Safety Q&A | Baby K'tan UK

Safety Q & A

Is the Baby K'tan Carrier safe for my newborn?

Yes! The practice of babywearing keeps babies in the safest place possible -- a parent's arms. Baby's face should always be visible to the carrying adult so that baby’s breathing and positioning can be regularly monitored. Babies are vulnerable in their first few months of life and they require constant supervision, which is why babywearing is a wonderful tool to assist in the well-being of infants.

In order to ensure safe, comfortable and cozy babywearing experience, be sure to read and follow all warnings, instructions and baby carrier safety tips found in your manual and online before placing your baby in the Baby K’tan baby carrier.

How do I support my newborn's head and neck?

The Kangaroo and Hug Positions can be used with an infant that does not yet have complete head control. The fabric of the Baby K’tan can be used to support the back of your baby’s head. After placing your baby in the carrier, spread the fabric at your shoulder to create ample head support for your baby. This can vary depending on baby, and you may need to help turn baby's head so that he/she is laying on your chest and facing to the side. Be sure to spread the fabric out as much as needed.

Ensure that the fabric is supporting the back or side of your baby’s head and does not cover baby’s face, nose or mouth.

My baby is under 8lbs. Can I use the Baby K’tan?

The weight limit on the Baby K'tan Baby Carrier is 8 lbs. to 35 lbs. You can begin using the Baby K'tan right away with a newborn. If your baby is under 8 lbs. consult your healthcare professional. Be sure to use extra care and safety when using a baby carrier with a newborn infant; ensure that baby's face is always visible with an open airway, and chin is not pressed into his/her chest. When worn properly, the Baby K'tan Baby Carrier can be very beneficial for newborns and to practice Kangaroo Care with preemies. Always consult an expert or doctor if your infant is below 8 lbs. or was born with a low birth weight, such as a preemie or if you have twins, or if your infant has a respiratory illness or other respiratory problems, extra vigilance is required.

How do I know my baby is positioned correctly?

Baby carriers are meant to mimic the way you would hold your baby in your arms. Check your baby's position after placing him/her in the baby carrier by embracing baby in your arms; baby’s position should not shift significantly in your embrace.

Check to make sure you can fit your finger between baby's chin and chest to ensure that baby’s airway is not restricted.

Is my baby’s face and neck positioned correctly?

You should be able to see your baby's face at all times. Make sure that your baby’s face is not pressed into your body or into the fabric of the newborn carrier. Your baby's head and neck should be supported, with baby’s chin off chest. If baby's chin is pressed tightly against his chest, this can restrict baby's airway. When positioned properly, you should be able to fit your finger between baby's chin and chest. Check often to ensure that baby’s airway is not restricted and that baby is breathing regularly. If you hear that your baby is snoring or grunting, reposition baby to a more upright hold.

How do I provide healthy hip positioning?

- Kangaroo Position:
When placing your baby in the Kangaroo hold, baby’s knees should to be tucked to tummy in a “froggy style” position. A simple baby carrier safety rule is to keep baby’s legs in the shape of the letter “M”, with baby's bottom making the dip in the middle of the letter and baby’s knees making the two peaks.

- Hug, Adventure and Hip Positions:
When placing your baby in a position where legs are free, baby should be in a natural seated position with knees bent and hips spread – straddling the wearer. Spread the fabric of the Baby K’tan between baby’s legs so that it reaches the bend in baby’s knees.

The International Hip Dysplasia Institute acknowledges the Baby K'tan Baby Carrier as a "hip-healthy" product when used as directed. www.hipdysplasia.org

Once baby is positioned in the carrier, am I done?

No. Babies can shift their positioning in the baby carrier, especially during walking or movement. Parents should attend to and check on baby often, especially those less than 4 months of age.

WARNING: Active carrier may slip on slick fabrics. Avoid dressing baby in clothing made of slippery fabrics when wearing baby in the Active carrier. Monitor baby’s position often to ensure the carrier is still snug and secure and baby has not shifted.

Can I safely nurse in the Baby K’tan?

Yes, but please keep in mind that every individual is different and some may find it easier than others. Use extra caution and check on your baby often while breastfeeding in the Baby K’tan Baby Carrier to ensure that baby has a clear source of air. Always move the baby’s face away from the breast as soon as the baby is done feeding. Be sure to reposition your baby to a more upright position after breastfeeding.

Is the Baby K'tan Baby Carrier Safety Tested?

The Baby K'tan Baby Carrier is carefully tested and meets the following ASTM and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards and requirements:

The requirements of 16 CFR 1228, "Safety Standard for Sling Carriers"
The requirements of ASTM F2907-19 "Consumer Safety Specification for Sling Carriers"
The flammability requirement of Canada Textile Flammability Regulations, SOR/2011-22, section 4 - Products
The flammability requirements of 16 CFR 1500.44(4)(c).
European standards BS-EN 13209 PART 2:2005
Meets CA Prop 65 limits, no label is required
Baby K'tan Baby Carriers abide by to the strictest textile standards: Baby K'tan, LLC uses 100% natural cotton (cotton seal) free of harmful chemicals, formaldehydes and azo dyes in all its cotton carriers. The Baby K'tan Organic Carrier line uses GOTS certified cotton. Baby K'tan Baby Carriers have been tested for the EU AZO Colorants Directive 2002/61/EC which bans the use of Azo dyes in dyestuffs.
Baby K'tan, LLC is proud to be a member of The Baby Carrier Industry Alliance, the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and ASTM International.