Babywearing is as safe as (or safer than) holding your baby in your arms, as long as some basic rules are followed.

1. Know your carrier and follow its directions. Did you know, for example, that a Baby Bjorn should not be used with a baby under three months old? Or that a stretchy Moby Wrap shouldn't be used for a back carry? 

2. Check on your baby regularly! If you are wearing your baby in a carrier, you should check regularly to be sure his face is visible, he is breathing comfortably, and he isn't too hot or too cold. If baby is on your back, check her position by using car windows as mirrors! Be especially vigilant when baby is in a cradle hold or semi-reclined hold.

3. Use the right carrier for yourself and your family. If you are uncomfortable tying a wrap, get something more structured so that you can be confident and your baby can be safe. 

4. Use common sense. Don't cook or drink something hot while holding your baby in a front carry (that's what back carries are for)! Take care not to bang her head when going through a doorway. When you sit down, make sure her legs are properly positioned.

5. Do some research. Here are some highly recommended links:

• Correct Positioning (from thebabywearer.com)
• Safe Babywearing (from babywearinginternational.org)
• Public Service Announcement from the CSPC (including link to streaming video on proper positioning)
• Check here for product recalls
• Is my sling safe? Or, not all slings are created equal! (sleepingbabyproductions)
• Is Babywearing Unsafe? (www.amotherinisrael.com)
• Attachment Parenting International
• The Babywearer
• Baby Carrier Industry Alliance (BCIA)

6. Schedule a consultation with us to make sure you're getting the most out of your carrier. 

1. Cost. The truth is that a good stroller, which reclines fully and is good from birth to about age 3, will cost somewhere in the neighborhood of 1500 NIS to 2500 NIS. And it won't last forever: it will need repairs. A good carrier will last you through several children. If you have a carrier you can even choose to invest in an inexpensive umbrella stroller, since you won't need something that reclines flat for a stroller you'll use here and there with an older baby or toddler.

2. Convenience. There are places where a stroller just isn't convenient: think about narrow shop entrances, hiking trails, the bus, and even the grocery store. A single stroller is difficult; a double stroller is just impossible. There's nothing like being able to pull your carrier out of your bag and nestle in your little one -- and she'll surely be safer in a carrier than in your arms alone on the bus. If you have a car, you probably don't need a stroller most of the time anyway -- and imagine how much trunk space you'll free up by taking a wrap or mei tai instead of the "travel system."

3. Hands-free. Try holding your three year old's hand while pushing your newborn in a stroller -- difficult, to say the least. Ever tried to navigate the grocery store with a stroller AND a shopping cart? A  proper carrier makes those problems disappear. With a carrier you're free to do what you need -- with hands free to keep an older child safe, carry your purchases, and even have a drink of water! Getting onto the bus with a baby in a stroller requires the assistance of fellow passengers; getting on with a baby in a carrier requires -- well -- stepping onto the bus. 
 
3. Versatility. A good carrier will take you from birth to about age 3 or 4. Yes, you'll have to carry said child -- but think about the difference: you could walk uphill with your 15 kg toddler on your back, or you could push your 9 kg stroller AND your 15 kg toddler up that same hill.