Safe and Snuggly Babywearing: hope&plum's Newborn Baby Carrier Safety Tips
Babywearing is an incredible parenting tool that allows caregivers to hold their newborns close while being hands-free. Newborns have specific safety and developmental needs that a thoughtfully designed carrier will honor and support. Before beginning the babywearing journey, all new caregivers should learn about newborn babywearing safety and comfort recommendations. hope&plum is here to help you learn everything you need to know about newborn baby carrier safety!
The Short Version
- Babywearing keeps newborns close while allowing caregivers to be hands-free.
- Follow T.I.C.K.S. for safe and proper newborn positioning.
- The Sprout is our buckle carrier specifically for newborns. It's quick, easy, safe, and snuggly.
- Our baby wraps are stretchy and lightweight. They're perfect for newborns with easy in-and-out use.
- Our ring slings are adjustable and snuggly. They're great for newborns and grow with them.
- Our meh dais offer two-shoulder support, are easy to use, and adapt as baby grows.
- The Lark is not a newborn carrier. It's best for older babies who are over 10 lbs and fitting 3-6 month clothing.
Table of Contents
What is T.I.C.K.S. and How Does It Keep My Newborn Safe in a Baby Carrier?
Safety is #1 for newborns, and a good babywearing safety acronym to keep in mind is T.I.C.K.S., courtesy of the Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers (2023). T.I.C.K.S. gives guidance on the proper positioning for all babies in carriers, but especially for newborns. Babywearing safety should be at the top of your list whenever you put on a carrier, but wearers have to be extra vigilant when wearing fresh babies since newborns lack the head, neck, and trunk control to keep themselves safe.
T: Tight
Your carrier should be snug enough to hug baby close to your body. A loose carrier lets baby slump down, which can block their airway.
Why it matters: A snug fit keeps your newborn's chin off their chest and their airway open. If you can fit a flat hand between you and baby, it's too loose.
I: In View at All Times
You should always be able to see baby's face by glancing down. Fabric should never cover their nose or mouth.
Why it matters: Pull the top hem to the nape of a newborn's neck, never over their head. You need a clear view to spot any positioning or airway issue right away.
C: Close Enough to Kiss
Baby's head should be high enough on your chest that you can tip your chin down and kiss the top of their head.
Why it matters: If baby is too low, their chin can drop to their chest and restrict their airway. Higher is always safer.
K: Keep Chin Off the Chest
There should always be at least two fingers' width of space between baby's chin and their chest to protect a newborn's fragile airway. The U.K. Sling Consortium suggests at least one finger, but we like the extra assurance when it comes to our youngest wearees.
Why it matters: A chin-to-chest position can compress the airway. Check this every few minutes, especially when your newborn falls asleep.
S: Supported Back
Baby's back should be supported in its natural position, with their tummy and chest against you. Knees should sit higher than their bottom in a spread-squat (M-shape) position.
Why it matters: Proper back support keeps your newborn's spine in a healthy C-curve and supports their developing hips.
What Do Newborns Need to be Safe in a Baby Carrier?
Newborn baby carrier safety should reflect the specific needs that newborns have: head, neck, and trunk support; frequent check-ins; airway protection; and ergonomic knee-to-knee support. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (2010) recommends that "you can see your baby’s face or eyes in the sling and that your baby can see you." The American Academy of Pediatrics offers the following additional tips in a publication by Kemp (2021):
- When using a sling, make sure the baby’s body does not curl into a C shape, which may cause breathing problems. Instead, the baby's neck should be straight and the head above the fabric.
- Check frequently to make sure you can see your baby’s face and fabric is not blocking the baby’s mouth or nose.
- Make sure the carrier is the right size for your child and is made of sturdy material. It should support the back, and the baby should not be able to slip through the leg holes.
Learn more in the chart below:
| Newborns Need… | Because They… | So Your Carrier Should… |
|---|---|---|
| Head, neck, and trunk support | Don’t have enough strength yet | Support baby’s head, neck, and trunk in an upright position so you can be hands-free |
| Frequent check-ins | Can easily lose their airway or slump over and have trouble regulating their breathing and body temperature | Not cover their face or even come higher than their earlobes Allow for high and tight positioning at all times so you can feel and see their breath Allow air circulation and temperature check-ins |
| Airway protection | Have airways that can easily fold like a bendy straw | Support their head and neck in an upright position so you can always fit two fingers between their chin and chest |
| Gentle knee-to-knee support | Have developing hips that should be supported in an M-shape | Cinch down or otherwise provide knee-to-knee support in a spread-squat position |
Is the Sprout Carrier Good for Newborns?
Yes! The Sprout was specifically designed for newborns. It has many great features of the Lark, but it's sized down to be safe and snuggly for our smallest wearees. It's apron style and best worn right below your chest, allowing for a comfy fit post-partum without bulky padding whether you're straight-size or plus-size. It's soft and floppy right out of the package so it's ready for newborn snuggles. It features the same wide, cross-back straps you've come to know and love in the Lark, allowing for independent and intuitive wearing ease.
