A snug fit.
A little confidence.

Run through this before every carry so your baby’s airway stays clear.

• T: Tight. Adjusted firmly so baby is hugged close to you. If baby slumps down in the carrier, it can restrict their breathing.
• I: In view at all times. You should be able to see baby’s face just by looking down.
• C: Close enough to kiss. Baby’s head should sit high enough on your chest that you can easily kiss the top of their head.
• K: Keep chin off chest. Leave at least a finger’s width under baby’s chin so their airway stays open.
• S: Supported back. Baby’s back is supported in its natural position, with their tummy and chest against you.

A carrier isn’t a safe sleep space. If baby falls asleep, keep checking their face and airway, and move them to a safe sleep space as soon as you can.

Two things to look for every time you put baby in:

• The M position. Baby’s knees sit level with or a little higher than their bottom, with the seat supporting their thighs from knee to knee. Seen from the front, their legs make a wide M shape. This position supports healthy hip development. Avoid legs hanging straight down.
• The natural C curve. A young baby’s spine is gently rounded. Snug the carrier so baby is close to you, but don’t pull the back panel so tight that it flattens their back.

Tip: First time? Practise over a bed with a doll or soft toy until the steps feel natural.

1. Fasten the waistband. Buckle the padded waistband around your waist and pull it snug. For a newborn, wear it higher, closer to your ribs, so baby sits high enough to kiss.
2. Position baby. Hold baby against your chest, facing you, and sit them deep into the seat with their legs in the M position.
3. Shoulder straps on. Keep one hand on baby at all times. Bring the back panel up over baby’s back and slide your arms through the shoulder straps one at a time.
4. Do up the back buckle. Reach behind you and fasten the buckle that connects the shoulder straps. It should sit between your shoulder blades.
5. Snug and lift. Pull the adjustment straps until baby is snug against you and sitting high on your chest. You should feel the weight spread across your shoulders and hips, not dragging on your lower back.
6. Check TICKS. Finish with the 10-second safety check above.

1. Keep one hand firmly on baby the whole time.
2. Reach behind you and undo the back buckle.
3. Slip the shoulder straps off your arms one at a time, keeping baby close against your chest.
4. Lift baby up and out of the seat before you undo the waistband.

• Small spills: spot clean with a damp cloth and a little mild soap. Spot cleaning between washes reduces wear.
• Full wash: buckle and tighten all straps first to protect the structure. Wash in a pillowcase or mesh laundry bag on a cold, gentle cycle with a mild liquid detergent.
• Avoid: bleach and fabric softener.
• Drying: air dry only. Don’t tumble dry, as heat can weaken the fabric and affect the buckles.

Check the stitching, straps and buckles regularly, and stop using the carrier if anything looks worn or damaged.