With the holidays approaching, many parents will be gifting/receiving and especially traveling with a baby carrier! To help make this holiday season as safe and cozy as possible, Baby K’Tan is sharing important baby wearing safety tips with everyone (copied from their website) below.  Happy baby wearing, traveling, and holidays!

Is it safe to carry my newborn in a Baby K’tan? Yes! The practice of babywearing keeps babies in the safest place possible — a parent’s arms. Baby’s face should always be visible to the carrying adult so that baby’s breathing and positioning can be regularly monitored. Babies are vulnerable in their first few months of life and they require constant supervision, which is why babywearing is a wonderful tool to assist in the well-being of infants. In order to ensure a safe, comfortable and cozy babywearing experience, be sure to read and follow all warnings, instructions and safety tips found in your manual and online before placing your baby in the Baby K’tan. My newborn does not yet have head control; what positions can I use? How do I support baby’s head? The Kangaroo and Hug Positions can be used with an infant that does not yet have complete head control. The fabric of the Baby K’tan can be used to support the back of your baby’s head. After placing your baby in the carrier, spread the fabric at your shoulder to create a head support for your baby. Ensure that the fabric is supporting the back or side of your baby’s head and does not cover baby’s face, nose or mouth.

My baby is less than 8lbs. Can I use the Baby K’tan?
As per the Baby Carrier Industry standards, the minimum weight limit on the Baby K’tan Baby Carrier is 8lbs. This minimum assists in stressing the use of extra care and safety when using a baby carrier with a newborn infant. While worn properly, the Baby K’tan can be very beneficial for newborns and kangaroo care with preemies – consult an expert or doctor if your infant was born with a low birth weight, such as a preemie or twins, or if your infant has respiratory illness or other respiratory problems. Extra vigilance is required with these babies.

How do I know my baby is positioned correctly?
Baby carriers are meant to mimic the way you would hold your baby in your arms. Check your baby’s position after placing him/her in the carrier by embracing baby in your arms; baby’s position should not shift significantly in your embrace.

Check to make sure you can fit your finger between baby’s chin and chest to ensure that baby’s airway is not restricted.

How do I know my baby’s face and neck are positioned correctly? You should be able to see your baby’s face at all times. Make sure that your baby’s face is not pressed into your body or into the fabric of the carrier. Your baby’s head and neck should be supported, with baby’s chin off chest. If baby’s chin is pressed tightly against his chest, this can restrict baby’s airway. When positioned properly, you should be able to fit your finger between baby’s chin and chest. Check often to ensure that baby’s airway is not restricted and that baby is breathing regularly. If you hear that your baby is snoring or grunting, reposition baby to a more upright hold. How do I position baby’s legs for proper hip development? – Kangaroo Position: When placing your baby in the Kangaroo hold, baby’s knees should to be tucked to tummy in a “froggy style” position. A simple rule is to keep baby’s legs in the shape of the letter “M”, with baby’s bottom making the dip in the middle of the letter and baby’s knees making the two peaks. – Hug, Adventure and Two-Hip Positions: When placing your baby in a position where legs are free, baby should be in a natural seated position with knees bent and hips spread – straddling the wearer. Spread the fabric of the Baby K’tan between baby’s legs so that it reaches the bend in baby’s knees.

Once my baby is positioned correctly in the carrier, am I done?
No. Babies can shift their positioning in the carrier, especially during walking or movement. Parents should attend to and check on baby often, especially those less than 4 months of age.

Can I safely nurse in the Baby K’tan?
Yes, but please keep in mind that every individual is different and some may find it easier than others. After nursing in the Baby K’tan, return your baby to a proper carrying position with head above the breasts and face free of fabric and turned away from the mother’s body.