Babywearing – Why carry your baby?
Babies are designed to be carried. Even newborn babies lift up their knees and stretch out their arms when they’re picked up, automatically adopting the right position to sit on their parent’s hip. Being carried correctly in a sling supports the spine, keeping it in the rounded ‘C’ shape that babies’ spines need to be in while they are growing.
As babies’ hip joints are not fully formed at birth, it’s also important that babies’ legs are flexed when they’re in a sling so that the hip joint sits securely in the socket. The baby’s knees should be higher than their bottom and their legs should be supported up to the knee so that an ‘M’ shape is seen when looking at the baby:
Benefits of Babywearing for Parents:
Benefits of Babywearing for Babies:
Sling Safety:
There are some simple safety tips which can be used to make sure that your baby is always carried safely. A good sling should have these features (remember the TICKS acronym)
T – Tight
I – In view at all times
C – Close enough to kiss
K – Keep chin off the chest
S – Supported back
Babywearing Options:
There are many different kinds of slings available although not many of these are sold by High Street stores.
Here are the main types:
(hover over images to see description of each)
Choosing a Sling or Baby Carrier:
When choosing a sling or baby carrier, it may be useful to ask yourself the following questions:
To enable you to make an informed choice, Baby Bliss offer one-to-one & group consultations. These sessions allow you to learn about babywearing safety in a relaxed environment, experiment with each of the types of slings listed above & to find the one which best meets your requirements. Consultations are in your own choice of venue (usually home) & cost £25 for up to 1 hour.
Please email linda@baby-bliss.co.uk to discuss your requirements.