Babywearing

Is babywearing safe?

Babywearing is the tried and true practice of carrying or “wearing” a baby in a wrap, sling or carrier of some type. There are a variety of styles, colors and types available on the market today. Babywearing provides many benefits for both mother and baby.

Benefits

The “wearer” has two available hands and can multi-task easily.
Makes sibling care easier.
Infants are generally very happy because their needs are continuously met.
The sound of the heartbeat can be heard easily, which sooths a young infant.
Decreased risk of flat head syndrome.
Increased bond between caregiver and child.
Increases progesterone levels in the mother, which lowers risk of postnatal depression.
Provides privacy while breastfeeding.
Can help a low-weight infant or a child that is not growing at the expected rate grow faster. The baby will not cry as often and is therefore not burning calories by crying.
May reduce the symptoms of colic.

While there are an abundance of benefits surrounding babywearing, many mothers have concerns when it comes to slings, carriers and wraps.

Are they safe?

The safety of the child should be of upmost importance. Any caregiver that will be wearing the child should clearly understand how to use the equipment. When carrying a child in a sling, wrap or carrier, no blankets are necessary. Make sure the child can breathe easily and ensure that they do not become overheated. The baby wearer should be alert at all times and should be fully aware of their surroundings. It is not safe to wear a child while walking on a slippery surface or a terrain that is hard to follow. It is also not safe to wear a baby while cooking or using sharp objects in the kitchen. Any sling or carrier that requires a knot should be well knotted to prevent a fall. Do not attempt to use any device that appears to be missing pieces or is in poor condition. Never wear your baby while you are traveling in a moving vehicle. No sling, wrap or carrier should be substituted for an approved carseat.

How do they work?

Because all slings, wraps and carriers work differently, it is very important to read the manual that accompanies the product. If you do not understand how to use the product, do not use it.

Won’t my baby get spoiled?

All of these concerns are common. Researchers do not believe that you can spoil a young infant. Instead, their studies reveal that when the needs of a young infant are met quickly and continuously, the baby is more likely to be calm and content. However, it is also important to point out that infants need to engage in other activities and should not be carried all day, every day. In addition to enjoying being worn by caregivers, placed in the swing and bouncy seat, allow your baby ample amounts of tummy time.

Comments: Babywearing

Comments 1 to 15 of about 15.
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redheadmama - 82 days ago.
DANI- have you looked into getting a mei tai carrier? it wraps around you less than a wrap-style carrier (such as a Moby), so it might be easier when pregnant. I haven't babyworn while pregnant though, so not necessarily the one who should be answering your question. :) MATTEO- I think everyone has different preferences. but I did love my Moby wrap until my son was about 12 or 15 pounds. when he was 6-15 pounds it was perfect. once he got bigger though, the Moby was too stretchy. so I got a stiffer wrap (an Ellaroo wrap, handwoven in Guatemala) which I positively adored. I still use it, and my son is a 23 pound toddler now. I definitely love wrap-style carriers, because yes, they distribute the weight so well. hope you enjoy yours!

matteosMama - 83 days ago.
I am also looking into a MOBY wrap! If anyone has any experience with them, please let me know. So far, they seem like the most comfy to use as the baby grows because it provides full torso support, not just one shoulder, but the back, waist..everywhere! What can be better than that?

2babys-under2 - 93 days ago.
Has anyone used a wrap or sling and been able to breastfeed completely hands free. My 2 will be 13-14 months apart and I'd like to breastfeed, but I'm sure going to have my hands full..lol..Suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

mountainmama - 94 days ago.
i pulled out my ergo carrier tonight and my 14 month old saw and got very excited!! the last few days she's been kinda cranky in the stroller so back to the carrier for a while.

DaniRodrig - 98 days ago.
HELP! I'm 10 weeks pregnant, & I have a 11.5 month old. I was thinking about getting a Moby Wrap. Or do you have anything better for me to wear my son while I get bigger??

MamaMeMe - 182 days ago.
I have a ring sling, but haven't figured out how to use it with my 3 week old. I lay him down in it (kind of like in a football breastfeeding hold) but the fabric covers him up and his neck gets all twisted... any suggestions?

