Keep your baby close and keep your baby safe.
When you’re wearing a sling or carrier, don’t forget the T.I.C.K.S.
TIGHT
IN VIEW AT ALL TIMES
CLOSE ENOUGH TO KISS
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SUPPORTED BACK
IN VIEW AT ALL TIMES – you should always be able to see your baby’s face
by simply glancing down. The fabric of a sling or carrier should not close
around them so you have to open it to check on them. In a cradle position
your baby should face upwards not be turned in towards your body.
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30
Babywearing: A
Physio’s Perspective
Risks vs Rules
KEEP CHIN OFF THE CHEST – a baby should never be curled so their chin
is forced onto their chest as this can restrict their breathing. Ensure there is
always a space of at least a finger width under your baby’s chin.
Welcome to
carried
away
From the Editor, Cat Timms…
cultural appropriation
Handwovens
CLOSE ENOUGH TO KISS – your baby’s head should be as close to your
chin as is comfortable. By tipping your head forward you should be able
to kiss your baby on the head or forehead.
Image by Capturing
Adventures Photography
Dads who Babywear
KEEP CHIN OFF THE CHEST
TIGHT – slings and carriers should be tight enough to hug your baby close
to you as this will be most comfortable for you both. Any slack/loose fabric
will allow your baby to slump down in the carrier which can hinder their
breathing and pull on your back.
CONTENTS
The T.I.C.K.S. Rule for Safe Babywearing
With mixed emotions, I present you with my 5th and
final edition of Carried Away. From an excellent local
newsletter by Karen Teale to a national glossy online mag
(with the help of master graphic designer Delphie of See
Creative, thank you Delphie!) that raises funds for BWWA
and promotes, educates and normalises babywearing,
it’s been a wonderful year at the helm. I would also like
to thank all the businesses who have supported this
project by donating carriers, services and buying ads. Your
support allows us to run 8, huge, carrier libraries statewide
and spread the babywearing love to more families.
This edition sees me pour out everything I have learnt
about handwovens over the last two years; local father
of a newborn Piers talks to us about babywearing with
a few other local dads (Happy Fathers Day for Sunday,
guys!). My wonderful friend, talented Aboriginal
artist and blogger Liz Close graces us with a thought
provoking article about cultural appropriation, thank you
for your candor, Liz. Our physio Steph talks you through
posture for babywearing and Renae explains what those
manufacturer recommendations really mean. Bri shows
up how to slipknot and a hip carry, and so much more.
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Another amazing resource for the babywearing
community; all digital editions will continue to be
publicly available via the BWWA website. Congratulations
to the whole CA team and thank you for supporting my
vision. That’s a wrap, guys; we did it!
Keep wearing all the babies, and toddlers, and kids,
Love, Cat xxx
Columns + Stories
The Stepkowski Solution....................17
All Wrapped Up......................................21
My Babywearing Journey...................22
SUPPORTED BACK – in an upright carry a baby should be held comfortably
close to the wearer so their back is supported in its natural position and
their tummy and chest are against you. If a sling is too loose they can slump
which can partially close their airway. (This can be tested by placing a hand on your
baby’s back and pressing gently - they should not uncurl or move closer to you.)
A baby in a cradle carry in a pouch or ring sling should be positioned
carefully with their bottom in the deepest part so the sling does not fold
them in half pressing their chin to their chest.
Behind the chair, from the Chair......25
Wrap Wrangling.....................................26
Cover image donated by Capturing Adventures
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