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Sprout Newborn Carrier
From birth★★★★★I put him in at just over 24 hours old. I was amazed at how good of a fit I could get with such a small baby (discharged at exactly 8 pounds).
Delaney D.
- Weight Limit
- 7 to 24 lbs
- Ways to Wear From Birth
- Front only
- Real Life Fit
- Fits most babies from birth through 9-12 months
- Sizes for the Wearer
- Short (XXS-L) Long (XL-6X)
The Sprout is a great newborn buckle carrier option for caregivers on the go. It's intuitive, safe, and comfortable. It will quickly become your favorite newborn option for around the house, short outings, or long activities. Plus, it allows for an easy transition to our Lark Baby Carrier, if you're ready for more support or a back carry.
Using hope&plum Baby Wraps for Newborns
hope&plum baby wraps are stretchy wraps. They are a lightweight tencel/organic cotton blend with two-way stretch that comes in a variety of solid colors and patterns. Our baby wraps are super snuggly and perfect for newborns. One great newborn feature is that their two-way stretch makes them "poppable" carriers. This means you can tie a baby wrap on once and, as long as you get it nice and tight to start off, you can leave it on all day, popping baby in and out as needed!
Need to feed your newborn every two hours? Pop baby out! Need to change that diaper immediately after another change? Pop baby out! Need to get your newborn from your house to your car, their care provider, and the scale to the exam room? Pop baby out, pop baby in, repeat as needed! Always ensure that your fit meets the T.I.C.K.S. guidelines as you use it throughout the day.
Baby Wrap
From birth★★★★★So soft and supportive! Perfect for newborn snuggles but is so supportive it will easily last longer than those newborn days.
Kerstin S.
- Weight Limit
- 7 to 35 lbs
- Ways to Wear From Birth
- Front only
- Real Life Fit
- Fits most babies comfortably from birth until ~15-20 lbs
- Sizes for the Wearer
- Short (XXS-L) Long (XL-6X)
The weight limit on our baby wraps is 35 lbs, but unless you get a perfectly tight fit, many people feel like they are not as comfortable or supportive after a baby reaches about 20 lbs. This makes them an ideal newborn carrier!
Are Ring Slings Safe for Newborns?
Our ring slings are definitely safe for newborns. In fact, they provide next level squishy snuggles. Honestly, what is sweeter than a tiny newborn face sleeping soundly in a ring sling? hope&plum ring slings are either made from a hemp/organic cotton or linen/cotton blend, both supportive and comfortable. Most babies can fit from birth in a high and tight front carry. Wearing your newborn with their legs out is safe from birth. If your baby loves that newborn scrunch position and simply won’t tolerate having their legs out, the legs in position is also safe, but you should stop this position once your baby is pushing up on the fabric to stand.
Ring Slings
From birth★★★★★My newborn and I have made our ring sling part of our normal routine. We love it!
Lauren B.
- Weight Limit
- 7 to 35 lbs
- Ways to Wear From Birth
- Front
- Ways to Wear as Baby Grows
- Hip (babies with head/neck/trunk support)
- Real Life Fit
- Fits most babies from birth through toddlerhood
- Sizes for the Wearer
- 74" (smaller bodies) 84" (most bodies) 94" (larger bodies)
Like baby wraps, ring slings are also poppable, but with a few more adjustments each time you take baby in our out. Ring slings are a great option for feeding your newborn, although feeding in the carrier may not be handsfree until your baby has a bit more head, neck, and trunk control. One of the best things about a ring sling is that it will grow with your baby throughout toddlerhood and beyond!
Why Should I Choose a Meh Dai for My Newborn?
Meh dais are like the best of both worlds between ring slings and baby wraps. They provide the same two-shoulder support of a baby wrap, but will grow with your child beyond infancy. hope&plum meh dais are made of hemp/organic cotton blend with an adjustable ring waist and luxuriously wide wrap straps to offer the utmost support!
Meh Dai
From birth★★★★★The perfect carrier for longer newborn carries. Provides the perfect amount of support while still being lightweight and not bulky.
Elisabeth W.
- Weight Limit
- 7 to 45 lbs
- Ways to Wear From Birth
- Front
- Ways to Wear as Baby Grows
- Hip (babies with head/neck/trunk support) Back (sitting unassisted)
- Real Life Fit
- Fits most babies from birth through toddlerhood
- Sizes for the Wearer
- Short (waists up to 44") Long (waists up to 74")
The meh dai panels are rollable and cinchable to accommodate most newborns from birth. They are a bit easier to learn than the baby wrap or ring sling, so getting that high, tight carry with proper back support and alignment is easier.
Like ring slings, they are an excellent option for feeding a newborn, keeping in mind that it may not be a hands-free activity for a few months. Also, like the ring sling, the meh dai will grow with your infant through toddlerhood and beyond. Older babies and toddlers can easily be worn in a back carry, with many fancy and supportive finish options.
Check out this video below of Mallory, one of our co-founders, positioning a newborn safely and comfortably in a meh dai:
Is the hope&plum Lark Baby Carrier Safe for Newborns?
