Little Monkey is here to provide information to help make parenting easier. This is so parents can make informed decision – whether that decision is on where to take their kids to play on the weekend by using our child-friendly directory to our new project – “Parenting Talk Series” – 30 minutes recorded interview with subject experts on all things parenting uploaded to our blog for the convenience of parents to watch whenever they like.

Our third episode of “Parenting Talk Series” is on the topic of Baby Wearing – The Best and Safest Way to Use a Baby Carrier. We brought in experts Esther and Dee from Leelaloom Handwoven who are certified baby wearing educator to show us the best and safest way to wear our baby along with positions that we should avoid.

Leelaloom Handwoven is also offering a DISCOUNT CODE “LMXLL15” for 15% off if you book a consultation with them before the end of June (ends June 30, 2021). Email [email protected] to book.

Below video is a recap of what we spoke about and the visual aids.

• Baby Wearing has become the norm nowadays in cities but we forget that there are many types such as wraps and ring slings and meh dai that our grandparents probably used before. (see “Types of Baby Carrier” visual)

• The benefits of baby wearing are many from bonding with the baby, less crying and fussy baby, to helping mothers ease postpartum depression and anxiety. Also, baby can be breastfed in a baby carrier as well.

• Unlike baby stroller and car seats, baby carriers are not always regulated so always remember the 5 rules of baby wearing following the mnemonic T.I.C.K.S: (see “Baby’s Natural Position and T.I.C.K.S Rule” visual)
  • T – Tight as baby needs to be tightly against the carrier so there is no risk of falling out or baby slumping over causing issues to their airways.
  • I – In view at all times to ensure no fabric is covering the babies face
  • C – Close enough to kiss the baby’s forehead or else they are too low
  • K – Keep chin off their chest with at least a finger space under their chin to ensure their airway will not be block
  • S – Supported back of a baby should be in a C shape with their chest and tummy against you as this is the natural position

• Younger babies should be carried in a baby carrier with their legs in an M position (see “Best Position for Baby” visual) as this helps to minimize abnormal hip development. As they grow older, this is less of an issue. But do follow manufacturers’ instructions as certain types of carrier is only for older babies.

• Try to avoid using a sideway carrier or a cradle carrier as this does not support a baby’s spine and hip and their face might be cover causing breathing issues.

• Do not wear baby forward facing until they are at least 4-6 months old and have good control of their neck and can tripod sit. Try to max forward facing to less than 20 minutes at a time as they can be overly stimulated and be sure to turn them around facing the parent when baby is sleeping to preventing slumping over causing airway restriction.

• Back carrying is recommended for heavier and older babies.

• Parents wanting to buy a baby carrier should do their proper research about the company and ensuring that the baby carrier is made to follow the T.I.C.K.S rule for safety. In addition, it is recommended to try before you buy with a baby wearing workshops or consultations. This way, they can ensure they are buying the right type and right size.

• Be aware of buying second hand as there have been reports of fakes in the market along with sellers not taking care of their baby carrier causing it to be weakened or have issues so best to either buy from a trusted source or to go through the “Babywearing HK Facebook Group”

• Advice/Tips for parents buying a baby carrier:
  • Check if the baby carrier has ergonomic position, can be size adjustable, or share amongst parents.
  • Do your research on the specific baby carrier whether that is to talk to friends and family or to look for independent reviewers online.
  • Try it if you can through a workshop of consultation and at the minimum try the baby carrier at the store.

• Leelaloom Handwoven also have naturally dye handwoven ring sling and handwoven wraps that you can check out on www.leelaloomhandwoven.com along with workshops to help you decide which baby carrier is right for you. All their contact information is in the visual below.

Thank you so much to Esther and Dee for introducing to us safe and best way to wear our baby. As they said on their website, our “most precious thing” is our baby.

And we really hope these 30 minutes Parenting Help video interview is useful to you parents watching. As always, we advocate for each family to make the decision on what works for them and their kids. We hope this interview with our certified baby wearing educators gives you more information on purchasing and using2 the best and safest baby carriers.

Below are the visuals we used during the interview for your information.