13 May Calls grow for tougher baby carrier safety laws in Australia
Baby carriers are a daily essential for many families, helping parents keep babies close while managing busy life with little ones. But child safety advocates are warning that many parents may not realise there are currently no mandatory national safety standards for baby carriers sold in Australia.
For many parents, buying a baby carrier feels like a simple decision — if it’s sold in a store or online marketplace, surely it must meet safety requirements.
But the Australian Babywearing Association (ABA) says that’s not always the case.
The organisation is calling for Australia to introduce mandatory safety standards for baby carriers, arguing current rules leave too much responsibility on parents to work out which products are safe.
“Parents rightly assume that products sold in Australia have been tested and meet minimum safety requirements, but that’s currently not guaranteed,” ABA co-founder Brooke Maree said.
The ABA wants Australia to align with recognised international standards already used in countries including the United States and across Europe. These standards cover areas such as buckle strength, fabric durability, chemical safety and clear instructions for safe use.
Why safe babywearing matters
Babywearing can help parents settle babies, stay mobile and keep little ones comforted and close. But experts warn that poorly designed carriers — or unsafe positioning — can pose serious risks.
In 2019, three-week-old Harvey McGlinn tragically died from asphyxiation after being carried in an unsafe position in a wrap carrier. His death led to renewed calls for better babywearing education and clearer safety information for parents.
“For babies, the risks of unsafe carriers and poor education can be serious, including falls due to structural failure, compromised positioning that can affect breathing, or exposure to potentially harmful materials,” Brooke said.
Cheap online products raise concerns
One issue highlighted by advocates is the growing number of low-cost online carriers that may not provide proper safety information or testing details.
Gold Coast mum Mikayla Falls said she was shocked after receiving a carrier purchased from her baby registry.
“There were no safety instructions, it felt poorly made and smelled like chemicals,” she said.
“It didn’t feel safe to put my baby in it.”
Krystal Tupi, an Australian babywearing business founder, said many parents are surprised to learn Australia has no mandated standard for carriers.
“Often we will be talking with parents at baby expos and they ask about safety standards,” Krystal said.
“We assure them our products are safety tested, but have to explain there is no mandated standard in Australia which is honestly embarrassing.”
What parents can check
Experts recommend parents look for:
- clear safety instructions and weight guidelines
- strong stitching, buckles and fabric
- positioning that keeps baby’s airway visible
- evidence of recognised international safety testing
- reputable retailers with transparent safety information
The ABA says stronger national standards would help families shop more confidently and improve safety across the industry.
For more information on safe babywearing see ABA National Campaign for Change
