Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which Baby-wearing option should I choose?

2. Safety and Ergonomics

The Importance Of Ergonomics for Newborns

An ergonomic baby carrier is designed to support the natural posture of babies and promote healthy hip development. It is achieved by providing proper support for your baby’s legs. Instead of allowing the legs to dangle freely, an ergonomic carrier supports the legs up to the backs of the knees, allowing for free movement of the lower legs as the baby grows older.

One key feature of an ergonomic carrier is a wide and comfortable base. This wide base helps distribute the baby’s weight, with more of it resting on the bottom rather than the crotch. Additionally, an ergonomic carrier holds the baby’s hips and legs in a frog leg or M shape. This position is considered ergonomic as it ensures that the baby’s bottom is lower than the knees, while their knees and hips are level with each other. The hips are also spread open in this position, which supports healthy hip development.

Does Your Carrier Offer Proper Back Support?

Zozinette baby carriers provide proper back support for both the baby and the wearer. For babies, the carrier supports their natural spine curvature, ensuring a slight C-shape for newborns and a more upright posture as they grow. It also holds them snugly to prevent slumping, which can restrict airflow.

For caregivers, the Zozinette carriers distribute weight evenly across the shoulders, back, and hips, preventing strain and discomfort. Adjustable straps and a well-fitted waistband can make a big difference in reducing pressure on the lower back during extended wear.

What Is Pelvic Tilt?

Pelvic tilt is a simple adjustment that helps position a baby in a more ergonomic and comfortable posture while babywearing. By gently tilting the baby’s pelvis upward so their bottom sits deeper in the carrier, you encourage a natural M-position (knees higher than hips). This supports healthy hip development and reduces pressure on the spine.

A proper hip tilt also helps prevent slumping, ensuring the baby’s back is well-supported and their airway remains open. It’s a small but essential tweak that enhances both comfort and safety while babywearing!

What Are T.I.C.K.S Rules?

The T.I.C.K.S. rule is a set of safety guidelines designed to ensure safe and secure babywearing. It stands for:

  • Tight – The carrier should hold your baby snugly against your body to prevent slumping.
  • In view at all times – You should always be able to see your baby’s face without needing to move fabric.
  • Close enough to kiss – Your baby’s head should be positioned high enough that you can easily kiss their forehead.
  • Keep chin off the chest – Ensure there is at least a two-finger gap under your baby’s chin to maintain an open airway.
  • Supported back – Your baby’s back should be naturally supported without slouching or curving too much.

Following the T.I.C.K.S. guidelines helps ensure safe, comfortable, and ergonomic babywearing for both you and your little one.

Safety Tips:

  • Secure Support: Keep one arm securely around your baby while putting on the carrier.
  • Inspect Before Use: Always check your carrier for any signs of wear, fraying, or damage before using it.
  • Avoid Using Damaged Carriers: If your carrier has any defects, do not use it, as it may compromise safety.
  • Ensure Clear Breathing Space: Your baby’s face should always be visible and free from obstructions to allow for easy breathing.
  • Proper Head Positioning: Make sure your baby’s chin is not pressed against their chest, as this can restrict airflow.
  • Monitor Breathing: Regularly check that your baby is breathing comfortably while in the carrier.
  • Use Common Sense for Safety: Avoid wearing your baby in situations where carrying them in your arms would also be unsafe.
  • Safe Movement: When bending, always squat with your knees rather than bending at the waist to prevent accidental falls.
Preventing Suffocation Risks:

  • Be Cautious with Newborns: Infants under 4 months are at a higher risk of suffocation if their face is pressed too tightly against your body.
  • Avoid Over-Tightening: Ensure the carrier is snug but not so tight that your baby cannot move their head freely.
  • Keep Airways Open: Make sure your baby’s nose and mouth remain uncovered at all times.
  • Follow the T.I.C.K.S. Rule: Always adhere to the Tight, In View, Close Enough to Kiss, Keep Chin Off Chest, Supported Back principles for safe babywearing.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe, secure, and comfortable babywearing experience for both you and your little one.

3. Babywearing Info & Help

My Baby Is Experiencing Red Marks On Her/His Legs. Am I Using The Carriers Incorrectly?

