Babywearing is a very powerful tool where babies feel secure and happy and is equally comfortable for the wearers! So if you are a new parent/ expecting parents, you will surely have your doubts cleared on the basics of babywearing. As a babywearing couple, while we are out and about involving our babies in the things we do, we have seen different reactions from the people around! Some are curious, some feel bad, some get really excited, some approach us to know more!
As a babywearing educator, here are my responses to the ten most commonly asked questions about modern babywearing-
1. Which is the best type of carrier available in the market?
There is no such 'óne best carrier''. Each carrier type has its own set of pros and cons. Like you have soft structured carriers, meh dai, wraps, ring sling, onbuhimo etc. Each type has certain unique features; some offer quick ups and downs, some offer quick nursing, some offer a nice high back carry and so on. A lot also depends on personal preference, with respect to fabric, fit, comfort and feel.
2. How soon can I wear my baby?
You can safely wear from your baby Day 1. Of course for wearing newborn babies, preemies, low birth weight babies, it is strongly recommended to seek help from a babywearing educator. They will help you with what type would suit you the best, baby-wearing techniques and some dos and don'ts. Ring sling and wraps are generally very comfortable right from the newborn stage. Wearing newborn babies helps in soothing them, makes them feel secure, makes you more mobile and handsfree, nursing is possible.
3. Till what weight/ age are the carriers useful?
Typically the carriers are safety tested for a weight bearing capacity ranging from 15-25 kg, depending on the brand/ type of carrier. However practically, a lot depends on the height and growth of the baby and also on the child's urge to be carried! A standard size carrier can easily serve till the baby turns 2 - 2.5 years.
4.Does babywearing necessarily involve the purchase of a carrier?
No. Babywearing has been practised in various cultures for centuries. Modern babywearing is definitely possible using a 'dupatta', 'saree', or a long piece of cloth even. YouTube is a good source to check out videos for basic wrapping in a saree.
5.Does babywearing makes the babies clingy?
Not at all. Babies have very basic needs - 'feed me, 'hold me' and 'show me the world'. Babies demand to be held, irrespective of whether you wear them or not, especially when the baby is hungry, sleepy, just up from a nap or bored! So its mainly about being patient. Babywearing helps a lot in fighting the stranger anxiety in babies as well.
6. Dos and Don'ts while babywearing
Since ergonomic babywearing mimics the way a baby is held in arms, you can do all regular activities from cleaning, ironing, walking, dancing, gardening and so on with the baby wrapped around you. Babywearing thus becomes a very effective medium for attachment parenting as well! And since the baby's weight is well distributed on the wearer's body, t makes the whole experience joyful and stress-free. Having said that, it is not advisable to babywear and ride a vehicle or cooking with the baby closer to the flame.
7. What are the safety aspects to be taken care of while babywearing?
The few aspects that define a safe and secure carry are listed below, they are commonly referred to as 'TICKS'
T: Tight, the fabric should wrap the baby in such a way that there is no slack and the baby is not slumping.
I: In view all the times. This makes it possible to monitor the baby closely and follow the cues
C: Close enough to kiss. The carrier base should be placed in a position where after placing the baby, you can kiss baby's forehead by simply bending down
K: Keep chin off chest. This is particularly important in case you are wearing a new born baby
S: Supported back: The position of the baby should mimic the way we hold the baby in our arms, which is commonly known as a 'M' posture where the baby's knees are slightly higher than the bum.
8. What are the different ways in which a baby can be positioned in ergonomic carriers?
a. Facing the wearer: Babies can be held in this position right from birth onward. All the types of ergonomic carriers support this position.
b. Front facing out: The baby can be faced outward once it has good neck and torso control, typically around 4-6 month. Front face out carrying is possible in wraps, meh dai, ring sling and a few soft structured carriers.
c. Hip carry: You can carry your baby on the hip, somewhere around 7-8 months when you naturally start holding the baby that way. A hip carry is possible in wraps, ring sling, meh dai and a few soft structured carriers
d.Back carry: Baby can be back carried once he starts sitting anytime between 7-9 months. Babies and toddlers really enjoy this carry as it becomes easier for them to communicate. Back carry is possible in wraps (not in stretchy wraps), meh dai, soft structured carriers, onbuhimo, ring sling (advanced skill)
9. When worn, baby chews on the carrier, does it mean the baby is hungry or not liking it?
Absolutely not true! Chewing is one thing all babies love to do especially once they start teething. It is their way of comforting, soothing themselves and having some fun ;) You could buy drool pads/ babywearing teethers that can be attached on the carriers for the babies to chew on. If the baby is hungry or restless, the baby will cry :Again its very easy to nurse in ergonomic carriers which is very liberating for the mothers!
10. Where to get some help?
There are different sources where new parents keen to learn babywearing can seek help
1. Many cities have certified babywearing educators who provide one on one help to parents and handhold them in the journey of babywearing.
2. Attend a babywearing meetup happening in your city
3. Many educators provide audio/ video consultations for people who cannot travel in person or are staying in a different city
6. Rent a carrier from a library- try and buy!
The above overview of common questions will surely help you take that first step towards beautiful bonding moments that babywearing offers!
*Published first on http://www.kidsstoppress.com/article-individual/15119
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