Baby wearing has many benefits to both you and your baby. Your baby gets comfort and a snugly place to sleep when they are younger and then a safe position from which to explore the world as they get older. You enjoy hands free time to get things done, keeping your baby close at all times, what’s not to love? The convenience and health benefits of baby wearing are widely acknowledged but did you know that the way you carry your baby might need to change over time? This guide talks you through the three stages of the baby wearing journey…
Stage 1 – Newborn
The first three months of your baby’s life are known as the fourth trimester of pregnancy. This is an important time to bond with your baby and skin to skin contact and baby wearing are an important part of making your baby feel comfortable and safe in their new surroundings outside of the womb.
Your baby has been used to feeling the heat and movement of your body during pregnancy and therefore the place they will feel most safe is wrapped around your body as you move around your home and venture out and about in these first few months.
In these precious early months, you need to be able to keep your baby as close to your body as possible and therefore a soft, flexible wrap or sling might be more comfortable for you and your baby. The wrap is made from soft bamboo fabric which is both stretchy and breathable, offering comfort to you and your baby. A wrap can be tied to fit the contours of your body but is comfortable enough for you to wear all day. You can tie the wrap in position in the morning and then simply lift your baby in and out throughout the day without needing to take it on and off which makes it perfect for around the house.
If you prefer the look and feel of a soft structured carrier with the flexibility of a wrap then you might like to try carriers like the Boppy ComfyFit Baby Carrier or the Kinderkraft Adoree Baby Carrier.
Stage 2 – Baby
Once your baby is out of the newborn phase and growing fast, you will need to adapt your carrier to fit their changing needs, but you needn’t rush out to buy a new one. Most baby carriers offer different carrying positions to suit the different stages of your baby’s life. As your baby learns to support and move their head to follow light, sounds and other sensory stimulants you can hold them in a more upright position in the carrier and they will enjoy exploring the world from the comfort and safety of their baby carrier.
Stage 3 – Toddler
As your baby becomes more active you will want the flexibility of them being able to walk when they want, to but be carried when they get tired. Rather than reverting to using a buggy for your toddler which limits your options for where you can go and what you can do, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of baby wearing for you and your child for many years to come. If you choose the right carrier in an ergonomic design that offers comfort as your child gets bigger then there is no reason why you can’t still be wearing your child when they are four years old. The world is your oyster!
There are also large padded or framed toddler carriers which are particularly great if you are out for a walk in the countryside or on holiday etc. and they car carried on your back and some can even stand with your little one in them when you put them down.