Babywearing is a very common part of parenting in New Zealand, so features in a lot of social media. So if you're an influencer or content creator with a baby, it's likely at some point your baby carrier will features in your content.
We want your baby to be worn in the safest way as possible but also for you to consider that people get a lot of their babywearing information from social media now, both positive and unsafe. So would love you to consider your influence and audience and ensure your babywearing is shown as safely as possible.
We have seen a lot of really unhelpful and some down right dangerous babywearing on social media in recent times. It's time to all work together to ensure babies are carried, snuggled and safe!
Safety essentials for social media content
CARRIER SIZE:
- Check your carrier is the correct size for your baby, especially if you are wearing a baby 0-4 months
- One size fits all carriers are generally NOT suitable for the first 6-8 weeks unless you are very careful and modify the way the carrier is worn
- Please do not show your carrier panel up over baby's head as this can restrict breathing
- Many brands of asthetic style carriers are too large for safe newborn carrying despite how they are advertised - please do a fit check with us or see if we can help you tweak your fit
FACE VISIBLE:
- Ensure your baby's mouth and nose are visible at all times while watching the video, not just looking down
- Make sure your wrap or hybrid carrier (eg Boba Bliss) is away from baby's face, ie no further over than the ear
- The back panel of your carrier should not be higher than the bottom of baby's ears
TIGHT:
- Ensure your baby is carried snugly and can't slump down in the carrier
- Make sure your wrap or hybrid carrier (eg Boba Bliss) is not loosely worn
SLEEP / CONTACT NAPS:
- Face should be fully visible
- Do not use the carrier or hood to cover baby's face while sleeping
- Please do not give the impression you are going about your day without closely monitoring your baby while they are sleeping.
COOKING OR OTHER POTENTIALLY UNSAFE ACTIVITIES
- Please consider whether what you are showing is safe carrier use
- Please be mindful of showing content where baby or child could get burnt or otherwise injured
- Do not show baby carrier use for any activities you wouldnt do with baby in your arms
How do I know my carrying content is safe?
We encourage you to reach out to us for a babywearing lesson before your baby arrives to ensure you are carrying your baby safely from day one. This is a completely free service and can be accessed by Zoom or in-person if you are in Auckland.
We have a lot of useful videos on our Tiktok showing safe and unsafe carrying, please see if there is one for the carrier you use.
We offer a free fit check service before you post content - just DM us your photos to check baby's airways are visible, your carrier is a suitable size and your baby is safe!
What's in it for you?
Your baby will be worn as safely as possible and your carrying will be as comfortable as possible
You avoid any negative comments for your carrying being unsafe. Overseas it is very common for influencers to receive a flood of messages and comments if they show unsafe carrying and we certainly don't want you to experience that early in your parenting journey!
It's great for your reputation to be seen as setting a good example for sharing safe babywearing and reinforcing the safely messages that keep New Zealand babies safe.