Guide to Babywearing: Safety Tips, Benefits, and How To
You may have seen caregivers and parents carrying a variety of printed and brightly colored baby carriers. You have probably also seen wraps and backpack-like baby carriers.
What is the deal? Some people believe that wearing your baby to work can improve anything, from baby’s mood to their health.
In the fourth trimester, as you begin to navigate the world with your little one, baby wearing can be a great way to make life easier. Baby wearing has been practiced in different cultures for hundreds of years, if not thousands. It doesn’t have the torment of being confined in a poorly fitting carrier.
Learn how to babywear and the safety issues and benefits. Also, what to look out for when shopping for a baby carrier.
What are the benefits to baby wearing?
You may be bombarded with seemingly endless benefits if you ask a parent who has a baby. However, is science able to back any of these benefits?
Although the research is limited, increasing numbers of people believe that baby wearing can have benefits for both caregiver and baby.
Weeping reduces
It can be difficult to figure out how to stop your baby crying. Although baby wearing won’t stop all baby’s crying, it can help with fussing and crying.
This hack was first discovered by researchers back in 1986. Their controlled, randomized study found that young babies who were borne cried and fussed less when compared to babies who weren’t.
Furthermore, babies who are carried for at least 3 hours per day were found to be less fussy and cry less during the evening hours.
This study was limited and focused more on carrying than wearing. For a better understanding of the relationship between baby wearing, crying, and fussing, we need to do more research with a wider group.
Baby wearing might be a good option if you are looking for ways to reduce your baby’s crying. Baby wearing is safe and low-risk.
Promotes good health
There are increasing numbers of studies that show skin-toskin contact is beneficial for babies, particularly premature babies who were born before 37 weeks.
Kangaroo Care, which is a form of wearable care for babies under the age of one, can offer some of these same benefits to preterm babies.
Studies have shown that babies who are kept close to their mothers, in particular with special carriers for skin-toskin contact, can help regulate their heartbeat, temperature and breathing patterns during neonatal intensive car unit stays.
While more research is required to understand the connection, some researchers suggest an increase in kangaroo-care, especially for hospitalized premature babies. It is not clear whether these findings will apply to babies when they go home.
Assists in breastfeeding
There is some speculation that babywearing may encourage breastfeeding. However, research has not been done.
It is possible to breastfeed your baby while the carrier is on if you are a nursing parent. It can be easier to feed baby while you’re on the move, or to practice demand-feeding.
Regular breastfeeding can help to maintain or increase breast milk supply.
Enhances connection
Connecting to a young pre-verbal baby can sometimes be challenging. For baby, simply holding can help to strengthen this bond.
This may be supported by baby wearing. This may make it easier to start to understand your baby’s cues better.
For instance, you will likely notice certain movements and noises that help you to understand if your baby needs diaper changes or is hungry. This connection can be extended to any other person who has baby.
Daily life easier
Wearing baby around on the days they want to be held is another benefit. It’s hands-free!
It can be easier to carry your baby in a carrier so you have both arms available for daily tasks.
You can fold laundry or read a book to an elderly sibling. Or you could even take a stroll downtown. The possibilities are limitless, but almost. Perhaps you can save deep frying or skateboarding for those times when you aren’t wearing baby.
Is it safe to use?
There is a right and wrong way to wear baby clothes, just like with other baby-related activities. There may be subtle differences between what is safe and what not. Babies under 1 years old can be at greater risk of injury or hospitalization due to baby-wearing products. It is crucial that your baby carrier fits the child’s needs.
Safety concerns center on keeping babies’ airways clear and supporting their backs and necks.
It is important that you are familiar with T.I.C.K.S. :
T is tight. Baby should stand straight and be in a carrier so that they are secure against anyone else. This prevents accidental falls.
I – Always visible. You should see your baby’s face so you can watch their breathing. If your baby can be seen, you can keep an even better eye on their mood.
C – Close enough to kiss. Do you have the ability to lower your head so that you can kiss the top of your baby? If they don’t, you need to reposition your baby in the carrier so that they can kiss easily.
K – Keep your chin low to the chest. Check that you have at least two fingers between your baby’s chin and their fingernails. Their chances of dropping their chin are less if they sit upright with their spine straight and their legs bent.
Supported back. Although you want your baby safe, don’t over-tighten the carrier. The carrier should fit snugly enough that there is no space between you and your baby’s body. However, it should also be loose enough to allow you to slide your hand inside.
Different types of baby carriers
Soft wrap
This long piece is made of a cotton and Lycra blend or Spandex. It is sometimes also called a “stretchy wrapped”
You wrap your baby in a soft wrap by wrapping it around your body. This type of carrier is best for infants younger than two years old due to its nature.
It takes some practice to tie this type wrap. This is where online videos and baby-wearing groups may be of assistance.
Woven wrap
A woven wrap looks similar to a soft wrap. It’s a long piece that wraps around your body. These are available in various lengths and carrying positions to suit different body shapes.
There are two main differences between soft and woven wraps: woven wraps have a more rigid fabric and can hold larger children or toddlers more comfortably.
Although woven wraps can be very comfortable for many people, it can be hard to know how to tie them properly.
Ring sling
This type of carrier can be worn on one shoulder, and it is made of strong woven fabric.
After you’ve put it on, you can open the fabric and make a pocket at your abdomen. Place the baby inside, then adjust the fabric by pulling on the fabric at the ring.
Ring slings have a lightweight design that is easy to transport. The pressure on the shoulder can be uncomfortable, especially for those with heavier babies or who are carrying the baby for a long time.
Meh day
The meh dai carrier, also known as “may tie”, was invented in Asia. The panel of fabric consists of two straps that go around the waist, and two that go around your shoulders. These straps can be wide and padded for comfort.
The meh dai carrier can be worn at the hip, back or front. They can be used by newborns through toddlers.
You can use them with larger or older babies. However, this carrier may not be suitable for babies over 20 lbs.
Soft structured carrier
These carriers are easy to use and include straps, buckles, padding, and padding. They can be adjusted for any age, including infants through toddlers.
Many brands make infant carriers or toddler carriers that can accommodate children of different heights and weights, up to 60 pounds.
An easy-to-wear, soft-structured carrier can be worn on the back of the body.
