Once discharged from NICU, using a baby carrier is a great way to help keep your baby comfortable and settled when you are going about daily activities at home.

There are no specific Australian Standards for baby carriers, so care should be taken when choosing a carrier to use with your baby.

Find out more about safety using a baby carrier.

Key safety tips to keep in mind

• T – Tight – the carrier should hug your baby firmly against your body.
• I – In view at all times – your baby’s face should ALWAYS be in view with a quick glance down, with no fabric, hats or clothing blocking the view of their face.
• C – Close enough to kiss – when positioned in the carrier, your baby should be positioned up high on your chest, so their head is close enough to lean down and kiss.
• K – Keep chin off chest – baby’s neck should be tilted slightly back, to keep chin off chest to ensure safe breathing.
• S – Supported back – carrying your baby as described above will ensure baby’s back is well supported and prevent slumping down and an associated risk to breathing.

It is also very important that your baby’s hips are well supported when being carried in a carrier. Baby should have their knees up high, and bottom sinking down lower than their knees. Check this resource for more information about safe hip positioning in baby carriers.