Baby carriers and slings: a guide to choosing and using them
Deciding to use a baby sling and baby carrier is a choice that benefits both parents and children.
In this article you will discover why you should choose babywearing and which support to prefer for your little one.
Advantages of baby slings and baby carriers for your baby
The baby sling and baby carrier bring numerous benefits to the child, both physical and psychological-relational.
Certainly, staying in contact with mom or dad gives the little one a sense of protection and security.
Furthermore, it seems to contribute to the improvement of sleep and thermoregulation of the baby. In fact, the newborn in the first period is not yet able to regulate his own temperature; therefore, the contact helps him not to be hot or cold.
But also motor and physical development is improved by supporting the physiology of the spine and hips and promoting balance and movement. In addition to this, postural cranial deformations are also prevented as the time in which the baby remains supine is reduced through the sling and the baby carrier.
Finally, it helps reduce the baby's crying as the baby immediately feels protected and comforted when in contact with the parent.
Benefits of Babywearing for Mom or Dad
We have seen the advantages for the newborn. Now let's move on to those for the mother or father. I want to specify both because babywearing is not just for the mother; on the contrary, it also increases the bond between baby and father.
Here are the main benefits:
- Multitasking : you can do more things as your hands will be free;
- Convenience : it replaces the stroller when it is complicated to transport or use;
- Emotional bond : carrying your baby in a sling or baby carrier will allow you to build a unique and lasting bond.
When to start using a baby sling and baby carrier?
There are no contraindications to starting to use the sling or baby carrier from the first days of the baby's life .
Of course, if a cesarean section was performed or the birth was particularly complicated, it is important for the mother to recover her strength before deciding to use a babywearing device.
However, you will need to make sure that you choose baby carrier models and sling fastenings that support your baby's head . In fact, until your baby's neck muscles have strengthened, his head will need to be supported.
To encourage muscle development, it is important to stimulate the little one right from the start with the right activities, such as Tummy time . You can find all the information in my video course “ From Zero to Hero ”.
Sling or pouch?
Moms and dads often wonder which of the two carriers to choose: the sling or the baby carrier?
There is no correct answer because it depends on the child .
Some babies can’t stand the sling, but love the baby carrier; others love the sling up to a certain age and then prefer to change carriers.
It is important to say, however, that the sling can be used up to approximately 9 kg of the baby , while the baby carrier allows you to carry the baby even beyond this weight, even up to 20 kg.
In what position should you place your newborn in a baby sling or baby carrier?
From the first days, it is necessary to ensure that the position of the newborn is correct in the sling and baby carrier.
The correct position is also called frog and heart to heart . That is, the baby must be facing belly to belly with mom or dad and must have his bottom lower than the height of the knees.
In the video course “ Carrying in a sling and baby carrier ” you will be able to discover and see how to best use these supports.