BABYWEARING
HOW BABYWEARING CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE AS A PARENT Finding the right carrier for you and your baby
Whether you just want to keep your tiny newborn close or need your arms free to share hugs and games with your older children – or even make yourself some lunch – a baby carrier that works for you and your family can help keep everyone happy Washing the dishes? Walking the dog? Running the vacuum around the house? Have you thought about how you would get these everyday things done with a baby in tow? A baby carrier or sling is an amazingly comfortable way to keep your baby close to you while freeing up your hands to get things done. It also helps to support the physiology of newborns and toddlers, which can have a positive effect on spine and hip development. Wearing your baby promotes bonding with you and other caregivers in your baby's life. By holding her close, you can soothe your baby and quickly respond to her cues. In a study published in the journal Pediatrics, researchers found that babywearing for three hours a day reduced infant crying by 43 percent overall and 54 percent during evening hours*. You could say using a baby carrier makes for happier babies. And happier babies make happier parents! If this isn’t your first time, having a baby carrier for your newborn can really help with parenting older children. Having baby close to you, away from the boisterous games of older siblings, gives you peace of mind, as well as your hands to deal with all those everyday tasks. You can still cuddle, play and tend to your older ones, just like you used to!
Great for travelling, a sling is the perfect way to navigate busy airports or walk the plane aisles with baby during that alwaysnervewracking first flight. Each carrier or sling can be folded down to a compact size and packed in hand luggage. Without a pram or stroller to transport abroad, you are free to explore wherever your feet can take you, anywhere in the world, with baby safely nestled close to you. Ask any mum who breastfed their children and they’ll tell you newborns feed A LOT. Around 8-12 times a day for the first month. This means that if mum needs to get things done during the day, a little extra help from a baby carrier can go a long way! It’s possible to breastfeed in all Ergobaby carriers, allowing mum to truly feed ‘on demand’, wherever she goes**. Choosing the right baby carrier Many new parents prefer to use a baby carrier with their newborn, reassured by the certainty of buckles and straps on a soft structured baby carrier. Others prefer the soft fabrics and flexible nature of a baby wrap, perfect for enjoying some skin to skin with baby in their first few weeks of life. Either style will come in various colours and patterns, so there’s something for everyone!
Ergonomic for parents and babies Holding a baby for any period of time can tire your body, so you want to make sure that your baby carrier is comfortable and supports both you and baby for long periods. Carriers such as those in the Ergobaby range support baby ergonomically in all carry positions – including front outward facing in the Ergobaby 360 and Omni 360 models – and are recognised as hip-healthy products by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. This means that baby’s hips are held in an optimal M-shape carry position, which encourages healthy hip development in infants. For parents, ensuring that baby’s weight is evenly distributed across your body is paramount. Look for crossable, cushioned shoulder straps (as featured on the Ergobaby Adapt and Ergobaby Omni 360 baby carriers). These help to customise the carrier’s fit, particularly for petite frames, and wide waist bands or lumbar support will help prevent backache. Price and longevity A good baby carrier can last from your first born to your fourth, so it’s worth investing in quality. Whilst you can spend upwards of £100 on a branded baby carrier, some can be used
* Hunziker UA, Garr RG. (1986) Increased carrying reduces infant crying: A randomized controlled trial. Pediatrics 77:641-648 ** We recommend first mastering both skills separately, seeking extra advice and support, if needed.
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Best baby & toddler gear 2018/19