It is often thought - wrongly - that babywearing is reserved for mothers. However, physiological babywearing allows you to create and strengthen bonds with your baby : it is therefore just as recommended for fathers as it is for mothers! Carrying your baby in a sling or close to you is a great way for fathers to also spend special moments with their newborn.
So, are you ready to become the coolest dad in the nursery ? In this article, we'll explain everything you need to know to get started with babywearing when you're a dad!
Reminder: what is physiological carrying?
Let’s go back to basics: what exactly is physiological carrying?
Physiological carrying is a safe way to carry your baby , adapted to their physical development and morphology.
Why "safe"? Because the upright position in which the baby is placed in the sling or fabric bands, with the knees slightly raised at hip level, allows the baby to keep the spine straight and aligned with the pelvis, which promotes healthy growth without malformations.
This carrying system is comfortable for the wearer and the newborn, but it also has many advantages and benefits the baby's cognitive and emotional development .
More and more parents are adopting the kangaroo method in their daily lives ; it appeals to both fathers and mothers!
Gendered physiological carrying, a historical evolution
Did you know that the first means of carrying found date back to the first humans?
They were used by tribesmen to transport children from point A to point B, protecting them from the cold and predators. It also allowed parents to travel and go about their business with their hands free - without neglecting their infants.
If the practice of physiological carrying was feminized with the appearance of wet nurses from the Renaissance , it was originally non-gendered .
The baby carrier: a tool for creating bonds with your child
Morals have - fortunately - evolved over time and nowadays, we see more and more dads proudly carrying their children in baby carriers. And they are right, because physiological carrying has many benefits, both for the child and for its parents!
Starting with bonding : Against your chest, your baby is closest to you. He can smell your scent, your body heat, and sometimes even your heartbeat. Baby carriers play a big role in developing the parent-child relationship .
And for good reason, this physical proximity does a world of good to the baby. It gives him self-confidence, has a calming effect, and above all helps to create the bond of attachment that unites you both.
It is also for these reasons that the practice of skin to skin is recommended by health professionals.
Skin-to-skin contact involves lying or sitting with your baby against your chest, body to body (even if you have to place a small blanket or warm clothing on you if the temperatures are low).
It is scientifically proven that this practice contributes to the good health of the baby. It regulates its breathing and temperature, and can even soothe it and reduce its crying . A little special moment that will do you both good!
And yes, to both of you, since this closeness with your baby will act as a dopamine booster, bringing you a feeling of happiness and self- confidence .
For many dads, physiological babywearing is a way to develop a close bond with their baby, especially when the mother is breastfeeding and the baby is often in her arms. It is also a good solution to relieve the mother some of the time: there is no reason why she should be the only one having to carry the baby!
Baby carriers or how to share the mental load between parents
Mental load is what many women feel after the birth of their first child.
On maternity leave or returning to work, it is not uncommon for them to feel alone in taking on all the tasks: looking after the baby, the house, their work, their private life... All of this combined with lack of sleep sometimes creates an... explosive cocktail.
So to share the mental load, nothing better than a baby carrier (and a little helping hand every day!). With it, you can take care of your baby while having your hands free . The perfect opportunity to get the dishes and the paperwork done while the mother can take a breather and take a moment for herself.
And if you really want to give him some quiet time, you can go for a walk in complete freedom or take the opportunity to go shopping!
Physiological carrying to ensure the healthy development of the baby
Choosing a physiological baby carrier means ensuring that you carry your child safely. These are specially designed to respect your child's natural position , as well as their growth. For this, there are different models adapted to different sizes, weights, ages and needs.
The upright position in which your baby is held ensures good growth by keeping his spine in the right axis. In the same way, being carried “in an M” or “frog” position, with the knees slightly raised at the hips, prevents them from developing hip dysplasia . Carried in this way, your child enjoys your presence in complete comfort and safety.
Little extra: at Studio Romeo, all our baby carriers are made of 100% organic cotton to ensure your baby's health. They are all made of soft and stretchy fabric, OEKO-Tex certified. Designed in France, they are then created in Portugal, in a GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified workshop.
Above all, they are designed to be easy and practical to use. No need to know how to tie a knot or know super complicated techniques to put them on, our baby carriers must above all make your life easier. Several solutions exist to accompany you in the adventure of carrying.
Cool Dad's Favorite Baby Carrier Models
The skin-to-skin headband, for a moment just the two of you
Congratulations! You just became a dad!
What if you already started to bond with your little one by sharing a skin-to-skin moment? This is the perfect opportunity to try the Easy Lover Stripe s, a one-size skin-to-skin headband in a refined striped pattern (not convinced? There are more than 7 patterns, you will certainly find your favorite!).
To be practiced from birth and up to 3 months , skin-to-skin offers you a special moment with your baby, skin against skin, just the two of you. This practice helps to soothe the baby, regulate their breathing and temperature, but also to create that unique bond that unites you.
After all, what feeling is more comfortable and reassuring than a dad's arms?
The Sling scarf, to do everything with dad
Back from the maternity ward, you will now be able to enjoy your mini you every day! And for that, nothing better than the Sling scarf.
Available in black (a sober and basic color, goes with everything), but also in 9 other colors, this easy and quick to put on baby sling will accompany you everywhere. Here, no complicated knots or straps on all sides, a single piece of soft fabric and two rings make up this sling to allow you to block it and adjust the length to your liking, without outside help.
The important thing is that the baby is against your body, on your stomach or on your hip, with his head within kissing range of the carrier.
It is perfect if you want to spend time with baby at home while having your hands free, or for short trips, in complete safety.
The Duo baby carrier, to become inseparable
From 2 months , your baby can move on to the Duo baby carrier , an even more practical model to do everything with him! In Size 1 or Size 2, Geometric , Leopard or Plain pattern (+ 4 colors), choose the model that suits you best to travel around the city with baby.
This product with two headbands is easy to put on and distributes the child's weight correctly to avoid back pain . It is suitable for basic everyday use, but also for long walks, regardless of the season. Some even use it to introduce their little ones to hiking!
The onbuhimo Up&Go, to discover the world in dad's arms
Are you an adventurer? Or a dad with itchy feet? Hiking, flea markets, nothing resists you? What if you shared your passions with your baby?
From 6 months, as soon as your baby is bigger (when the baby can hold his head up alone and can stay seated), you can install him in the preformed onbuhimo Up&Go so that he can follow you absolutely everywhere and discover the world at your side.
With its adjustable seat , it adapts to the baby's growth and ensures 100% comfortable carrying. Its deliberately wide and padded straps distribute the baby's weight on your shoulders and prevent back pain.
With this model, you can choose between back or front carrying , depending on your comfort.
Here again, it is put on very simply , without any knotting . This baby carrier is put on like a backpack, then all you need is a strap and you're off on the ideal adventure!
So, are you ready to start your adventure together?
You now have all the secrets to being the coolest dad in town!
At any age and for all situations, there is a suitable carrying method, which respects the child's natural position while allowing you to create an unlimited bond with your baby.
We can only encourage you to experience these special moments to discover the many benefits of physiological carrying: you will see, try it and you will adopt it!