1. Your baby should always be close enough to kiss. If you can't kiss the top of your baby's head, they are too low. This could mean the position is unsafe (baby's back is not well-supported enough). It could also mean that your back will become sore as baby pulls you forward and you lean back to compensate.

2. Your baby's knees should always be at or above their bum. Baby's legs should not be dangling. For optimal positioning for hip development and the health of their spine, their knees should be up as high as or higher than their bum.

3. Your baby should always be facing you. When baby is facing away from you, their weight pulls away from you, leading to a sore back for you. There is a concern that baby can easily become overstimulated; and their back is forced into a hollow back position instead of their natural curvature.

4. Newborns should be worn in an upright position. An upright, chest-to-chest position that meets the above requirements is safest for baby. Before attempting a cradle position, consult with an experienced babywearer to be sure you are properly supporting baby's neck in order to ensure their airway is always open.

5. A carrier should place the bulk of baby's weight in your legs via a waist belt (such as a mei tai, wrap, or ergonomically correct soft-structured carrier), or spread the weight evenly through soft, widely spread fabric (such as with a ring sling, pouch sling or wrap). Your shoulders and back should not bear the brunt of baby's weight via straps that are just a couple inches wide. And remember - lumbar support is for chairs, not baby carriers.