Guide to Baby Wearing: Safety Tips and Benefits

Parents and caregivers may have seen a variety of brightly printed and colorful baby carriers being carried by their children. You’re likely to have seen many types, from wraps to backpack-like carriers.

What’s the deal? Wearing your baby can help improve everything, from their health to their mood.

Baby wearing can help you navigate the world with your baby in tow, and make your life easier in the fourth trimester. Different cultures have used baby wearing for thousands of years. A properly fitted carrier doesn’t have to hurt your back.

Continue reading to find out how to babywear, as well as the safety and benefits of baby wearing and what to consider when selecting a baby carrier.

What are the advantages of wearing a baby’s clothes?

Talking to parents who have babies will likely lead you to be overwhelmed with benefits. Are they supported by science?

Although research is still limited in this area, it’s becoming more common for caregivers and babies to wear baby clothes.

Crying is reduced

One of the most difficult parts of parenting is getting your baby to stop crying. Baby wearing will not stop baby crying, but it can reduce fussing and crying.

This hack was discovered by researchers in 1986. They found that babies who were carried to sleep cried less than those who weren’t.

Carrying babies for three hours per day can reduce fussing and crying by up to 51 percent in the evening.

The study focused on wearing and carrying babies. To better understand the relationship between baby wearing and crying or fussing, more research is required with a larger and more diverse group.

Baby wearing is a great way to reduce baby’s crying. Baby wearing is low-risk and can provide benefits for baby.

Promoting health

There is increasing evidence about skin-to-skin contact, and the positive effects it can have on babies. This includes premature babies born in hospitals (babies born before 37-weeks).

Kangaroo care, a type of wearing practice that benefits babies who are not yet born, may be able to offer some of the same benefits for preterm babies.

Research shows that baby may be more comfortable if they are close to their mother, especially if it is a carrier specifically designed for skin-toskin contact.

This connection requires more research. However, some researchers suggest that kangaroo care should be increased, particularly for premature infants in hospital. These findings may not apply to babies after they return home.

Assists breastfeeding

Although there is some evidence that baby wearing might encourage breastfeeding, there isn’t enough research.

If you are a breastfeeding parent, and practice baby wearing, it is possible to breastfeed while your baby is in a carrier. This can make it easy to breastfeed baby while on the move or practice demand feeding. Regular breastfeeding can increase or maintain breast milk supply.

Enhances connection

It can be difficult to connect with a pre-verbal infant. Baby can strengthen their connection by simply being held.

This bond may be strengthened by baby wearing. You may be able to better understand your baby’s signals and communicate with them.

You’ll notice movements and sounds that can help you determine if your baby is hungry, tired, or in need of a diaper change. This connection can also be extended to other baby-wearing parents.

Everyday life is easier with these easy tips

You can also wear baby when they are just wanting to be held. It’s hands-free!
A baby carrier can help you make your daily tasks easier by having both hands free.

You can do laundry, read to an older sibling or go for a walk in the city. There are almost endless possibilities. You might save deep-frying and skateboarding for times when baby isn’t around.

Is it safe?

There are many things you should know about baby wearing. Sometimes, the distinctions between safe and unsafe may be subtle. Baby-wearing products pose a higher risk for injury and hospitalizations in children younger than 1. It is important that you choose the right size and style of baby carrier.

Safety concerns center around protecting baby’s airway and supporting their neck and back.

It is important to be familiar with the T.I.C.K.S. acronym used by baby-wearing communities. :

T: Tight. The baby should be held securely against their parent. This will help prevent accidental falls.

I: Always in view. Your baby’s face should always be visible so that you can observe their breathing. If you can see your baby, it will help you keep an eye on their mood.

C: Close enough for you to kiss your baby. Lower your head and kiss your baby’s top. If they are not, then you can reposition them in a carrier until they are high enough to kiss easily.

K: Keep your chin away from your chest. Take a look at your baby to make sure there is a gap of approximately two fingers under their chin. It’s less likely for their chin to drop if they are standing straight up with their spine bent and their legs straight.

S: Supported back. You want your baby secure but you shouldn’t tighten the carrier too tightly over their back. Your carrier should be tight enough to keep your baby from slipping through the carrier’s back, but loose enough so that your hand can slip into it.

Different types of baby carriers

Soft wrap

The long length of cloth is usually made from a blend of cotton, Lycra or Spandex. Sometimes, you may hear it called a “stretchy wrapping”.

Soft wraps are made by wrapping your body around it and placing your baby inside. This carrier is better suited for babies younger than one year old, due to the fabric’s nature.

This type of wrap is not easy to tie. Baby wearing groups and online videos can be very helpful.

Woven wrap

A woven wrap, which is similar to a soft wrapping, is a long piece or fabric that you wrap around the body. These can be found in different lengths to fit different body types and carry positions.

There is a difference between woven and soft wraps. A woven wrap has a stiffer, more structured fabric that can be used to carry bigger babies and toddlers.

While woven wraps are popular for their comfort, it can be challenging to tie them correctly.

Ring sling

This carrier is designed to be worn on the shoulder and is made from sturdy, woven fabric.

Once you have put the fabric on, you will need to open it and create a pocket close to your abdomen. To secure the baby, place it inside the bag and pull gently on the fabric close to the ring.

Ring slings can be carried easily and are portable. You may feel the pressure on your shoulder uncomfortable if you have a heavier baby, or if the carrier is being used for a prolonged period.

Meh dai

Meh dai carriers, which are pronounced “may tie”, originated in Asia. The meh dai carrier is a panel made of fabric that has two straps around the waist and two around the shoulders. These straps are usually wide and padded to provide comfort.

You can wear your Meh Dai carrier on the back, hip or front. They are suitable for infants through toddlers and can be adjusted to allow multiple caregivers to use them.

These can be used with older or larger babies. However, it is not recommended for babies over 20 pounds.

Carrier with soft structure

These easy-to-use carriers have straps, buckles and padding that can be adjusted to fit a range of ages, from infants to toddlers and beyond.
Brands make infant carriers and toddler carrier to fit different heights and weights (upto 60 pounds).
You can wear a soft-structured carrier on the front of your body. Some allow for back- or hip-carrying.

https://www.babyaware.co.uk/safety-guide-for-baby-carriers
https://www.babydr.co.uk/wear-a-baby-carrier
https://www.babyown.co.uk/guide-to-baby-wearing
https://www.babysuccess.co.uk/use-a-baby-carrier
https://www.babyenjoy.us/summer-while-baby-carrier
https://www.babyforlife.us/types-of-baby-carriers
https://www.babyguides.us/choose-a-baby-carrier