See also The First Trimester for more information on babywearing in the first three months
Babywearing
Babywearing
Human infants are naturally carried throughout the early years of life. In addition to in-arms carrying, there are long traditions of constructed baby carriers being used around the globe in human history. Modern baby carriers combine ancient designs with modern technology. Babywearing is not inherently dangerous however there are unsafe practices which we discourage and unsafe designs which we do not support.
Babywearing education is important and should be freely available to all who need it. Choosing and using a baby carrier should be supported without commercial bias or judgement. Our group accepts products offered as testers for review with no personal gain and no promise of positive feedback.
“Can I get a fit-check please?”
Our news feeds increased in requests for fit-checks and trouble shooting. Posts apologising for the mess in the background, the clothes people wore, how tired they looked. But what experienced babywearers and educators wanted to see was often obscured by inadvertent hand placement, camera angles or just not photographed at all!
Head Support
Many people worry about supporting a young baby's head when using a baby carrier. They are usually surprised to hear that their chest is the support their baby needs and its much more important not to restrict the ability of the head to tilt and protect the infant's airway.
Tandem Techniques
Tandem carrying is definitely on our list of advanced #babywearing techniques! But if you have multiples, or siblings close in age, learning how to balance both their needs with double carriers can be a saviour.
Our Bodies are Made for Holding Babies
Some people react strongly to seeing a child in a baby carrier:
"Ooh, you don't want to get them used to that, they'll expect to be carried everywhere ".
It's funny that carrying in arms doesn't get the same reaction. There is an acceptance of having a child on your hip or cradled in your arms which can go out the window when you introduce a tool to make it easier and more comfortable for both adult and child.
About that M position.
Anxiety about hips and #babywearing is something we see, as parents are worried about getting the "M" position "wrong".
It's really important to remember the guidelines about positioning in the carrier are general and the M reference is simply an easy way to illustrate what we mean.
It's about supporting the baby in a comfortable, wide-based, seated position. What we are looking for is the knees are higher than the base of their bum.
Babywearers See Tummy Time From A Different Perspective
Tummy time! How do you and your baby feel about it?
We are always learning
I recently discovered this treasure in amongst old family photos. Christmas 1987, my daughter Kaitlyn in my trusty Nursing Mothers' Meh Tai. One of just a couple of photos of me wearing my own babies.
My second thought on seeing it was "Oh dear!"
What Exactly Is Babywearing?
Have you ever seen a young mum with her baby seemingly strapped against her body with what looks like a tablecloth?
Welcome to the modern take of the ancient art of babywearing!
Choosing a Baby Carrier
Babywearing – carrying your baby or toddler hands-free in everything from a simple piece of fabric to a purpose-designed product – is popular.
Not only do busy parents need do a million things at once (or so it seems!) but they recognise the need for close connections to bond with and soothe their child.