Red marks on your baby’s legs while baby-wearing can indicate improper positioning or fit. Here are a few things to check:

  • Leg Positioning: Ensure your baby’s legs are in the M-position (knees higher than hips) to prevent unnecessary pressure on their thighs – learn to do pelvic tilt here.
  • Carrier Tightness: If the carrier is too tight around the legs, it may cause discomfort and leave red marks. Loosen it slightly while keeping it snug and supportive.
  • Fabric Distribution: Make sure the fabric or straps are spread evenly to avoid pinching or cutting into the skin.
  • Adjust for Growth: Babies grow quickly, so check that the seat width is appropriate for their current size.

If the marks are minor and fade quickly, it’s usually not a cause for concern. However, if your baby shows signs of discomfort or persistent redness, consider adjusting the fit

Does Baby Wearing Help With Colic, Reflux and Gas?

Yes! Babywearing can be highly beneficial for babies experiencing reflux, colic, and gas. The upright position in a carrier helps reduce reflux symptoms by preventing stomach acid from flowing back up. Gentle movement while babywearing also aids digestion and can help release trapped gas, reducing discomfort.

For colicky babies, the warmth, closeness, and rhythmic motion of babywearing provide soothing comfort, mimicking the womb environment and helping to calm excessive crying. Wearing your baby after feedings and during fussy periods can be an effective, natural way to ease their discomfort.

My Baby Is Very Fussy When in Carrier, What Can I Do?

If your baby is fussy while babywearing, try these troubleshooting tips:

  • Check for Discomfort: Ensure the carrier is adjusted properly—too tight or too loose can cause discomfort.
  • Adjust Positioning: Make sure your baby is in the M-position with knees higher than hips for proper support. Do a pelvic tilt to adjust proper positioning.
  • Ensure Basic Needs Are Met: Hunger, tiredness or a dirty diaper will make a baby restless in the carrier.
  • Try Motion and Soothing Techniques: Walking, swaying, gentle bouncing, or soft humming can help calm a fussy baby. 
  • Experiment with Timing: Some babies prefer babywearing when drowsy, while others need time to adjust to the carrier.

If fussiness persists, take a short break and try again later— babywearing is a learnt skill and sometimes, babies just need a little time to get used to babywearing!

For more useful tips for fussy baby read here

Where Are Zozinette Carriers Made?

We are proud to say that our Zoizinette carriers are 100% manufactured in South Africa. 

4. Shipping, Returns, Custom Ordes and Warranty

International Shipments

Please email us at info@zozinette.co.za for a quotation

Quality Guarantee

1. Year Warranty – Service and repairs are on our account. ( we will collect the carrier, repair it and send it back to the client)
5. Year Quality Guaranteeon all stitching and workmanship for our products. Please note that this guarantee does not cover damage resulting from normal wear and tear, improper care or cleaning, non-standard usage, misuse or negligence, or the natural breakdown of colours and materials over extended time and use.

We will fix your carrier at a minimal cost to you for 5 years after your purchase.

To claim your warranty, kindly send an email to info@zozinette.co.za with a description and images of what needs to be repaired together with proof of purchase.

Custom Orders

We are happy to help your carrier dreams come true. Providing your own fabric will not get you a carrier at a discounted price as it interferes with the usual flow of work. Please contact us at info@zozinette.co.za and we’ll take it from there

Returns & Refunds

To view our full return/refund policy please  visit the link below:
https://zozinette.co.za/refund-returns/

Shipping Cost

All orders over R1000 qualify for FREE delivery to your doorstep. The use services of The Courier Guy and delivery usually takes place between 5-7 working days from placing your order (on in-stock items),
Back-ordered items are usually manufactured within 15 working days. 

5. Washing and Care Instructions:

Stretchi Wrap

What You’ll Need:

  • Clean sink or basin
  • Cold water/ Luke warm water
  • Mild detergent (preferably free from harsh chemicals)

Spot Cleaning: For small stains, use a mixture of cold water and a few drops of mild detergent. Apply to the stained area and gently blot with a clean cloth.

Deep Cleaning Instructions:

  1. Fill a sink or basin with cold water.
  2. Add a small amount of mild detergent.
  3. Gently submerge the wrap and swish it in the water for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with cold water, making sure to remove all soap residue.
  5. Lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight to prevent degradation of the elastic fibres.
  6. Can be washed in washing machine on cold/hand wash cycle. (<30° C)

Important:

  • Do not tumble dry, as this can damage the elasticity.
  • Always use cold water to prevent shrinkage.
  • Avoid fabric softeners and bleach; they can compromise the fabric’s stretch and integrity.

