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That’s A Wrap
Babywearing lends itself to much more than convenience and is becoming more popular among Florida mothers, according to Florida Today. Sure, you’ll enjoy the hands-free flexibility of taking your baby where strollers can’t tread, but you’ll also reap relational rewards and nurture your child in a way no carriage ever could.
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Babywearing Benefits
Carrier Safety
NOT SURE ABOUT BABYWEARING? HERE ARE A FEW PROVEN BENEFITS OF KEEPING YOUR BABY CLOSE.
FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES TO ENSURE YOU’RE CARRYING YOUR BABY SAFELY.
› Babywearing significantly reduces crying in infants.
› Wear your baby in an upward
position and high enough so his head doesn’t fall on his chest.
› Babywearing eases symptoms of colic and reflux by
aiding in babies’ digestion. › Babies are usually calmer and used to being
in the middle of the action without being the center of attention. › Babywearing boosts parents’ confidence and helps
beat postpartum depression.
› Make sure your carrier
provides enough support for your little one’s neck and back. › Inspect your carrier for tears,
loose fasteners or worn spots in the fabric.
› Parents are able to learn their little one’s needs before
he or she cries, and babies tend to develop faster as they learn their parents’ movements and actions.
› Practice all carries with
someone’s help or over a bed or couch until you’re confident.
› Babywearing’s hands-free function makes it easier to
take care of multiple children.
› Carriers shouldn’t be worn
SAFETY FIRST WEAR YOUR BABY IN AN UPWARD POSITION AND HIGH ENOUGH SO HIS HEAD DOESN’T FALL ON HIS CHEST.
where you wouldn’t normally hold your child in your arms.
Wrap, Sling & Style
Before you take on the babywearing aisle, brush up on the types of carriers out there.
RING SLINGS
A ring sling is made up of a long fabric piece and two rings. Simply thread the fabric through the rings to secure your baby in the one-shoulder carrier. Though ring slings limit the ways you can carry your child, the extra fabric hanging from the rings can be used as a nursing cover or a blanket.
POUCH SLINGS
Pouch slings are similar to ring slings but are a bit easier to put on and carry around in a diaper bag. They’re not adjustable and should be fitted to you. Just throw one over your torso and shoulder, and place your baby inside the pouch.
Wraps can adjust to all sizes and are available in a variety of fabrics. They’re super versatile and can be secured in different ways for various holding positions. Remember to think about the fabric that will work best for you and your baby. We’d suggest avoiding knit in the summer. MEI TAIS
These carriers can take your baby from a newborn to a toddler. Tie the shoulder and waist straps to fasten or adjust for other caregivers. Mei tais work well for front, back and hip carries.
BUCKLE/SOFT STRUCTURED CARRIERS
Wear these carriers like a backpack in front or on your back. They’re adjustable, provide skin-to-skin contact like wraps or slings and are available in many different styles.
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Sources: babycenter.com, thebump.com, parents.com
WRAPS