Baby carriers offer numerous advantages to both mother and child.
However, with the amazing selection available many new moms are overwhelmed by the choices.
Here is a look at why you should consider wearing your baby, as well as things to consider when choosing your perfect baby carrier.
Benefits to baby wearing There are numerous reasons why you should consider wearing your baby.
Here are just a few: - Having a continuous relationship with the caregiver makes it easy to learn your baby's needs and wants.
- A baby that is being worn moves as one with the wearer.
This allows mom (or other caregiver) to have hands free to do other tasks like household chores or caring for older children.
- Babies cry when they need something, and babies who are responded to right away when they cry learn to trust more easily.
- Baby wearing gives babies a safe and secure advantage point to observe and learn about the world around them.
- Baby carriers are often lighter-weight and easier to take with you than strollers and car seat carriers.
Some fold up small enough to easily be thrown into a diaper bag or purse.
Getting the information you need on baby wearing The easiest way to learn about baby wearing is to talk to other parents who wear their babies.
Talk to friends and family members with wearing experience, or consider attending a local play group where you can talk to other moms.
There are also several forums online devoted to baby wearing who can share with you their experiences.
Once you have a general idea about baby wearing, it is helpful to think about a few of the following topics to help you choose your ideal carrier.
Can't decide on just one? Don't worry, many parents find baby wearing quite addictive and have multiple carriers to fulfill multiple uses.
Will you share your sling? If baby's other caregivers are similar in size, this is not an issue.
However, if there is a significant size difference, you may need two carriers or one that is adjustable.
Adjustable carriers include unpadded ring slings, wrap carriers, and soft packs.
How much time can you invest in learning to baby wear? Many carriers on the market require a bit of time to get used to the different ways of using them.
If you are pressed for time or easily frustrated, consider a pouch for little ones and soft packs for toddlers.
However, keep in mind that the easier a carrier is to learn to use means that it often has very little flexibility for other uses.
Will baby be breastfed? One advantage to baby wearing is that some styles allow mom to breastfeed while she wears baby.
Padded slings work very well for offering additional support to a newborn, while an unpadded sling is very adjustable to help you get baby in the right position.
Other carriers may also be used for breastfeeding but may require some practice to do so comfortably.
How much do you want to get done while wearing baby? Baby wearing makes it much easier for mom to get things done, but some are definitely better for busy activities that require a lot of movement.
If you really need to get moving, wraparound carriers and back carriers give baby the most support and you the most flexibility of movement.
How long will you wear baby at a time? While your 8 pound newborn may be easier to pop into a carrier and go, your 20 pound toddler will present more of a challenge.
If you are looking to wear baby for extended periods and/or when he or she is older and bigger, wraparound carriers and soft packs help distribute the weight evenly.
Choosing the right carrier for you does present a little bit of a challenge, but most parents are willing to put in the extra effort for all the benefits and convenience it can provide.
However, with the amazing selection available many new moms are overwhelmed by the choices.
Here is a look at why you should consider wearing your baby, as well as things to consider when choosing your perfect baby carrier.
Benefits to baby wearing There are numerous reasons why you should consider wearing your baby.
Here are just a few: - Having a continuous relationship with the caregiver makes it easy to learn your baby's needs and wants.
- A baby that is being worn moves as one with the wearer.
This allows mom (or other caregiver) to have hands free to do other tasks like household chores or caring for older children.
- Babies cry when they need something, and babies who are responded to right away when they cry learn to trust more easily.
- Baby wearing gives babies a safe and secure advantage point to observe and learn about the world around them.
- Baby carriers are often lighter-weight and easier to take with you than strollers and car seat carriers.
Some fold up small enough to easily be thrown into a diaper bag or purse.
Getting the information you need on baby wearing The easiest way to learn about baby wearing is to talk to other parents who wear their babies.
Talk to friends and family members with wearing experience, or consider attending a local play group where you can talk to other moms.
There are also several forums online devoted to baby wearing who can share with you their experiences.
Once you have a general idea about baby wearing, it is helpful to think about a few of the following topics to help you choose your ideal carrier.
Can't decide on just one? Don't worry, many parents find baby wearing quite addictive and have multiple carriers to fulfill multiple uses.
Will you share your sling? If baby's other caregivers are similar in size, this is not an issue.
However, if there is a significant size difference, you may need two carriers or one that is adjustable.
Adjustable carriers include unpadded ring slings, wrap carriers, and soft packs.
How much time can you invest in learning to baby wear? Many carriers on the market require a bit of time to get used to the different ways of using them.
If you are pressed for time or easily frustrated, consider a pouch for little ones and soft packs for toddlers.
However, keep in mind that the easier a carrier is to learn to use means that it often has very little flexibility for other uses.
Will baby be breastfed? One advantage to baby wearing is that some styles allow mom to breastfeed while she wears baby.
Padded slings work very well for offering additional support to a newborn, while an unpadded sling is very adjustable to help you get baby in the right position.
Other carriers may also be used for breastfeeding but may require some practice to do so comfortably.
How much do you want to get done while wearing baby? Baby wearing makes it much easier for mom to get things done, but some are definitely better for busy activities that require a lot of movement.
If you really need to get moving, wraparound carriers and back carriers give baby the most support and you the most flexibility of movement.
How long will you wear baby at a time? While your 8 pound newborn may be easier to pop into a carrier and go, your 20 pound toddler will present more of a challenge.
If you are looking to wear baby for extended periods and/or when he or she is older and bigger, wraparound carriers and soft packs help distribute the weight evenly.
Choosing the right carrier for you does present a little bit of a challenge, but most parents are willing to put in the extra effort for all the benefits and convenience it can provide.