Pro Tip: To maintain the wrap’s elasticity, wash only when necessary and avoid excessive stretching during handling.

Rings Slings

What You’ll Need:

  • Clean sink or basin
  • Cold water/ Luke warm water
  • Distilled white vinegar
  • Mild detergent (optional)

Spot Cleaning: For minor stains, create a solution of equal parts cold water and distilled white vinegar. Apply the mixture to the stained area with a soft cloth and gently blot.

Deep Cleaning Instructions:

  1. Fill a sink or basin with cold/lukewarm water.
  2. If needed, add a small amount of mild detergent.
  3. Submerge the sling and gently swish it around for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with cold water, ensuring all detergent is removed.
  5. Hang to dry away from direct sunlight to maintain the integrity of the linen fibres.
  6. Sling can also be washed in washing machine on cold/handwash cycle (<30° C).

Important:

  • Avoid tumble drying.
  • Always use cold/luke warm water to prevent shrinkage and fading.
  • Do not use bleach or fabric softeners; they can damage the natural fibres.

Pro Tip: To maintain softness, wash the sling occasionally and avoid over-washing, which can wear out the fabric. If washed in washing machine, place old sock over the ring.

Flexi and Flexi Plus Carriers

What You’ll Need:

  • Clean sink or basin
  • Cold water/Luke warm water
  • Distilled white vinegar
  • Mild, natural detergent (optional)

Spot Cleaning: For small stains, mix equal parts of cold/lukewarm water and distilled white vinegar. Dab the mixture onto the stain with a clean cloth and gently blot. Avoid using harsh detergents or hot water.

Deep Cleaning Instructions:

  1. Fill a sink or basin with cold water.
  2. If desired, add a small amount of mild, natural detergent to the water.
  3. Submerge the carrier and gently agitate for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with cold water to remove any soap residue.
  5. Hang to dry indoors, away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
  6. Carrier can go into washing machine on handwash/cold cycle (<30° C)

Important:

  • Do not tumble dry.
  • Always use cold/lukewarm water to prevent colour loss.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals or detergents; they can be abrasive and cause fading.

Pro Tip: Periodically check for wear and tear, especially on straps and seams, to ensure your carrier remains safe and functional.

Classic Carry & Easy Carry

What You’ll Need:
Clean sink or basin
Cold water
Distilled white vinegar
Leather Conditioner

Spot Cleaning:
For a small stain, mix equal parts of cold water and distilled white vinegar. Avoid detergents and hot water.

Deep Cleaning Instructions:
Prepare a 3:1 mixture of cold water and distilled white vinegar in a sink or basin.
Gently swish the carrier for 1 minute, then rinse with cold water.
Hang to dry indoors, away from sunlight, which could fade natural fibres.
For leather straps, condition the leather after washing.

Important:
Do not machine wash.
Always use cold water to prevent colour loss.
Avoid laundry detergents; they can be abrasive and cause fading. Distilled white vinegar is a natural alternative that softens fabric.

Pro Tip:
Condition leather straps monthly to keep them looking their best. Keep in mind that washing may cause slight colour fading over time.

6. Baby-wearing Benefits:

Top Benefits of Baby-wearing

  • Promotes Bonding – Strengthens the emotional connection between caregiver and baby through close physical contact.
  • Encourages Healthy Development – Supports proper hip and spine positioning, reducing the risk of hip dysplasia.
  • Hands-Free Convenience – Allows caregivers to multitask while keeping baby close and secure.
  • Reduces Crying & Fussiness – Studies show that carried babies cry less and feel more comforted.
  • Aids Digestion & Reduces Reflux – The upright position can help with colic, gas, and acid reflux.
  • Supports Breastfeeding – Makes on-the-go nursing easier and more discreet.
  • Enhances Social & Cognitive Development – Babies experience the world from an interactive and engaging viewpoint.
  • Encourages Better Sleep – The gentle movement and warmth of the caregiver help babies fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
  • Eases Postpartum Recovery – Reduces strain on arms and back compared to holding a baby in arms for long periods.
  • Eco-Friendly & Cost-Effective – Eliminates the need for bulky strollers and can be used for multiple children.