The T.I.C.K.S. Rule for Safe Babywearing
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.
TIGHT – slings and carriers should be tight enough to hug your baby close
to you as this will be most
comfortable for you both. Any slack/loose fabric
will allow your baby to
slump down in the carrier which can hinder their
breathing and pull on your
back.
IN VIEW AT ALL TIMES –
you should always be able to see your baby’s face
by simply glancing down. The
fabric of a sling or carrier should not close
around them so you have to
open it to check on them. In a cradle position
your baby should face
upwards not be turned in towards your body.
CLOSE ENOUGH TO KISS –
your baby’s head should be as close to your
chin as is comfortable. By
tipping your head forward you should be able
to
KEEP CHIN OFF THE CHEST – a baby should never be curled so their chin
is forced onto their chest
as this can restrict their breathing. Ensure there is
always a space of at least a
finger width under your baby’s chin.
kiss your baby on the head
or forehead.
SUPPORTED BACK –
in an upright carry a baby should be held comfortably
close to the wearer so their
back is supported in its natural position and
their tummy and chest are
against you. If a sling is too loose they can slump
which can partially close
their airway. (This can be tested by placing a hand on your
baby’s back and pressing
gently - they should not uncurl or move closer to you.)
A baby in a cradle carry in
a pouch or ring sling should be positioned
carefully with their bottom
in the deepest part so the sling does not fold
them in half pressing their
chin to their chest.
Cups with lids so easy, less mess so what's the problem.Spouted cups and bottles promote a sucking action and it is recommended that from six months babies should start drinking from an open cup.The thing about an open top cup is that it develops the lip and tongue muscles a baby needs for speech. I hadn't realized that by introducing an open cup and stopping a bottle by age one I would be helping my baby to speak.Isn't knowledge a wonderful thing.Can't wait for those first words I'm sure it will make the mopping of spills worth while. The doidy cup has been great it is sloped so little ones can see the liquid and helps them not to tip all over themselves
