You may have seen parents carrying their babies on their chest with a sling or carrier in a practice known as babywearing It offers a convenient and comfortable way to hold and bond with a baby.
By using a long wrap, a sling, or a baby carrier, parents conveniently keep their infants near them while freeing up their hands when carrying a baby. This practical solution is a nurturing approach to caring for a newborn and strengthening your relationship with them.
Let’s explore why babywearing is becoming a preferred choice for many parents and how you can safely practice this technique.
Benefits of Babywearing
Babywearing offers a multitude of advantages for both baby and parent. For babies, it gives a sense of security and comfort, mimicking the cozy environment of the womb, which leads to positive effects on their mental and physical development, improved sleep, reduced crying, and better overall well-being.
For parents, babywearing offers unparalleled convenience as it makes them hands-free so they can multitask more efficiently while still being close to their baby. It also promotes a deeper bond and strengthens the attachment between parent and child.
Choosing the Right Baby Carrier
Slings, soft-structured carriers, and hip seat carriers are three of the most popular carriers for babywearing. Let’s dive into them!
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Slings
Slings are fabric carriers worn over one shoulder and have a pocket or pouch inside for the baby to sit in. They are a popular choice for newborns and older babies since they are adaptable and easy to use. Slings come in various styles, including pouch slings, baby ring slings, and woven wraps.
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Soft-Structured Carriers
Soft baby carriers are designed to evenly distribute the baby's weight across the parent's body. They often feature padded shoulder straps, a waist belt, and a structured panel to support your baby, making them perfect for parents seeking a more ergonomic solution, especially as the baby develops and gains weight.
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Hip Seats
Hip seats are designed to provide support for your baby's bottom while allowing you to keep your hands free. They are typically worn on your hip and can be used as a standalone carrier or as a base for a soft-structured carrier.
Hip seats are excellent for providing relief to your back and arms, especially when carrying a heavier baby. Comes in 3 different styles: Standard, Hooded, and Lightweight.
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How to Baby Wear
Babywearing can be a wonderful bonding experience for both you and your baby. However, it’s essential to do it safely and comfortably. Let’s explore some common babywearing positions:
Common Babywearing Positions
Ideal for newborns, front carry positions allow for maximum skin-to-skin contact.
- Inward facing with hood for sun or rain protection.
- Outward facing for effortless travel with a baby.
- Side-lying for hands-free naps or breastfeeding.
On the other hand, hip carry positions are suitable for older babies with good head control and great for multitasking parents.
- Side-lying with a hip seat carrier for more room to move around with the baby.
- Outward-facing with hip seat only so baby has a better view of the surroundings.
- Inward facing with hip seat perfect for hugs and cuddles.
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Safe and Comfortable Babywearing
Safety must come first in babywearing. Here are some important tips you should follow for a safe and joyful babywearing experience:
- Check the Carrier’s Fit: The baby carrier should fit snugly and comfortably around your body, with the baby's face visible and within easy reach for a kiss.
- Maintain Airway Safety: Avoid positioning the baby's chin on their chest to prevent breathing problems, and ensure there is enough ventilation, especially in the warmer months.
- Comfort for Both Parent and Baby: Always ensure the infant is securely fastened to your body in the carrier distributing the baby's weight evenly.
Try Babywearing Your Newborn
Beyond convenience, babywearing serves as a holistic practice that nurtures emotional well-being and physical health and strengthens the bond between parent and child. Remember, every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another. You’ll enjoy all the benefits of having your child close at hand by choosing the right baby carrier and following safe babywearing recommendations.
Explore and shop for nursery essentials, including various baby carriers, at Baby Company stores or online. Shop at Baby Company today!