Babywearing Basics
This is the perfect place to start if you are new to BW or would like to learn more about the different options for carriers.
First of all, there are 6 categories of carriers, please click through the pages for more details about each group. A lot of this great information has come from the Better Babywearing blog and The Babywearer. Definitely check out both sites for even more great info.
Mei Tai (MT)
Soft Structured Carrier (SSC)
Stretchy Wrap
Woven Wrap
Ring Sling (RS)
Pouch
First of all, there are 6 categories of carriers, please click through the pages for more details about each group. A lot of this great information has come from the Better Babywearing blog and The Babywearer. Definitely check out both sites for even more great info.
Mei Tai (MT)
Soft Structured Carrier (SSC)
Stretchy Wrap
Woven Wrap
Ring Sling (RS)
Pouch
| Basic Carrier Style Comparisons |
Babywearing Safety
The most important things to remember when wearing your child are:
- When baby is properly placed in a carrier, you should be able to easily kiss her head. If you cannot kiss your child's head, then baby is sitting too low and should be repositioned or the carry should be redone.
- Baby should never be in a position where his chin is touching his chest (also known as the "C" position). Newborns especially do not have the muscle control to lift their head and open their airways and are at risk of suffocation. There should always be enough room for you to put 2-3 fingers between your baby's chin and her chest in order to ensure proper positioning.
- Never use a baby carrier in place of a carseat. Never do anything while babywearing that you would not do normally while holding your baby. This includes running, biking, skiing, climbing, etc. Use care when cooking or eating/drinking hot items.
- Be aware of things your child can touch. If you are doing a back carry, he may be able to reach things that you can't see.
- Inspect your carrier before every use to ensure it is good condition. Check the seams, buckles and fabric. Contact the maker if you have any concerns about wear.
- When using a carrier, continuously check that your baby is secure and properly positioned. This is especially important for back carries. At home, use a mirror; when out and about, store and car windows are excellent reflective surfaces to see your child in.
- NEVER use a stretchy wrap (moby, sleepywrap, etc.) for back carries. No matter what the instructions say. The fabric has too much give and your child could lean out and fall.
Tips When Learning a New Carry
- Practice with a doll first if you are nervous or if baby is not cooperating. A filled gallon jug is also a great tool to practice back carries until you are more comfortable with the carry.
- Make sure baby is rested, fed and generally content before trying a new carry. You can try singing, bouncing and shushing to keep baby happy and entertained as you perfect the carry.
- Always use a spotter, especially important when trying back carries for the first time. The best spotter is an experienced babywearer. But any other adult will do in a pinch.
- Practice in front of a mirror until you are certain you know how to do the carry. This will help you make sure that everything is spread out and tied as needed.
- Always practice over a soft area: a bed, couch or place pillows around you on the floor. You could also try doing back carries in a kneeling position so you are lower to the ground.
