The acronym TICKS is one of the most common memory aids to help you remember all those important checks to make sure your child is safe and comfortable in their carrier.
✅ Tight - to remove the fall risk and stop baby slumping in the carrier.
✅ In sight - to make sure baby's mouth and nose are free and they don't over heat.
✅ Close enough to kiss - keeping baby's head on the firm part of your chest helps ensure clear airways, and a high carry is generally more comfortable for you too!
✅ Keep their chin off their chest - just like in car seats, a gap of two finger with between baby's chin and chest means their airways remain nicely open.
✅ Supported spine - supports baby's posture when they do not have to core strength to do so on their own, preventing slumping in the carrier.
Run through the TICKS check list every time you pop baby in the carrier, for peace of mind that your child is going to remain safe while you babywear. It is also a good idea to intermittently recheck these points as you wear your child. Even if everything is set up perfectly initially as baby moves and as their muscle tone changes as they fall asleep, how the carrier supports them can change and you may need to make further adjustments.