier. Don’t worry—practice builds confidence.
2. Check for Proper Positioning: Always ensure your baby’s airway is open and they’re positioned High, Tight and In Sight.
3. Stay Mindful of Activity: While babywearing is great for hands-free cuddles, avoid high-risk activities (like cooking over hot surfaces) while wearing your baby.

Carrying your baby 'High, Tight, In Sight' is especially vital if your child is under 4 months old.  Babies under 4 months are at a higher risk of suffocation in baby carriers because their airways are still developing and are easily obstructed. Their neck muscles are weak, so they may not be able to lift or turn their heads if their chin presses against their chest, compressing their windpipe.

Inadequate positioning in a sling or carrier could lead to their face being covered by fabric or pressed against the wearer’s body, restricting airflow. It's crucial to ensure the baby's head and neck are well-supported, their airway is clear, and their face remains visible at all times.

Final Thoughts

Yes, baby slings are safe for newborns when used correctly—and they’re a fantastic way to bond with your little one while keeping your hands free. If you’re looking for the perfect newborn-friendly option, the Izmi Baby Wrap and Izmi Baby Carrier are thoughtfully designed to support your baby’s body and your parenting journey from the very beginning.

By choosing the right sling and following safe babywearing practices, you can enjoy the many benefits of keeping your baby close. Whether it’s the soothing comfort they’ll love or the freedom you’ll appreciate, babywearing truly is a win-win.