Find guidance to help families to keep their baby safe while using baby carries.
Baby slings
A baby sling or carrier can provide comfort and support for your baby, allowing you to carry your child hands-free, but RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) warns there are risks and some babies have been injured or have died.
- Newborn and young babies do not have strong neck control and cannot lift their head, so their airway can easily be blocked
- A sling’s fabric or fabric from the parent or caregiver’s clothing could cause suffocation
When wearing a sling or carrier, don't forget the T.I.C.K.S acronym:
- Tight
- In view at all times
- Close enough to kiss
- Keep chin off chest
- Support back
Download T.I.C.K.S [PDF]
General slings, wraps, carrier use
- Slings can be used to keep baby close, as part of responsive care.
- Parents should only use slings, wraps, carriers appropriate for baby’s size, age, weight and follow manufacturer’s instructions.
T.I.C.K.S advice, which ensures baby’s airway is open should be always used, for babies of ALL ages.
Breast and chest feeding
TICKS advice cannot be fulfilled when breast/chest feeding in a sling. To make sure your baby is safe if feeding in a sling:
- Make sure your baby’s chin is not tucked into their chest, as their airway needs to be clear at all times.
- Keep your eyes on your baby- ‘hands free’ and ‘brain free’ breast/chest feeding can’t be achieved in a sling.
This advice applies especially up until your baby is older and has developed their own head control.
Find how to stay safe using your baby carrier in our new leaflet Baby slings and carries - Nottinghmshire County Council [PDF]
More information can be found at
- Safety and feeding in slings and carriers [YouTube video]
- Caring for your baby at night and when sleeping (UNICEF) [PDF]
- How to swaddle your baby or use a baby sling more safely (The Lullaby Trust)
- Baby slings (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents)
- Baby sling safety (National Child Mortality Database)
- Sling safety (Derby and Nottingham Sling Library)