Okooko Pēpi Baby Wrap Carrier’s Safety Information & Tutorials
Carrier Safety Essentials
Your connection with Pēpi is safest when comfort and care come first. These simple checks will help keep them secure while you enjoy the closeness of carrying:
- Ensure Pēpi’s airways are always clear so they can breathe freely.
- Keep your carrier snug and secure to protect Pēpi from slipping or falling.
- Avoid covering Pēpi with clothing or blankets, as this may cause overheating or restrict breathing.
- After feeding, gently bring Pēpi back to an upright position and retighten your carrier.
UNSAFE PĒPI POSITIONS
Safety Points to Note
At Hiwa & Awa Co., we believe the safest place for Pēpi is close to you. These guidelines are here to support you and help keep your little one secure and comfortable:
- You are always responsible for Pēpi, not the carrier. Stay connected — see, feel, and monitor their breathing at all times.
- Keep Pēpi uncovered. Avoid blankets or adult clothing over them, as this can cause overheating or restrict their breathing.
- Use your carrier in the upright position only. Avoid cradle or lying-down positions, as these can restrict airways. Check often that Pēpi’s chin is lifted off their chest.
- Support Pēpi with your hand if you bend over — carriers aren’t designed for bending forward hands-free.
- The carrier should hold Pēpi close and supported — snug enough to prevent slipping, but never so tight that it forces their spine straight or curves it in.
- Ensure Pēpi’s face is always visible and uncovered. No part of the carrier, hood, or clothing should block their airways.
- Keep Pēpi’s head clear of soft chest tissue or bulky clothing. A good guide: their head should sit high enough to kiss easily.
- If feeding in the carrier, always return Pēpi to an upright position afterwards and retighten. Avoid leaving them reclined, as this poses a suffocation risk.
- Check your carrier regularly for hazards — loose seams, sharp edges, buckles, or anything that could catch tiny fingers or toes.
- When first learning, practice over a soft surface like a bed for added safety.
- Use hoods with care. They are best for older pēpi on the back, to support the head while sleeping. For smaller pēpi, secure only one side, keep airways clear, and monitor closely.
- Always check leg openings — they should be small enough to keep Pēpi secure.
- Carry Pēpi in your carrier as you would in your arms — close, supported, and safe.
Safety Warning
Your precious Pēpi’s safety is our greatest priority. While babywearing brings closeness and comfort, it’s important to know that serious risks can occur if carriers are not used correctly.
Sadly, there have been cases overseas where babies have suffocated while being carried in unsafe positions. Pēpi are most at risk when their airways become blocked and they are unable to move themselves. This risk can be higher for babies who are born prematurely, are low birth-weight, or who have breathing difficulties (such as when they have a cold).
If your Pēpi may be more at risk, we highly recommend seeking advice from a trained baby wearing consultant before using a carrier.
Okooko Pēpi Tutorial
For more information re carrier safety visit the following websites:
https://www.babywearingaotearoa.co.nz
https://carrykapiti.com