Babywearing 101: Do’s and Don’ts of Babywearing
In Benefits of Babywearing, I told you about the real benefits to a baby of being worn for the majority of the day by a caregiver.
And no, I didn’t even go into some of the most awesome benefits–the fact that native-style baby carriers are portable, convenient, and cheap, and the knowledge that by babywearing, you never have to be one of the dozens of couples I witnessed one afternoon at the Louvre, my own eight-month-old snug in her ring sling. The Louvre really isn’t that accessible, friends, and watching all those parents attempt to lug all those HUGE strollers up and down all those HUGE flights of stone staircases? Well, not only did it look dangerous, but it looked like it sucked. Big time. I took a lot of joy in bouncing right past those miserable families, my own delightful burden slung on my hip.
There are some general guidelines that can make babywearing a safe and enjoyable experience for you and your child:
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1. Carry your baby comfortably and naturally. Think of where your baby would be and how she would be positioned if you were holding her in your arms. If she’s a newborn, would she be cradled in your arms or nestled vertically on your chest between your breasts? If she’s older, would you make a circle with your arms for her to sit up with her back against your chest and face out? Would she sit on one hip? Might you carry her piggyback on your back? These tend to be the most comfortable and most ergonomically correct positions to also carry your baby in a carrier.
2. Save the Snugli for once in a while. Carriers that hold babies vertically, with a narrow crotch support and dangling legs, can over time be very bad for a baby’s genitals and hip joints. Carriers that face a baby out don’t allow a baby to choose her own appropriate level of stimulation–however she turns her head, there’s no escape from the outside world when she’s held facing completely away from you. Carriers that encourage carrying a newborn vertically, with shields that keep her head erect directly over her neck, can be inappropriate physically, as well.
3. Recognize the boundaries of your body + baby’s body when you’re wearing her, and the boundaries of your baby’s reach. Babies can reach countertops when being worn, and you can crack their heads on doorframes
4. If your baby has special medical needs, research to find a carrier that supports those needs.
5. Practice, practice, practice. Lots of babies don’t like being worn at first. They may be frightened by something different, or they may sense your insecurity or nervousness as you try a new carrier. If your baby seems resistant, walk around, even if you’re just pacing back and forth in the living room. Nurse in your carrier. Keep the carrier slack around the baby at first and just hold her. Put the baby to sleep and then wear her–all these activities will help your baby accept the experience long enough to discover that she enjoys it.
Babies do love to be worn. One type of carrier, however, may be better for your needs and your baby’s needs. Next time I’ll start discussing the pros and cons of different types of baby carriers.
Great post! Very informative. I wish I could bring across the practice factor to Mom’s who say they can’t do it! I like to compare it to the first time you give your baby a bath. I’ll never forget how my hands shook and how petrified I was. Not to mention how my baby screamed! So, did I stop bathing him after that? Obviously not. The rewards are so great and every time I see a Mom struggling at the grocery store or at the pool with baby I so badly want to go up to her and say: “Hey! It doesn’t have to be that way!”
Great advise. There can never be too much information for new babywearers like myself. Thank you
What a great post. I agree with your advice, especially practice, practice and practice. I love carriers, and I don’t know what I would do without it.