Babywearing 101

"Babywearing" means carrying a baby using a cloth baby carrier. Holding babies is natural and universal; baby carriers make it easier and more comfortable, allowing parents to hold their children while attending to the daily tasks of living.

Babywearing helps a new dad put a fussy newborn to sleep and allows a new mom use of both hands, all while keeping the baby safe and content.

Worn babies are often calmer, as they feel a stronger bond with their parent or caregiver and will feel safe and secure. This satisfies their natural need for human touch and warmth.

It is also said that worn babies will develop social cues at an earlier age because they are closer to their caregivers faces and can study facial expressions and body language.

There are many different types of carriers out there, so here is a quick guide to help navigate through which type of carrier may be right for you!

Types of Carriers

Ring Slings

Ring Slings are one-shouldered carriers that consist of a long, wide piece of fabric that is sewn on one side to a pair of light-weight, sturdy rings made specifically for slings. Ring slings are adjustable and can be worn by parents or care-givers of various sizes. Ring slings can be used from birth on and are able to be worn in a variety of positions: tummy-to-tummy (also known as Kangaroo), hip, and a modified cradle position great for nursing.

This type of carrier is great for…

Ring slings are wonderful for newborns, and for relatively short trips with older children. Ring slings are sized, but will fit a wide range, making them practical for parents and caregivers of different sizes.

Brands we recommend:

Taylormade Ring Slings

Mei Tais

Mei tais are asian-style carriers that consist of a rectangular body panel, long shoulder straps and waist straps. Mei tais can be used from birth on and can be tied a variety of ways, allowing the carrier to be used as a front, side or back carrier. Some Mei tais are equipped with padded headrests or sleeping hoods to support the neck of a smaller baby or sleeping child. Mei tais are one-size-fits-most and are usually able to be worn by parents or caregivers of different sizes.

This type of carrier is great for…

Mei tais are great for longer trips or for someone who desires to be able to do both front and back carries with the same carrier. Nursing in a tummy- to-tummy upright position in a mei tai is relatively easy and discreet.

Brands we recommend:

CatBird Baby Mei Tai Carriers, BabyHawk Mei Tai Carriers

Soft Structured Carriers

Soft structured carriers are similar to mei tai carriers, but have waist and side buckle closures with padded shoulder straps. Soft structured carriers are comfortable to the wearer and easily adjustable, making them popular with wearers who intend to be active while wearing the carrier. Some soft sctructured carrier brands cannot be used with a newborn without an infant insert to insure proper positioning, but other brands can be worn from newborn on up to 35+ pounds. Soft structured carriers can be worn on the front or back.

This type of carrier is great for…

Soft structured carriers are great for parents who want versatility, comfort and ease of use. A soft structured carrier will be comfortable for long or short outings, specifically with wearers who intend to be active. This type of carrier is able to be shared by parents of different sizes. Some brands of soft structured carrier cannot be used from birth on without an infant insert, which is something to consider.

Brands we recommend:

Boba Baby Carriers, CatBird Baby Pikkolo Carriers, ErgoBaby Carriers,

ErgoBaby Sport Carriers, ErgoBaby Performance Carriers

Wrap Carriers

Wrap Carriers are long pieces of cloth used for carrying children. They are able to be tied in a variety of ways, depending on the needs of the parent or caregiver. Knit (stretchy) wraps are used for front carries only and are great for newborns, as they are "popable" (meaning the baby can be removed from the carrier easily without untying the wrap). Woven wraps can be used for front, side and back carries and can be used comfortably with heavier children.

This type of carrier is great for…

Wraps are great for people who want versatility! There are many, many ways to tie a wrap, and the user is able to choose what feels most comfortable to them.  Stretchy, "popable" wraps are especially handy for newborns who wil need to be taken out frequently, but crave the close comfort of being worn.

Brands we recommend:

Wrapsody Bali Baby Stretch Wrap, Nova Natural BB Wrap

For a similar fit with less tying, try the Baby K'tan, or double sling Tricotti

Babywearing safety

Babywearing can be as safe as carrying baby in your arms as long as you are paying attention to positioning and adherence to the manufacturer's safety guidelines.

Here are some quick tips:

• Always make sure that the baby is "visible and kissable". You don't want the baby sunken into the fabric of the carrier or hanging too low. These conditions can cause the baby to have a "C" curvature of the spine and cause a "chin to chest" position, which can constrict oxygen intake.
• The best position for a small baby to be carried in is the tummy-to-tummy position. If the cradle carry is used for nursing, baby should be returned to an upright position as soon as they are finished.
• Infants should have their neck, bottom, upper legs and back supported by the carrier. Older babies being worn legs out should be seated in the carrier with their knees higher than their bottoms. This supports the spine and prevents them from slipping too far down in the carrier.
• Be aware of your surroundings while babywearing. Protect your little one from heat sources such as stoves, and use common sense when babywearing. Just because you can wear your baby while riding a bicycle or horseback riding doesn't mean that you should.

We are happy to help you find the right carrier that suits your needs and lifestyle. Our staff is friendly and knowledgeable and always here to help you!

Online resources

thebabywearer.com

www.facebook.com/babywearingsafety

http://babywearinginternational.org

www.youtube.com (great for tutorials of various carries!)