I think it’s really cosy to carry your baby. I have been carrying him for the past nine months and I would love to carry him longer. But none of my friends carry their babies. I think a baby sling is really hip so I wanted to know what the advantages and disadvantages are.
Ergonomic
For the baby it’s important to be sure that the legs are spread. So the knees should be higher than his buttocks. The baby shouldn’t be ‘hanging’. It’s important to support the baby until the knees and the back also needs support. The developments of the hip bones will benefit from this position.
For the carrier it’s important to realise that the sling should be spread over the back and shoulders equally. The weight is best spread this way.
The more traditional slings can make your back and shoulders hurt. Make sure you know what the cause of your pain is. It might not all be to blame on the sling because the way you use it is very important too.
Tips for dummies
Don’t dress to warm. Because you carry your baby so close your body heat will also warm your baby.
Make sure you carry your baby high enough. You should be able to give your baby a kiss on his head.
Practice! The first time you visit the supermarket is not the right moment to use your carrier for the first time. So practice at home. You might even use a doll first.
Make sure your baby can breath freely. This can be done best by carrying your baby upright.
Take care of yourself. Make sure the fabric is nicely spread and not twisted on the back.
Choose the right size.. Deciding which size you need can be done by thinking about the tallest or biggest person that will be using the sling.
Preperation. When you choose to use a baby carrier you don’t have to bring a lot of stuff on the way. But if you have to drive the car first you can already tie the sling at home. When you arrive all you have to do is to put the baby in.
You can watch Youtube to see movies on how to use your sling step-by-step.
Skin hunger
Don’t you love the word? It’s a psychological term for a newborns need to find comfort close to the parents. As research by Barr and Hunziker of Montreal University Children’s Hospital shows, babies who are carried in baby carriers are more peaceful and cry significantly less. Babies are in a comforting, settling environment. As they smell a known scent, feel the body heat and the movements of their parent, babies will feel safe and completely at ease. On top of this, the parent can respond quickly to the baby’s signs and needs.
How can I share my enthusiasm with Ecodaddy?
The benefits of baby carrying also apply to daddy. But I think he might be frightened seeing the knots. Fortunately you can also choose a baby carrier that looks more simple.
The Bondolino is a nice example.
Which baby carrier should I pick?
One search on the web and you’ll be marveled by the possibilities. So first think about the time it takes to learn the knots when choosing a more traditional carrier. It’s easier to pick a stretch cotton one. I do realise that I’m not a good shopping assistant but you should check out specialized websites. That’s the only way you can learn what kind of carrier will fulfill your needs.
In short: advantages of carrying your child
Advantages
- Your baby will feel safe while it’s so close to the parent and is comforted by the heartbeat
- Skin to skin contact will help your baby regulate his temperature
- If you breastfeed your baby you can do this more discrete in public and your milk production will be stimulated
- Carrying your baby straight up will minimize colic
- The upright position stimulates a good development of the hip bones
- Mam and dad have their hands free to use for other things
Disadvantages
- It seems easy to do but you should never take your baby in a carrier when riding a bike. It’s very dangerous.
- And uhm…. Maybe somebody can help me out here. Do you know another disadvantage?
Want to read more?
Great articles about carrying your love:
Cosicarrier: Background information including more hints and tips.
Step-by-step explanation (pdf) of different techniques you can use to carry.
Babyslings over one shoulder could be dangerous.
Credits: lots of thanks to Esther Geffen and Kay Poelen!
Photo ByKay carrier