Babywearing

What is babywearing? 

Do you ever struggle to get daily chores done while having a little baby in the house? You are not alone! Babywearing allows you to keep a close eye on your baby while also having your hands free to do other tasks. Babywearing is when you use a wrap or other carrying device to carry your baby around on your body. This is something that has been done for centuries, all around the world. Women everywhere choose to wear their babies because it allows for close contact and a hands-free way to hold your infant. There are countless benefits for both you and baby when you decide to try out babywearing. This is a great experience for the two of you to spend quality time with each other.


*frog-leg position

 What are the benefits?

  • Prevents frequent crying 

  • Encourages bonding 

  • Improves baby’s mood

  • Prevents flat head syndrome

  • Can promote better daytime sleep

  • Promotes better social and physical development

  • More consistent weight gain

  • Stabilizes heart rate and body temperature

  • Keeps baby distanced from others (AKA germs)

  • Can prevent hip dysplasia

  • Can reduce postpartum depression

  • Easier for you to stay active

  • Allows for you to engage with your other children 

  • Allows for you to do daily chores/tasks while keeping an eye on your baby

 Is it safe? 

If you find the right types of wraps/carriers (there are many) for you and follow the right guidelines, you and your little bundle of joy can be perfectly safe. You will likely have to practice a few times with your baby to get them used to the carrier that you choose. The earlier, the easier it is for your baby to adjust. Remember T.I.C.K.S. to be sure your baby is in the safest position possible. 

  • T-Tight: Make sure your baby is supported and held firmly up against your body.

  • I-In view at all times: make sure you can always see your baby’s face and that it is not covered by the wrap or pushed into the fabric.

  • C-Close enough to kiss: Your baby should be close enough to your chin that you should be able to easily kiss the top of their head. This will be both safer for your baby and more comfortable for you, creating better weight distribution to reduce lower back stress.

  • K-Keep chin off chest: Be sure you can stick two fingers underneath your baby’s chin and that their head will not fall down onto their chest. This ensures the baby’s breathing is not restricted. 

  • S-Supported: The wrap should support your baby’s back with their tummy and chest pressed against you. In some carriers, additional neck support may be needed, especially for newborns. When bending over, additional support can be provided by you placing your hand on the baby’s back. Legs should be in a frog-leg position* (as shown in the picture above). This will keep the hips supported in the proper position to prevent hip dysplasia.


How do I “babywear”? 

There are so many different ways that you can wear your baby. Depending on the type of carrier you choose, there are different ways to use it. Some carriers are simple, like a soft structured carrier. Other than adjusting a strap or two, there is not much assembly required. On the other hand, wraps can have more steps to get started with but are the preferred option of many moms. Attached here is a Youtube video showing how to use a common type of wrap. There are also ring slings, Mei Tais, K’tans, and more. The great thing about this is that it is not just for moms, but dads too! Anyone can babywear with the right tools and information! The main thing is to remember to follow TICKS and make sure you feel comfortable.

FAQs 

  1. Will I “spoil” my baby by doing this? 

    • No, experts say that during the first few months, babywearing can help facilitate a healthy relationship and attachment between parent and baby. Infants need to be held a lot during the first few months to foster healthy physical and emotional development. Babywearing is a great way to bond with your baby and will not spoil them. It can actually help reduce frequent crying and help them sleep more. Swaddling newborns can also make them feel cozy when you have to put them down in a bassinet or other hard surface.

  2. What carriers should I use? 

    • There are many different types of babywearing devices: stretchy wraps, woven wraps, soft structured carriers, slings, ring wraps, and more. As long as you find one that you like that is of good quality, with no tears or holes, and you follow the T.I.C.K.S. rules, you can use whichever one works best for you and your baby. Remember that there is a learning curve for the baby and they may need time and practice to adjust to a new carrier. A wrap is a long, continuous piece of thick cloth, while a soft carrier is a more structured carrying device similar to a backpack. Not everyone likes the same kind of babywearing device, so it may be beneficial to try out a few different ones to see what you like best. Be sure to get one that is the right size for your baby. Newborns will need a smaller wrap than a baby that is 10 months old. To learn more, consider reading our other blog post, Babywearing: What Carrier is Right For You?

  3. When should I start babywearing? 

    • You can start as soon as possible! The earlier you start babywearing the easier it will be. Newborn babies adjust much quicker than older babies do to something like this. That said, you can start at any point, your older baby may just need a slightly longer adjustment period to get used to being held in that way. 

Want to get connected with other babywearing parents? 

Allison Rollansbabywearing, newborn, postpartum doulas, wrapsComment