Which Carrier Should I Pick?
Wraparound vs sling or pouch:
Baby wraps are by far the best method of wearing your baby. They are the most comfortable for wearing the baby for longer periods of time because the weight of the baby is distributed over the shoulders, the hips and the entire torso instead of just one shoulder like a sling. Your baby can be worn in a variety of “holds” and can be used when you are nursing, when the baby is sleeping or when the baby is wide awake and playful. They are also great to use when a baby gets older and heavier! One size fits all with a baby wraparound carrier so Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa or the Nanny can wear the baby without purchasing a variety of carriers.
Baby slings certainly have their advantages as well as they are a bit easier to learn how to use and are great for “popablility”. That is, if you drop into the bank, the grocery store etc and you just need an hour or so to have your hands free. Slings are versitile and can also be worn in a variety of holds depending on the age of your baby and the needs of your baby. You can nurse your baby in slings and pouches. The ring slings are usually one size fits all and the pouches require different sizes for different people. Make sure your baby is worn high on your torso (the same height she would be if you were cradeling her in your arms). Never let the sling/ pouch sit on your neck, make sure you pull the material over your shoulder and switch shoulders frequently. These hints will help prevent you from becoming sore while you are wearing your baby in a sling/ pouch baby carrier.
What is Baby Wearing ? (Thank you Mama kangaroo)
In the indigenous cultures of South America – like in African, Inuit and Asian cultures – the carrying of young children is a widespread practice. This is because the baby carrier functions like a transitional womb, prolonging and deepening parent/child connection. This contributes positively to the emotional development of the baby, while allowing parents to carry out their daily tasks.
Carrying has a very close relationship with what is called attachment parenting. Along with breast-feeding, being receptive to the needs of babies, skin-to-skin and co-sleeping, carrying allows parents to establish good communication with the baby right from the beginning. It provides a more relaxed and fulfilling experience of motherhood/fatherhood, for the parents and for the children.
Carrying also means “carrying” in the wider sense of the word. Instead of “putting down” our babies in different containers (stroller, car seat, play park, etc.), we can carry our babies with us, sharing our warmth, the rhythm of our breathing and the sound of our voice. It means that we are more attentive to the baby’s needs and that we want to establish good communication with them. In other words, carrying our child is a way of letting them know that we are always available for them, and that the connection we built together for nine months does not end at the birth.
Find the perfect baby carrier for you and your baby from these best designers: