At Parent Sanctuary, we are passionate about the power of babywearing. Carriers and slings allow parents to connect, soothe, and move freely, all while keeping baby close. But like many parenting tools — especially those that involve infant sleep, feeding, or transport — safety must come first.
We don’t want to scare parents away from using slings. Quite the opposite. We want you to feel empowered and confident — and that starts with understanding how to keep your child safe and comfortable in a carrier.
Why We Talk About Safety
You may have heard comparisons between babywearing and cosleeping, and they’re useful here. At one point, official advice said, “Never cosleep — it’s too dangerous.” But over time, research and real-life evidence led to a shift: now, safe cosleeping is seen as a valid and supported choice — as long as parents follow the right guidelines.
The same is true of babywearing. We’ve seen tragic stories in the media, such as baby Jimmy, who suffocated due to airway compromise in a sling. These stories break our hearts — not because slings are inherently unsafe, but because safe sling use was not understood or supported.
That’s why we’re launching this blog series. We want you to enjoy all the benefits of babywearing — hands-free parenting, bonding, better sleep, easier outings — while also feeling confident that your child is safe and well-supported.
What Is the T.I.C.K.S. Rule?
The T.I.C.K.S. acronym was developed to help parents remember five simple safety tips when carrying a baby in a sling or carrier:
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Tight – The sling should be snug, with baby held close against you. Loose slings allow baby to slump.
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In View at All Times – You should be able to see baby’s face by simply glancing down.
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Close Enough to Kiss – Baby’s head should be as close to your chin as is comfortable.
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Keep Chin off Chest – Baby’s chin should never be pressed down onto their chest (a gap of at least one finger).
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Supported Back – Baby’s back should be naturally supported in their position, without slumping.
These tips are still incredibly helpful — but they were developed in response to bag-style slings, which have now been widely discontinued due to safety concerns.
Moving Beyond T.I.C.K.S. — What Modern Sling Safety Looks Like
Babywearing has evolved. Most slings and carriers today are ergonomic and designed to promote healthy positioning — for both baby and wearer.
That means we also need to go beyond the basics and teach optimal positioning:
✅ 1. M-Shape Legs and Pelvic Tuck
Your baby’s knees should be higher than their bottom, creating a natural M-shape. This supports healthy hips and helps keep their spine in a supported position. A gentle pelvic tuck (not forced) encourages this position.
✅ 2. J-Curve of the Spine
Babies should have a soft, rounded “J” shape to their body — not ramrod straight or slumped. Their head stays upright, chest gently curved against your body.
✅ 3. Visible and Clear Airways
This is non-negotiable:
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Baby’s face must always be visible
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Their nose and mouth must not be covered by fabric, your chest, or their own chest
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Their chin must not be tucked onto their chest — it can obstruct breathing
This is the most important aspect of sling safety, and the most misunderstood.
We always say: “If you wouldn’t put your baby to sleep in that position, don’t wear them like that either.”
Our Message
We want to empower, not frighten. We want you to feel informed, not overwhelmed. Safe babywearing is entirely achievable — and with support, it can become a beautiful part of your parenting journey.
At Parent Sanctuary, we are:
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Trained in sling safety
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Happy to check your carrier fit
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Here to guide you with no judgment
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Able to loan out safe carriers
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Running regular sling library sessions and babywearing walks where we help you carry confidently
You can find our next sling library sessions here. And you can browse our babywearing slings and carriers here.
This Blog Series is Supported By…
This blog is part of our Babywearing Safety Series, created as part of our project in partnership with Barnsley Family Hubs and supported financially by Barnsley CVS.
Together, we’re working to empower parents across Barnsley, West Yorkshire and beyond with trusted, practical, and gentle guidance — helping families stay connected, supported, and safe.