What are the benefits of babywearing? How to choose a baby carrier?

Babywearing is as simple as carrying our little ones with us, in permanent contact. Many women have carried their babies for many years in many cultures, so it is far from a novelty or a fad.

However, it is true that in recent years, babywearing is having a resurgence due to all the benefits it brings, both for the baby and for the person who carries him/her. However, there are certain things to keep in mind to ensure that carrying is ergonomic and safe.

What is babywearing?

Babywearing is a method of carrying a baby in which the baby is carried by the carrier, using a baby carrier, and allows the baby to always be in contact with the person carrying him/her.

This method has many benefits for the baby, but also for the carrier. Carrying allows the baby's needs to be met (protection, containment, contact, movement...) while the carrier has the freedom and autonomy to carry out other tasks, since the arms are free.

Why babywearing?

However, in order to enjoy all the advantages and benefits of babywearing, it must be done ergonomically, with an approved baby carrier and used correctly.

What are the benefits of carrying?

As mentioned above, carrying has benefits for both the baby and the person carrying the baby. In addition, feeling the baby so close while carrying, in continuous contact, is an experience as pleasant as it is unique.

Benefits of babywearing

Carrying should be ergonomic, keeping the baby in a good posture. Thus, you will be able to enjoy all the benefits that babywearing offers, among which are:

• The baby will feel protected, secure and will be calmer. All this will make him cry less, be calmer and have less stress.
• The feeling of tranquility, the gentle movement and listening to the sound of the carrier's heartbeat will make the baby sleep more and have a better quality of sleep.
• Carrying helps to control the baby's temperature.
• Gastroesophageal reflux or infant colic is reduced by the upright posture in which the infant is placed and the body heat it receives. It will also expel gases better.
• The development of the back and hips will be favored by carrying.
• Carrying the baby prevents the head from being deformed by being supported for too long on the same spot when lying down(postural plagiocephaly).

What are the benefits of babywearing?

In addition, carrying also promotes breastfeeding, as this continuous contact can increase milk production. On the other hand, you can offer the breast to the baby when he/she starts looking for it because you are so close.

Benefits of carrying for the carrier

Among the main benefits of babywearing for the person who carries, we can mention:

• It promotes freedom of movement, as the baby is cared for, but the carrier's hands are free.
• Promotes bonding and secure attachment. It also favors the establishment of a stronger bond with the other parent.
• It helps to recognize what the baby wants at the slightest sign.
• Reduces postpartum depression.

Is portering also beneficial for the carrier?

Finally, carrying can also be beneficial for the carrier's back muscles, as long as it is done correctly, ergonomically and with an approved carrier.

How to carry a baby correctly?

For correct and safe carrying, the baby carrier must allow ergonomic carrying and must be approved. In addition, it is essential that the baby carrier is suitable for the age and maturity of the baby.

However, it is also necessary to know how to use the baby carrier so that the baby is always well supported and in the correct position. This will be the froggy position and consists of:

• C-shaped back, which is the physiological posture in infants.
• M-shaped legs, i.e., knees should be above your buttocks. The legs should not hang down.
• Chin slightly separated from the chest, so that the neck is not bent.
• Height that allows the carrier to kiss the baby's head without bumping.
• Unobstructed, clear airways.

Baby's froggy position for babywearing

In addition, the clothing used to carry the baby must be taken into account to avoid overheating due to body heat. Similarly, footed onesies can be uncomfortable, as they can crush the baby's little toes by bending the knees.

In any case, if you have doubts about whether you are carrying your baby correctly, you can consult professionals specialized in babywearing.

Which baby carrier is best?

There are currently several ergonomic baby carriers available on the market: woven or elastic sling, ring sling, ergonomic backpack, mei tai...

When choosing the right baby carrier, it is essential to take into account the age and weight of the baby, as well as the preferences or needs in each particular case. Perhaps parents who live in a very warm area do not choose the same baby carrier as others who live in a cooler area; or parents who will also use the stroller, compared to others who will only carry babies.

Types of ergonomic baby carriers

For this reason, it is always very useful to have the help of a professional when choosing the most suitable baby carrier, as well as to be able to try it out to decide on the one that best meets all their needs and makes them feel comfortable.

FAQs from users

From what age can a baby carrier be used?

There are baby carriers suitable for each stage and specific need and, therefore, there are those to be used from birth as well. For example, the elastic slings.

Up to what age can I take my child with me?

The answer will be given by the child and the person carrying him/her. In other words, it is dictated by the comfort of both. If you see that your child has always been comfortable and is no longer comfortable in the baby carrier, it is time to consider changing the carrying method or to stop carrying.

Is it comfortable to carry my child and won't my back hurt?

Except in cases where there are injuries that make it inadvisable to carry weight (in which case the baby could not be held for a long time), there is no reason for it to be negative or uncomfortable. What we have to look for is an adequate weight distribution through the choice of the baby carrier and its correct positioning.

Is it possible to carry the baby facing forward?

The correct and ergonomic way to carry the baby is facing the carrier, with the back in a C-shape and the legs in an M-shape. This means that the knees are above the baby's bottom and that the legs should not hang down (as is usually the case when the baby is facing forward).

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