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How to wear your baby
July 23, 2009
Tired of struggling with strollers on stairways or maneuvering a bulky baby carrier through a crowd? ‘Baby Wear’ solves this problem by allowing you to literally wear your baby comfortably on your body. While the concept is far from new, renewed interest in baby wear has lead to an explosion of more comfortable and trendy carriers.
With so many different types to choose from, the search for baby wear might feel overwhelming. However, the baby wear basics can be broken down into four categories: slings, wraps, backpacks and front carriers.
Slings go across your body and over one shoulder, allowing you to carry your baby in front or at your hip. They generally can be used to carry your child from newborn to toddler and allow for easy breastfeeding. Generally the slings are adjustable and vary in the width of fabric and amount of padding.
Wrap carriers are typically long strips of cloth, which can be wrapped and knotted in varying ways around your body to carry your child facing outward or inward, in front of you or on your back. The versatility of wrap carriers allows changes in use depending on your baby’s age, size and your preference.
Backpack carriers are worn on your back with your child facing towards your body. These are ideal when babies are able to support their own heads and sit up on their own.
Front carriers are similar to backpacks, but are worn on your chest with your baby facing in or out. Most have a padded rest for the baby’s head so, unlike backpacks, these carriers can be used for newborns and as your child ages.
Pam Brown, owner and founder of PSue’s Maternity and Children’s Boutique in Mequon has some simple advice for choosing which baby wear product is right for you.
“Put the carrier on, and walk around the store for 15 minutes or so to see how it feels and how the baby responds” Brown recommends.
Brown carries two types of slings in her store. “The slings are easy to use and adjust. They are a great way to be hands free and keep your baby comfortable.”
There is a great website, thebabywearer.com that can help you learn about different wraps/carriers and how to use them. There are even online videos to show you step-by-step. This site even shows you how to make your own!
The benefits of baby wearing for mother and baby are undisputed. Babies are cradled in a more intimate and natural manner, and crying is often reduced because of the motion and the closeness to the mother.
For moms, it’s a way to keep their babies close while working. Baby wearing also helps dad develop more intimacy and attachment to the baby.
A common concern with baby wear is strain on the parent’s back. Experts recommend carrying your baby in baby wear early. This way, your body can adjust to carrying your baby while he or she is lighter, and will strengthen as the baby grows, causing less strain on you.
