Table of contents:
- What are the benefits of using a baby carrier?
- Types of baby carriers
- 1. Baby wrap / wrap carrier
- 2. Woven wrap
- 3. Ring sling
- 4. Pouch sling
- 5. Soft structure carrier
- 6. Meh dai carrier
- 7. Backpack carrier
- What is the proper way to carry a baby in a carrier?
- 1. Carry the front
- 2. Carry in the back
- The principles of using baby carriers
One of the benefits of holding a newborn baby is building an emotional bond. It's not enough just to use your hands, you need help to be able to support them properly. Namely, by using a baby carrier. In order not to make the wrong choice, consider several types of carriers and explanations about how to hold a newborn baby below.
What are the benefits of using a baby carrier?
Carrying a baby is a common thing and must be done by parents. This is done so that the child calms down when crying and builds emotional bonds.
Not only that, but holding a baby is also useful so that you can do other activities at home or even take a walk outside.
Therefore, in addition to using your hands, you also need a carrier as equipment for newborns.
Quoted from the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, long-term use of baby carriers can affect hip development during the first six months of life.
Moreover, when the child is held for hours every day.
In the Natural Child Project, it was discussed that most doctors in Europe recommended the use of a sling instead of just letting children lie on their backs.
The use of the right carrier can optimize the emotional, intellectual, and growth feelings of the baby.
Types of baby carriers
If in the past there were only cloth slings, now parents can choose the type of sling according to their preferences or needs.
Here are the types of carriers for your little one that you need to know before deciding to buy:
1. Baby wrap / wrap carrier
The Nile.com
This is the type of front baby carrier that parents often use because it is practical and comfortable. This is because the material used is elastic such as lycra or spandex.
Therefore, you can try several variations on how to hold a baby according to the instructions. For example, the position of the front, hips, or even behind.
Not only that, because the material is elastic baby wrap can cover the whole body, warm, while maximizing the process skin to skin.
Although it can be used from newborns, it's possible baby wrap can only be used in children with a maximum body weight of 10 kg.
2. Woven wrap
The model of this type of baby carrier is similar to baby wrap. However, there are differences from the type of material used because they are not elastic.
Usually, the materials used are cotton, linen, wool, and weaving.
Therefore, because the material is sturdier, this carrier allows you to carry babies to older toddlers.
3. Ring sling
Unlike the previous type, this one baby carrier has two pieces ring at the end as a tie knot.
Therefore you can adjust how tight the bond is to get the perfect hug.
Not only that, when finding the right way to hold a baby with ring sling, You can also use it for breastfeeding.
However, you need to be careful with this type of carrying because it can cause shoulder pain to lumbago due to its use on one side of the shoulder.
4. Pouch sling
Different from ring sling, this one baby carrier does not have ring to adjust the length of the fabric. You can see that both sides of the fabric are sewn.
Therefore, usually this type of sling has a size variant so you can choose the length of fabric you need.
Shaped like a sling from shoulder to hip. This allows you to carry the baby around the hip area or the front.
5. Soft structure carrier
Ergo.com
Besides baby wrap, this type of baby carrier is also a mainstay for parents because they have strap as well as an additional belt so it's safer.
Not only that, but certain brands also have special pads at the bottom so that they can support the body well.
Then, parents who use this sling also feel more comfortable and less sore. Baby using soft structure carrier can face front or back.
Another thing that parents need to make sure is that your child is able to support the head and neck when using this sling.
This baby carrier is suitable for use when you are going to travel or when your child is sick and wants to be carried continuously.
6. Meh dai carrier
It is also a type of baby carrier which is almost similar to soft structured carrier.
Even though the shape is similar, the fastener around the waist and shoulders is a rope.
Therefore, you need to learn how to tie the right rope for the safety of your little one.
Meh dai carrier can be used in newborns, over 6 months of age, to toddlers.
7. Backpack carrier
Ergo.com
When you have plans to go hiking or travel, this type of carrier can also be used because it is designed like a backpack.
Not only is it soft padding on the shoulder, there is also a strap that provides protection so that the child doesn't fall.
However, this sling can only be used on children who are able to sit perfectly and have good neck control.
What is the proper way to carry a baby in a carrier?
If you have chosen the type of carrier that suits you, don't forget to know how to hold the baby right.
This needs to be done to avoid injury to the child's body part due to the wrong carrying position.
Either way to carry a baby on the front or back, the thing to pay attention to is the feet.
Make sure that your hips and thighs are slightly bent and that your legs are spread out to the sides.
This is useful for improving hip development as well as reducing the risk of hip dislocation.
The following are ways that parents can do when using baby carriers, such as:
1. Carry the front
Source: Ergobaby
Using a baby carrier on the front can be done from a newborn as long as the child does not have certain health problems and the weight has reached 3 kg.
Then, make sure when you hold you you can still see his face and do this until he is 4 months old.
Here are some ways to carry a baby on the front:
- Wear the sling and first loosen the straps if necessary.
- After that, pick up the baby and place it in the carrier.
- If you have trouble, ask your partner for help to put the baby in a position facing towards the chest or outwards.
- Then, position the baby's feet so that the feet open to form an M (see picture).
- This position makes the weight between the hip joints and thighs less heavy and the thighs do not hang down too much.
- Make sure the baby's face is still visible from above and is not covered by clothes so that they don't have trouble breathing.
- Adjust the holes under the arms where the baby's feet are so that they are not too loose or too tight.
- Check regularly and make sure he is not in an arched position, one-sided height, and that his face is not too attached to the cloth or chest.
2. Carry in the back
Source: Ergobaby
The way to hold a baby in the back is actually similar to holding him in front. It's just that you need to be more careful.
The reason is, you cannot supervise what the baby is doing when held behind.
In addition, you also need to ask someone else to help you get the baby in the carrier to avoid injury.
Then, make sure the baby is close to the back. Tighten the sling but still make room for the baby to feel comfortable.
The principles of using baby carriers
In order for you to carry out the safe way of carrying, try to do the principles known as TICKS, namely:
- Tight or tightly, the baby feels hugged so that you and baby feel comfortable.
- In view at all times, You can always see the baby's face.
- Close enough to kiss, the baby's head is close to yours so it is easy to smell when held.
- Keep chin off the chest, the baby's chin does not bend towards the chest, so as not to interfere with breathing
- Support back, the sling used can support the baby's back.
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