More than a trend in the world of childcare, babywearing is a practice full of advantages for both the baby and the wearer. Maintaining physical contact with your child while having your hands free, that's pretty appealing, right?
The benefits of physiological babywearing are numerous and no longer need to be proven. We understand that you are eager to share these moments with your newborn!
But the adventure of physiological carrying often comes with its share of doubts. How do I carry my baby properly? From what age can we start carrying? Don't panic, we'll recap everything with you in this article to help you choose the right time to embark on the adventure of physiological carrying!
Reminder: physiological carrying, how does it work?
Physiological carrying is a practice that consists of carrying the baby in a natural upright position while keeping him against you, using a baby carrier or a suitable baby sling. Comfortable and adapted to the child's stage of development, this position promotes closeness between the carrier and the baby, which has many benefits for the infant.
Smaller, lighter and easier to carry, physiological baby carriers are also an excellent alternative to the stroller ! With a sling or a baby carrier, no need to worry about stairs, cobblestones, narrow places or spaces that are difficult to move around: baby carriers adapt to your busy daily life . The same goes for the question of storage: it is a real space saver compared to the stroller.
In addition to its material advantages, babywearing offers many health benefits . Being close to your newborn strengthens the parent/child bond, it is an excellent way to reassure the baby during the first months of his life. Your warmth, your heartbeat and your breathing soothe his breathing and help him regulate his stress. Babywearing also helps relieve the child of certain ailments, such as colic, gastroesophageal reflux or fever.
For parents, this carrying method allows them to have their hands free while keeping their baby close to them. And bonus point: they are soothed too!
In short, the babywearing adventure is full of positive aspects and we can only recommend that you get started :)
From what age can we start carrying?
If possible... we advise you to start as early as possible! The earlier you start, the more you get your baby used to carrying and you benefit from its benefits. Of course, it makes you want to! The advantage of carrying is that it can be done almost from birth with the right device .
Be careful, don't pressure: it may take a little time for your baby to get used to being carried. If you feel like your baby doesn't like being carried , don't worry: you have several options available to you to explore the world of babywearing with complete peace of mind.
At birth: carry your baby for the first few months.
At birth, we recommend that you start by using a sling model . Designed to carry babies from the first days of their life until around 11 months (recommended use up to 10kg), the sling is designed to be simple and quick to use: without knots or straps, it is easy to put on and adjusts over time thanks to its rings. It is adjustable as your baby grows, or if he or she needs to change position slightly.
The sling scarf allows you to test several carrying positions : on the stomach, on the back or on the hip. You can therefore adapt the position to your needs (breastfeeding, nap, walk, etc.).
In the baby sling, your baby is placed facing the wearer's body, with his legs on either side and his head turned to the side to clear the airways .
When very young, the infant can also keep his legs folded in the sling. This is the most suitable position for his development up to two months.
The physiological carrying position protects the baby's hips from possible malformations and soothes him. And a soothed baby is a reassured baby, who sleeps better and cries less (even if it's not magic).
The use of the Sling scarf is recommended to accompany you in all daily tasks and short trips .
If you are carrying a baby in a sling, make sure that their airways are clear, their head is supported (within reach of kisses!) and protected from the sun. If you have any doubts about using this method of carrying, do not hesitate to consult professionals to help you!
Skin to skin: carrying your baby in a headband or a sling?
Highly recommended from birth, skin-to-skin contact is widely encouraged by health professionals . In hospitals, it is often offered to parents of premature babies.
In concrete terms, it involves sitting or lying down, bare-chested, with your baby against your chest. Skin against skin, parent and child thus enjoy a tender moment together.
For added safety, the skin-to-skin headband keeps your baby close to you during this cuddly moment.
To prolong this moment, it may be tempting to get up with your baby held close to you by the stretchy material of the band. But be careful: the skin-to-skin band is not a carrying solution !
The headbands, attached by a Velcro strip, are not designed to keep the child in an upright position against you. We advise you to choose a suitable carrying method for moving around with your newborn.
My baby is growing: when should I change baby carriers?
From 2 months and up to about 20 months (12kg), you can opt for other baby carrier models. At Studio Romeo, the Duo baby carrier model is more suitable for long journeys.
As your child grows, they need a little more flexibility and mobility to continue to enjoy carrying. With its two bands, the Duo baby carrier slips over the wearer's shoulders, without knots or straps, to wrap your child.
Recommended only for front carrying , this model is adapted to the child's growth and designed to support their physiological development.
From two months, the separation of the baby's hips allows you to move to the "M" carrying position. Your child also begins to hold his head a little better and can therefore be carried safely in the baby carrier!
And to carry my baby on my back?
We recommend using the onbuhimo baby carrier from 9 months .
To be used safely, your child must be able to sit up unaided.
This versatile baby carrier can be placed in front or on your back, depending on your preferences and needs. It is a format that adapts to both small and long journeys, and is even ideal for hiking outings.
Thanks to its adjustable straps and adjustable seat , it adapts to the child's growth and can be used up to 15kg. Padded at the shoulders, it is a model that allows you to carry a heavier child .
Even if he already knows how to walk, your child may need to be in your arms from time to time: this is the ideal solution to continue to maintain this bond with him without tiring yourself out.
To sum up - which baby carrier for your child?
All our baby carriers and slings are designed to be easy to use and adapt to your child's development.
At birth, we advise you to opt for the sling scarf in addition to skin-to-skin contact.
As your baby grows and begins to hold his head up, you can switch to the Duo knotless model.
And for longer walks and growing children, the onbuhimo Up&Go model will become your best ally!
Our tutorial page helps you understand how to use all these carrying methods according to your habits and needs.
And above all, if in doubt, remember to contact us: the babywearing adventure must remain a pleasure, we are here to make sure of that!