Simple sling or baby carrier, there are many solutions for successfully carrying your baby physiologically. You still need to adopt the right actions and good practices. We have therefore gathered tips and advice to know everything about physiological carrying!
Babywearing involves carrying your child against you rather than placing them in a stroller. When used properly, babywearing is a simple and comfortable method that promotes your child's development. It also allows you to have your hands free for certain activities, while continuing to meet your baby's needs.
Babywearing has existed since the dawn of time and its practice, although universal, has evolved over the centuries. It has always taken different forms, varying according to cultures, conditions and ages.
In the West, the arrival of childcare equipment has revolutionized habits, favoring strollers and other prams.
But since the rise of proximal mothering and skin-to-skin in the 80s, babywearing has become (re)democratized. It is a technique that offers many advantages for both the baby and the wearer, provided that certain safety rules are respected.
Physiologically carrying your child means carrying him in a natural position: knees higher than the buttocks thanks to a tilted pelvis, a well-rounded back, head-pelvis-spine are aligned, hands are within reach of the face. Other criteria complete this list, such as the fact that the child is at kissing height or that his airways are clear.
DON’T:
RESPECT THE BABY’S NATURAL POSITION
☑ The back is rounded
☑ His pelvis is tilted forward in a squatting position
☑ The baby is supported on his buttocks and thighs, not on his crotch or feet
☑ His head aligned with the axis of the spine, within reach of kisses ♥
☑ His hands brought back to mouth level
☑ His legs will be bent, knees slightly higher than his buttocks, spread naturally, that is to say a little at birth, and more and more as he grows (we never force the opening of the hips)
WHAT ABOUT THE POSITION FACING THE WORLD?
Then, this position creates over-stimulation for the baby, especially visually. This mode of carrying, very common in the West, must be practiced sparingly and for short periods. As an alternative, one can opt for dorsal carrying, or even on the hip.
Children need our arms. Because they can't walk, they're tired or they need to be reassured. Unfortunately, we're not always available. Our hands are busy with a thousand and one things. And that's where babywearing can save your life!
BENEFITS FOR THE BABY
♥ A SMOOTH ADAPTATION
Carrying is a natural continuation of pregnancy. It allows the newborn to adapt gently to its new environment, promotes the stability of its vital functions and its temperature.
♥ FACILITATES DIGESTION
Because the baby is placed in an upright position, carrying encourages burping, prevents reflux and reduces colic.
♥ FACILITATES THE FORMATION OF THE ATTACHMENT BOND
Your baby is within kissing distance, of course, but biology also plays a role in strengthening your relationship. Being secure and calm releases endorphins in your child. This happiness hormone strengthens your bond. It also allows your child to build a strong emotional foundation, which will even play a role in their social development. It's the same for parents. The release of endorphins reinforces your parenting skills and gives you confidence.
♥ COMFORTS THE BABY
Babywearing provides greater proximity between parent and baby. The baby can hear the mother or father's voice and see the baby's face. In addition, when the child is being carried, he or she is exposed to constant rhythmic movement and is in physical contact with the parent. With some baby carriers, such as a sling, it is also possible to be naked underneath and have skin-to-skin contact. Babywearing therefore has a calming effect on babies and gives them a sense of security. As a result, babywearing can reduce crying and fussiness.
♥ STIMULATES COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT
The proximity of the parent during carrying increases the baby's attention level and encourages exploration.
♥ PROMOTES SLEEP
The proximity to the parent during carrying would act as a barrier against external stimuli. This would help the baby to better control his nervous system and therefore help with sleep. Researchers have also noticed that being carried reduces involuntary movements and heart rate in the child.
BENEFITS FOR THE PARENT
Provides freedom of movement. With your baby in a baby carrier,
you get your hands back to go about your business. You can cook, work, tidy up, read, walk, have friends over... all while keeping your baby close to you.
♥ CONTRIBUTES TO THE FORMATION OF THE PARENT-CHILD BOND
Carrying helps to better interpret the signs made by the baby, because it helps
the parent to be more sensitive to their child's signals. They are then better able to respond to them quickly. This could also help prevent the baby from becoming agitated.
♥ STRENGTHENS THE FEELING OF PARENTAL COMPETENCE AND SELF-CONFIDENCE
Babywearing may also have a positive effect on the mother's mental health. A study of mothers of premature babies found that those who carried their babies during their hospital stay suffered less often from postpartum depression. These mothers also seem to cope better when interacting with their child 6 months later. Parents who carry may therefore feel more able to meet the baby's needs.
♥ PROMOTES BREASTFEEDING
Using a baby carrier during the first month of a child's life is associated with a longer duration of breastfeeding. Carrying would facilitate breastfeeding, because it would promote body contact between mother and baby. Mothers who use a baby carrier would breastfeed more often in a day. When breastfeeding is well established, it is possible to breastfeed in the baby carrier by changing or not the position of the child. This also allows the mother to be sheltered from view to feed her child.
Whichever baby carrier you choose, give yourself time to learn how to use it.
It's decided, you want to carry your baby. It's a very good idea ♥
Yes, but here it is, you don't really know where to start, you're afraid of doing it wrong and you wouldn't mind a summary for parents who are new to babywearing. So here are our 10 tips to become a baby carrier pro!
1. RESPECT THE CHILD'S PHYSIOLOGICAL POSITION
2. CLEAR BABY'S AIRWAYS
3. CARRY BABY HIGH ENOUGH
4. ADJUST THE FABRIC CORRECTLY
5. TAKE PRECAUTIONS WITH A NEWBORN
6. DRESS BABY APPROPRIATELY
7. DRESS IN BABY CARRIER MODE
8. PROTECT THE CHILD FROM THE SUN
9. STAY ATTENTION TO SENSATIONS
10. GET SUPPORT IF NEEDED
MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT CARRYING
“Stop carrying him, otherwise he'll get used to it.”
He will walk late and will not be independent.
You'll suffocate him carrying him. He'd be better off in a stroller.
Your back is going to hurt.
Babywearing is only for babies, he's too big there... »
Can we please get off our backs? Find the preconceived ideas about babywearing right here .
TO REMEMBER
Babywearing is a simple way to keep your hands free and move around more easily.
Carrying comforts baby, calms their crying and helps them sleep.
Baby's head should always be outside the carrier, with their nose and mouth clear.
Avoid baby carriers where all of the baby's weight rests on the crotch.
To learn even more about carrying and read the complete mini-guide, it's right here !
