How do you keep a baby's airway clear in a carrier?

What does the evidence say about baby carrier safety?

1. A sling can curl an infant into a posture that restricts breathing. Keep the face visible above fabric and the chin off the chest, and check that your body does not cover the nose or mouth. Young infants need particularly close attention to position. 1
2. Choose a carrier that fits the baby, supports the back and has secure openings and fasteners. Inspect seams and straps for damage. When picking something up, bend at the knees rather than tipping forward at the waist, which can change the baby’s position. 1
3. If the baby falls asleep in a carrier or sling, move them to a firm, flat, non-inclined sleep surface as soon as possible. An adult watching the carrier does not convert it into a recommended routine sleep space. 2
4. Avoid tightly binding a baby’s legs straight together. AAP hip guidance allows the legs to bend up and outward. If a baby uses an orthopedic harness, ask the clinical team how carrying fits with the prescribed position rather than improvising around the device. 3
5. A baby who becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally needs emergency action. Remove them from the carrier, call for emergency help and follow dispatcher CPR instructions. A quiet infant should still be checked for normal breathing, not assumed to be sleeping deeply. 4

Checks before and during a carry

• Confirm the fit instructions and inspect straps, fasteners and seams.
• Keep the face visible, chin off chest, and nose and mouth clear.
• Recheck position after movement and transfer a sleeping infant to a flat sleep space.