TwinklinBrwnEyes - 182 days ago.
I have the sleepy wrap and I don't wear it cuz it looks all crazy along my back I can't get it to look nice and neat in the back like they do on the brochure...yea I know dumb reason not to wear it right?! Im a big girl so it just looks that much more silly on me. I need to stop worrying what I look like...im a mother!!!

colombianbee - 259 days ago.
LOVE TO WEAR MY BABY!!!!!!!!!! I use the 'Over the baby shoulder holder' right now and it's wonderful! It has padding in it on the shoulder and where my baby's legs are.... My mom is buying me the 'SlingEzee' which is practically the same thing but they have some improvements on it. I can have my baby in the kangaroo position looking out, I can have her laying for nap/breastfeeding, or I can have her on my hip!! Plus I can use it when she is a toddler too! She loves it, loves it, loves it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! = ]

ARMYMOM - 278 days ago.
I use the Ergo and I love it.. my son has always been a bit bigger for his age so this carrier is great on my back and can hold him up to 30lbs.. although.. I dont think I would ever wear my baby if he was 30lbs but it's still easy to wear. You can wear it front facing, on your back, or on your hip. I haven't tried anything but front.. My only complaint is that you can not turn the baby to face out.. my son loves to face out rather than facing me but he still loves it nonetheless. I highly recommend it.

redheadmama - 278 days ago.
hah! I didn't even know there was a babywearing forum on here until one minute ago. wheeee! I wear my son every day: whether it is walking for exercise, grocery shopping, or just so I can have my hands free to clean the house. He loves it and so do I! My two favorites are a Babyhawk mei tai, and an Ellaroo wrap. My husband likes the mei tai because it has ties (user-friendly, in other words) but I might prefer the wrap because it's so entirely universal. My son likes to be on my back so he can look over my shoulder and watch whatever I am doing. Also, he takes naps on my back like that if we're out and about. If anyone wants to see pictures or get info, I've got lots. I'm not quite a fanatic about babywearing... but I'm in love with it. hehe.

michellelaughs - 279 days ago.
oh yea, I also have a hip hammock which is nice for temporay holding like to go to the the store or wear them around the house for a little bit.

michellelaughs - 279 days ago.
I have an Ergo, Bjorn and sling. The sling was great for the first month or 2, the Bjorn is ok now and then but the Ergo is wonderful! I used the infant insert and she loved loved loved it. She is 4 months now and doesnt need the insert anymore but still lays sideways in the carrier a lot. She sits the regular way too now. Tip: When getting baby to straddle you for the first time be sure to bend the baby so their legs are higher than their butt or it may feel like they are not big enough to straddle you yet. We walk 2 hours a day and the Ergo never hurts my back unless the straps get too far apart on accident so keep the shoulder straps cinched close together and it feels great for hours.

lulubelle - 285 days ago.
I have a snugli sling and its great especially for family functions so your not carrying the child all and your buggy isn't constantly in the way!!

mountainmama - 344 days ago.
i have a ring sling, snuggli, infantino carrier & the ergo carrier. the sling was great when she was a newborn & i was learning how to breastfeed, i could use the tail of the sling to cover myself up in public...no one could even tell i was nursing. now that she's older, 5 1/2 months, i use the ergo all the time. it's easy to put on & off, she's wicked comfortable. i don't know how the ergo would be with a newborn & i'll probably try the sling again. i had a hard time with the sling around 3 months, she didn't want to be all bundled up next to me, but her head control wasn't that great, so i couldn't have her kangaroo style. anyway, i love wearing my little girl, the ergo is worth the money!! many times i've found it to be much more convenient than the stroller (although i love my bumbleride too !!) my husband has worn both the sling & the ergo as well.

AvasMommy08 - 346 days ago.
Personally, I love carrying Ava around in a baby carrier. It is so much more convenient than pushing around a big, bulky stroller in town. So, I put her in the Snugglie and we go shopping! Also, if she gets fussy, I can carry her around while I clean house and still have both hands available (not to mention the ample bonding time). She usually falls asleep shortly after I put her in it, but sometimes she just looks up and stares at Mommy. :)