One point with which there is universal agreement is that caring for a newborn is tough work.  Once baby arrives, there is not enough time in the day to accomplish the multitude of tasks that materialize.  One of the best forms of therapy when it seems the walls are closing in is to get outside and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature with your child.

Whether it’s going to be a weekend getaway or a leisurely hour pacing around the neighborhood, taking steps to ensure personal security must be an integral part of the planning process.  With this in mind, there are a few points that deserve consideration before venturing out.

Take Only What You Need for the Outing

Strollers have been around for decades and will most likely remain so. Just remember, don’t think of them as wagons that you can load up with just about anything.  Case in point, I recently conducted a safety inspection of one mom’s stroller and found a pipe wrench and a roll of duct tape.  Trying desperately to keep my imagination in check I asked the obvious question, “Why do you have these in your child’s stroller?”  The woman was as surprised as I and stated she had no idea they were there and suggested that her husband was the culprit.  OK, maybe her husband was doing some repairs around the house and needed a second pair of hands to lug his tools from A to B., but this does illustrate the occasional need to clean out unnecessary items…who among us hasn’t found a day’s old, half-eaten sandwich in the folds of baby’s chariot?

Sling, Snugli or Backpack?

On the subject of needing a second pair of hands, many parents choose an infant carrier to move about outdoors.  While the concept of wearing your baby has become quite common in recent years, the practice is one that is centuries old.  Mothers around the globe have been swaddling baby close to their bodies for generations.  In our western society, design and fashion have advanced this method to new levels of popularity.  Following the manufacture’s recommendation for use is always a good idea, but there are a few personal security points that manufacturer’s don’t address in their literature.

As a consumer, you’ll have a choice of three designs.  These are: Forward or Front Carry, Rear or Back Carry, and those that offer both.  Seems simple enough; just decide which is most comfortable for you and baby, right?  Read on.

Forward carry carriers have the advantage of keeping the baby within arms length and in the front where they may be constantly observed.  This is especially important with newborns and older infants. The disadvantage comes when having to defend oneself from a close proximity threat.  As you face your attacker you inadvertently put baby between you and the threat. This is not the posture you want to place yourself in when defending against physical assault. Remember, your child’s safety is your first concern.  In this instance, increasing distance from the threat is your immediate defense.  You do so by drawing him or her close to your body for protection and using your feet for what they are intended. Standing to confront you attacker should be your last course of action.

Rear carriers—worn in the manner of a backpack—offer the advantage of remaining hands-free.  For the unarmed defender, this is an important posture to maintain and is essential to remaining alert to physical threats.  You will be much better prepared to counter if attacked.  The disadvantage of the rear carrier is that your child falls outside of your line of sight; even peripheral vision is strained.  The second disadvantage occurs if an attack materializes. During the course of fending off your attacker, there will be a natural tendency to avoid being struck.  This may involve ducking, pivoting, backing and a host of other counter-movements.  These actions can be harmful to a young child while strapped on your back.  Imagine pivoting to counter a blow while in close proximity to a tree or lamp post and you can see how a tragic accident can occur.

If you must defend yourself, bring one hand up over the shoulder strap. Reach across you body and cinch the opposite strap in your hand.  When done correctly [using your left hand] your forearm will be pressed against the outside of the left-strap and the right strap will be clutched tightly in your left hand.  This draws the backpack close and snug to your body.  Your free hand [right] is available to counter blows and strike back at your attacker if necessary.

Once your child reaches the ripe old age of 6 months or begins to tip the scale at 45 lbs (Don’t worry, your lower back will remind your when this occurs), it will be time to roll-out the stroller…but please, forego toting your husband’s tool box to your favorite afternoon getaway.

Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of the equipment you use around your child can pay big dividends in terms of personal safety…yours and theirs.  Stay Safe!