No! While the Lark is hope&plum’s best-selling carrier, it isn’t for newborns! The weight minimum on the Lark is 10 pounds, but achieving an optimal and safe fit is much more than a weight guideline. We tend to find babies fit well in the Lark when they fit in 3-6 month clothes across brands for both torso height and leg length. And then we always have to go back to T.I.C.K.S. to make sure the baby is high, tight, and properly supported in the carrier.
Lark Baby Carrier
Not for newborns★★★★★So cute and comfy! I was so excited when my babe got big enough to fit in the lark!
Sarah T.
- Weight Limit
- 10 to 45 lbs
- Ways to Wear From Birth
- No newborn positioning
- Ways to Wear as Baby Grows
- Front Back (once sitting unassisted)
- Real Life Fit
- Babies who wear 3-6 month clothes through early toddlerhood
- Sizes for the Wearer
- Short (XXS-L) Long (XL-6X)
Here are some additional safety checks you can do with your smaller babies in a Lark:
Top of the Panel - You want to make sure the baby is safely clearing the top of the panel. This means the top of the panel should come no higher than the baby’s earlobes. If the panel comes higher than that, you won’t be able to see the baby as clearly as needed to check on positioning and airway.
Bottom of Panel - You want to ensure the baby safely clears the bottom of the panel. This means the bottom of the panel should support the baby from one knee to the other without going past their knees. Their knees should always be able to bend freely. If not, you could be over-extending your baby’s legs.
Side Gaps - You want to ensure you’re closing off the side gaps so that the baby won’t fall out of the carrier. Some babies may be too small to get the carrier properly tightened to close off any significant gaps between the sides of the panel and the wearer’s body. This puts the baby at a fall risk.
Kissable - As always, you want to make sure the baby’s head is close enough to kiss without straining your neck.
If you can’t check off those four safety guidelines, your baby is still too small for the Lark. You can always schedule a fit check if you’re unsure or want some small baby tips. And you can use your baby wrap, ring sling, or meh dai until the baby can safely fit in the Lark.
If you want to plan for the future, shop all our baby carriers.
Newborn Baby Carrier Safety FAQ
Is babywearing safe for newborns?
Yes—babywearing is safe for newborns when done correctly. Use a newborn-appropriate carrier and follow T.I.C.K.S. positioning to protect baby’s airway, spine, and hips.
What does T.I.C.K.S. mean in babywearing?
T.I.C.K.S. stands for Tight, In View, Close Enough to Kiss, Keep Chin Off Chest, Supported Back. These safety guidelines ensure proper newborn positioning and airflow.
What is the best baby carrier for a newborn?
The best newborn carriers provide full head, neck, and trunk support. They also support a baby's developing legs in a hip-healthy M-position. The Sprout, stretchy wraps, ring slings, and meh dais are all safe options from birth when properly fitted.
Can I babywear from birth?
Yes! Many babies can be worn safely from day one. A high, tight, upright position helps newborns feel secure while allowing caregivers to stay hands-free.
Can newborns be worn with their legs out?
Yes. Legs-out positioning is safe from birth when knees are supported and hips aren’t forced wide. Legs-in is also safe for early newborns until they begin pushing up, just make sure you're still getting an M-shape with knees above bottom and weight on bum, not feet or legs.
Why isn’t the Lark recommended for newborns?
The Lark requires more size and strength than most newborns have. Babies typically fit safely once they’re over 10 lbs and wearing 3–6 month clothing.
How can I tell if my newborn’s babywearing fit is safe?
You should always see baby’s face, kiss their head easily, fit two fingers under their chin, and feel strong back support. When unsure, a fit check can help confirm safe positioning.
Are hope&plum newborn carriers hip-healthy?
Yes! All hope&plum carriers support an infant's developing legs in a hip-healthy M-shape when worn correctly. Check safety guides, tutorials, or schedule a fit check to make sure you're adjusting your carrier safely and comfortably!
References
Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers. (2023). Baby sling safety – 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. Babyslingsafety.Co.Uk. https://babyslingsafety.co.uk/
Kemp, C. (2021, December). Keep babies safe while in carriers, slings. American Academy of Pediatrics. https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/18684/Keep-babies-safe-while-in-carriers-slings?autologincheck=redirected
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (2010, November 19). CPSC educates new parents on safe babywearing; infant suffocation deaths in slings prompt renewed effort to warn moms and dads. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2011/CPSC-Educates-New-Parents-on-Safe-BabywearingInfant-suffocation-deaths-in-slings-prompt-renewed-effort-to-warn-moms-and-dads
Meet the Author
Jenn Tolisano
Jenn Tolisano is hope&plum's Director of Community Education & Content. She has been a babywearing educator for over ten years. Working as a high school teacher before entering the world of motherhood, she has brought her passion for education to all things baby carriers. Babywearing has been such an essential parenting tool in her household that she wants to spread the babywearing love to all families. Jenn believes that every caregiver deserves to have a baby carrier they love and feel comfortable and confident in. She hopes that her fit checks and blog-writing with hope&plum help to achieve that goal!
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