Healthy Pregnancy
4 Babywearing Styles That Support Baby’s Health
Childrearing trends come and go, but the practice of babywearing is definitely here to stay. Why? Studies have shown babywearing is healthy for both of you, reducing crying and fussiness in infants and helping promote a more secure bond between mother and child. Plus busy moms quickly recognize the convenience of being hands-free while caring for an infant.
Babywearing expert Beate Frome cofounded The Babywearing Institute to teach parents both the benefits of healthy babywearing and the proper fit and positioning. Frome has seen a huge cultural shift -- she began importing wraps from Germany when the first of her seven children was born 13 years ago. “Back then, people saw me wearing my daughter and thought it was so strange,” says Frome.
Times have changed, and today wearing babies has gone mainstream.
But with so many carriers on the market, how do you choose the right one for you? “There isn’t one perfect carrier,” says Frome. “Parents should try out different carriers to find the right fit -- one that is comfortable and provides enough support for both you and your baby.”
Here’s the lowdown on the most popular baby carrier styles:
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Healthy Babywearing Basic: Wraps
This classic carrier is popular with moms of newborns through toddlers. There can be a learning curve when it comes to tying a wrap securely, but once you’ve mastered the technique, wraps offer the convenience and comfort of being able to be adjusted individually, and can be worn in front, back, or on your hip. For safety, wraps should only be used with upright carrying.
Moby Wrap |
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Healthy Babywearing Basic: Ring sling
Ring slings are long strips of fabric that adjust with rings worn in front or on the hip. Ring slings are a great choice for carrying newborns and young infants, and they can be used while breastfeeding. Frome warns that ring slings should always be worn upright, never in the cradle position.
Sakura Bloom |
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Healthy Babywearing Basic: Mei tai
This Asian-inspired carrier is designed for babies who can sit unassisted and may be used through toddlerhood. The mei tai can be worn in front or in back, and, according to Frome, is a popular pick for dads. Mei tais don’t have buckles; instead, the belt and shoulder straps are knotted.
Mei Tai Baby |
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Healthy Babywearing Basic: Soft structured carriers
Many parents love these carriers; with buckles and a padded shoulder and waist strap, they’re comfortable and easy to use. This type of carrier borrows its design from backpacks, but many can also be worn in front. They’re a great choice for long walks or hikes. While some soft structured carriers come with inserts for newborns, most are recommended for babies who have good head control (usually over four months old).
Beco Baby Carrier |
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Author: Jennifer Kula is a Massachusetts-based freelance writer and a frequent contributor to Baby + You. When she’s not writing, she’s a busy mom to Nadia, 4, and Reid, 2.
