Important things you need to know to protect your baby from accidents caused by carriers

Baby carriers have now become one of the essential items for raising children, but unfortunately, there are accidents that can seriously injure babies. We will introduce you to what situations, what types of accidents are likely to occur, and what you should be careful about to prevent them.

Are baby carriers dangerous?

It is no exaggeration to say that all mothers who are raising children use baby carriers. The weight is less burdensome than carrying it with just your arms, and it frees up your hands, making it convenient not only when you go out, but also when doing housework.

However, it is also true that accidents in which babies are transported by emergency occur every year. This can lead to serious injuries and even loss of life. Based on accident information gathered from medical institutions, the Consumer Affairs Agency and National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan have repeatedly issued warnings.

According to the Consumer Affairs Agency's website, the most common causes are falls, suffocation, and falls of adults carrying people or carrying them on their backs. Let's take a closer look.

What are the situations where falls are most likely to occur?

The most common injury to babies is head contusion. Falls from baby carriers are common, and falling from a high position onto a hard surface can lead to serious injuries such as skull fractures and subarachnoid hemorrhage.

There are several situations in which falls are more likely to occur.

For example, when putting on or taking down a baby carrier, your hands may slip, or your child may move and fall. This can also be caused by forgetting to fasten the clasp or not locking it properly.

There have been many reports of cases where the product is loose during use and ends up slipping through the armpit and falling. Your baby may also fall on your head when you bend over to pick things up or try to get something out of a bag that is placed low.

All of these things happen in a moment, so by the time you realize that, it's already too late. Sufficient care must be taken to prevent this from happening.

How does suffocation occur while being held?

The baby's face may come into close contact with the body of the adult who is carrying him or carrying him on his back, and his mouth and nose may become covered, making it difficult for him to breathe. Your chest may become compressed, making it difficult to breathe.

A sling, which is a single piece of cloth that wraps your pet in its folds, is a popular and easy-to-use item, but special care must be taken. This is because the nose and mouth are pressed against the fabric or the adult's body, making it difficult to breathe, and the body may become too rounded in a C-shape, making it difficult to breathe.
There have also been reports of babies not breathing when they realized they were not breathing. Be careful when using it.

Is it dangerous for parents to fall?

If an adult carrying or carrying a baby on their back falls, the baby may be thrown out of the baby carrier or become trapped under the adult, causing the baby to hit the baby's head and body hard against the ground.

When you are carrying your baby, it is difficult to see your feet, so there is a risk of tripping over obstacles or steps. Additionally, the weight of the baby added to the front and back of your body tends to shift your center of gravity, so you need to be extra careful not to lose your balance.

What should I be careful about?

First of all, it is important to know how to use a baby carrier correctly. The instruction manual that comes with the product and the lecture videos published by the manufacturer are full of information on how to use the baby carrier safely and securely. It introduces the steps to put on and take off, the comfortable position for your baby, and the appropriate level of contact with mom and dad, so be sure to check them before using.

When attaching and detaching, do it in a low position and with a low posture to minimize damage in the unlikely event of failure. It may be helpful to have someone assist you and hold your baby until you can securely secure the clasp and stabilize it.

Once you are able to carry your baby on your back, be sure to check that the clasp is properly locked and that the belt is not loose. It is very dangerous if it comes off midway or if the baby's position becomes unstable. As you get used to it or are in a hurry, you tend to neglect checking it, but it's an important point, so don't get distracted.
Also check that there are no unnecessary gaps that could slip through if the baby moves, that the baby is not too tight and that it is difficult to breathe.

When using a baby carrier to pick up an object from a low position, do not bend forward; instead, keep your body upright, bend your knees, and lower your hips. If you have to bend forward, be sure to put your hand on your baby.

Carriers can be very useful if used carefully and correctly. Make good use of the baby carrier and enjoy the period of carrying and carrying your baby comfortably.

Reference
Consumer Affairs Agency Homepage
Baby carrier safety council homepage