Babywearing Tips, Benefits & Guide

Carrying a baby around isn't an easy job. They can feel incredibly heavy after a point, especially with errands to take care of. Hence, this is when baby-wearing products come in handy. This practice has long been around and used by different cultures to carry their infants while running errands, travelling and more.

What is Babywearing?

The word “babywearing” simply means carrying your baby around with the help of a baby carrier. This carrier can be made from a variety of materials wherein the traditional way happens to be cloth. Today, parents can find baby carriers in many types and designs including ring slings and backpacks.

When to start Babywearing?

Parents can start using a Baby Wearing item even with their newborn child. Of course, there are certain do’s and don’ts for the same because a newborn baby can be very light in weight and delicate. However, using baby wear can benefit both the child and the mother in many ways and in the long run.

Benefits of Babywearing

Babywearing has its own benefits and this can be checked with experienced parents as well. While some are backed by science, others are not. However, a large number of people consider them beneficial and hence, have been using them for years.

1. Makes a connection:

A baby always feels safe when held. Hence, with a babywearing device, a parent can create a bond and understand when the child is hungry, tired and so on.

2. Improves health:

Using a Baby Wearing item can offer several benefits, especially in premature babies by regulating their heartbeat, breathing patterns, body temperature and more.

3. Minimizes crying:

When using a babywearing product to carry the baby when he/she is crying, it may help reduce the crying to an extent as the baby feels closer to its parent.

4. Comfort to work:

Using babywear to carry a baby eases the process of multiple jobs. While cooking, washing or even grocery shopping, a babywear device offers convenience wherein the hands don’t hurt much and they are both free for the tasks.

Is Baby Wearing Safe?

If the baby wearing product is of the right size and wear, there can be better chances of them being absolutely safe to use. Simply follow the TICKS method:

• Tight enough that the baby is close and secure with the parent

• In proper view of the baby’s face throughout

• Close to the parent’s chin to be able to kiss the forehead

• Kept at least one finger off the baby’s chest and chin

• Supported back and neck while ensuring the airway is clear

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Baby Carrier Types

Parents can find a variety of baby carrier types both online and offline. Some popular ones include:

1. Baby wraps:

Considered to be the most versatile type, baby wraps are basically long pieces of woven or stretchy knit fabric used to wrap the baby around the chest or back.

2. Soft-structured baby carrier:

These look like backpacks and can be worn on the front as well. It comes with padded shoulder straps, a structured waist strap and adjustable buckles for comfort.

3. Ring slings and pouch:

Designed to be worn over a shoulder like a sash, a pocket is formed on the front to carry the baby. The slings can be adjusted for a better fit.

4. Meh dai:

This features two padded straps each that go around the waist and shoulders and a baby can be carried on the front, back or hip.

You may also like : Baby Carriers, Slings and Backpacks: Safety Guide for New Parents

How Does a Babywearing Help a Mother?

While babywearing also helps a mother to create that special bond and remain close to her child, it also helps in an easier breastfeeding process. Additionally, a mother will be more responsive to the child’s needs and also promote language development between them. This assists in making the child become less fussy and happier.

Tips to Carry Your Baby Safely

It is important to take the assistance of someone in the family or experienced staff to ensure safety and comfort. But once successful, baby-carrying can be an extremely delightful experience. Two important tips to be considered are:

1. For newborns:

Babywearing Newborn should only be considered if the baby has no medical concerns. Also, it is important to check that the weight of the baby is at least 3.5 kg. Babies do not have enough strength in their necks to lift their heads by themselves and an inappropriate position in a baby carrier may cause oxygen supply issues as they tilt forward or backwards.

2. Trying before buying:

Not everyone is comfortable using a Baby Wearing product. Hence, trying before buying with the help of a doll or your acquaintance’s baby (if comfortable) is important. It is advisable to try a baby carrier by an expecting mother during the start of pregnancy or earlier so that the belly in the later stage doesn’t cause confusion.

Conclusion

Be it a new mother or an experienced one, Baby Wearing surely does the job easily and offers a series of benefits. It can be considered an important investment and parents should definitely give it a try.