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FAQ
What are the benefits of a baby carrier?
Babywearing has plenty of positive effects, both physical and emotional, for babies and their carers. It facilitates skin-to-skin contact, which regulates breathing, temperature and heart rate, especially in premature newborns; helps with sleep and eases colic and reflux. It also boosts the attachment between parents and babies. Keeping an infant so close helps carers better read their cues, while being practical, so that you can have your hands free to do other things. Babywearing has also been linked to increased breastfeeding rates.
What’s the difference between a wrap, a sling and a baby carrier?
Wraps are stretchy and fabric based, sometimes consisting of just one large length of fabric, tied in a way that hugs your baby close to your chest, and slings are similar but generally include adjustable rings. These types are best for newborns, and while they tend to be more affordable and easily washable, most aren’t suitable once your baby reaches six to nine months.
Carriers are more structured, usually with adjustable buckles and straps. Although some offer newborn inserts and cushions, these are generally used from when the baby is sitting unassisted to toddler age or beyond. They offer good support and many enable you to wear them in different positions; including front-facing and on your back. Carriers can be expensive, but there is a huge variety to choose from.”
How long can you carry a baby in a carrier?
Babies can usually be carried from birth up to aged 4 or 5, depending on the carrier chosen and how their parent feels about continuing carrying. Many children still use a pushchair until the age 3 or 4, and using a carrier is a great alternative that makes it easier for children to walk some of the time and be carried when they get tired. There’s no limit to how long a baby can be in a carrier for each day – they’ll need to come out often for feeds and nappy changes and the carrying parent may need some rest time too but generally slings and carriers are safe for babies to sleep in and have no set time limit.
When can a baby face forward in a carrier?
Some parents choose to carry their baby face-forward (and some babies enjoy this), although this isn’t a necessary step and not all carriers offer it as an option. It can usually be done safely from about 4 to 5 months, when the baby can hold their head up independently for long periods of time. Many manufacturers recommend forward facing for only 20 to 30 minutes at a time and babies should always be turned parent-facing when they fall asleep so that there’s no risk of positional asphyxia.
What should a baby wear in a carrier?
A carrier generally offers an extra layer of warmth so the baby should be dressed in whatever they would wear indoors – it’s important to make sure that your baby doesn’t overheat. When outdoors, you can add an extra layer around it (carrier covers are good for this) which can easily be removed once you move inside again. Always consider the weather, too, and whether your baby needs protection from wind, sun or rain.
Safety tips for baby carriers, slings and wraps
In the UK and much of the world, the best known babywearing safety acronym is ‘TICKS’, which covers all kinds of slings and carriers, and focuses mostly on babies under the age of six months:
Tight: be sure to get a snug fit. Any slack fabric will allow the baby to slump down which can restrict their breathing.
In view at all times: make sure your baby’s face is always visible when you glance down, and not obstructed.
Close enough to kiss: the baby’s head should be as close to your chin as is comfortable, enabling you to kiss it when tipping forward.
Keep chin off chest: ensure there is always a space the width of finger under your baby’s chin, so that it’s not pressed into its own chest
Supported back: place a hand on your baby’s back and press gently – they should not uncurl or move closer to you, but be firmly held with their chest and tummy against you.
Beyond these considerations, the greatest risk is the child falling out, often due to the carrier being used incorrectly. It’s important, therefore, to make sure you’ve tied or buckled in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. And never hesitate to ask for help if you’re unsure.
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