Baby Wearing. Benefits for mom and baby!

I am sooooo insanely passionate about baby wearing.

People are always asking me questions when they see me out and about with my baby strapped to me! Let's dive into what it is,

why I love it, and how to do it properly!

WHAT IS IT?

Baby wearing refers to carrying your baby in a wrap, sling, or other device that keeps your hands free. There are several different types of baby carriers! Each carrier has pros and cons, but it’s ultimately up to you to find what works best for your body and your needs. Find a carrier that allows both you and baby to maintain proper posture (keep reading to see what that is).  Most carriers have multiple carrying positions - front facing, inward facing, or on the back.  You can do a quick search on YouTube or check with the manufacturer for tutorials and options. A general rule is to inward face until baby has head and neck control (around 6 months) and then try different positions, but I recommend keeping them inward facing for as long as possible! Be sure to check the weight requirements before putting a newborn in a carrier - some carriers require an insert for young babies.  

BENEFITS

Carrying your baby is a gentle way to transition them from the womb to the outside world.  It's also great for the wearer! A few benefits of baby wearing:

-baby cries up to 54% less

-encourages bonding

-promotes cognitive and social development

-prevents reflux and otitis media 

-decreases postpartum depression

-improves breastfeeding success

-convenient for the wearer

Added bonus: people (usually) don't try to touch your baby

M POSITION FOR BABY

While hips are developing in the womb, most babies are in the fetal position with hips and knees bent. Because hips are a ball and socket joint, they develop their shape as a unit.  If they are not in an ideal position, the ball can sit oddly in the socket which can potentially lead to hip dysplasia; when the hip socket is misshapen, or the ball is completely dislocated from the socket.  To encourage proper hip development, it’s important to maintain proper hip positioning which is as close to the fetal position as possible.

This position is referred to as the "M" position; baby's bottom is lower than their knees, hips are spread out, knees are bent, and support is at the thighs. Look through the photos in this post and you will see examples of baby wearing with orange markings to help see knees and hip positions. The worst position for the hips is the opposite of that; straight “dangling” legs. No matter what type of carrier or what position baby is in, M position is ideal, especially when they are 6 months and younger.  As your child ages (older than 6 months), continue to aim for the M position but you can spread the hips more and have slightly lower knees. Baby wearing is a fantastic alternative to baby containers, but remember to provide plenty of unrestricted floor time for baby as well!

POSTURE FOR WEARER

The second thing to be aware of is posture of the wearer. With ideal posture you can draw a line through your ears, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles (from the side of your body).

-imagine a string lifting you from the top of your head to stand tall

-pull your shoulder blades down and in, toward your spine

-bend with your knees, NOT your hips, to pick something up

-the carrier should sit above your pelvis, so it isn’t locked in place

Getting adjusted regularly can help limit aches and pains while baby wearing and allow your body to adapt to any new stressors that may come with having a baby!

Lastly, T.I.C.K.S.  from the UK Sling Consortium reminds us of proper baby positioning while baby wearing:

Tight- hold baby close with no slack or loose fabric.

In view at all times - you should always be able to see baby's face.

Close enough to kiss - their head should be as close to your chin as possible & you should be able to easily kiss their forehead.

Keep chin off chest - baby   should not be able to put their chin on their chest as this can restrict breathing.

Supported back - baby's back should be supported in its natural position, no slumping. 

NOT IDEAL POSTURE

Here we see a couple examples of what we do not want in a baby carrier. In the first, baby's weight is on the hips and their legs are essentially dangling.

The second photo is better, but I would love to see baby's knees higher to give more support!

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

If you were to ask my personal opinion, I used wrap carriers when my babies were tiny. I am all about function and affordability! I have used the k'tan carrier, which is great because you don't have to tie anything. MY husband especially loved this feature when he would wear our tiny babies! Just make sure you get the correct size! I also used the boba carrier which you tie yourself, allowing for the perfect fit on each person. If you only want to buy one, the boba will be more versatile! I would recommend buying an organic fabric, which both brands offer. There are also several other brands available at different price points.

As my girls got older, I transitioned to the Tula carrier. I personally love the one that folds into a fanny pack! It is lightweight and has a pocket. I also have the free to grow carrier which is more versatile. You can front or back wear and inward or outward face while maintaining proper baby positioning. This version is a little more substantial and not quite as comfortable on a hot day.

I have friends that swear by other brands, and I don't think there is a right or wrong, as long as posture and positioning guidelines are followed. It's all about finding what is best for you and your family!!