With so many options and just as many ways to wear them, the world of baby wearing including baby carriers and wraps, can seem daunting to new parents. Monica Cecero, Postpartum Doula and Owner of OPRF Doula Services, guides us through the 5 Ws of baby wearing in our new blog. One of Monica's favorite things to help new parents with is baby wearing; she believes that it is an invaluable tool for bonding with your new baby and adjusting to daily life with a newborn and we could not agree more!
Who can do it? Any able-bodied adult can baby wear. This includes mom, dad, partners, caregivers, grandparents, and even friends! Anyone who is looking to bond with the baby should give it a try!
What should I use to wear my baby? There are two main categories of wearing devices on the market: 1) wraps/slings and 2) structured carriers. Wraps and slings are usually large swaths of fabric that hold the baby through wrapping/tying around the body or with a metal loop. Structured carriers hold the baby in a more rigid position with a variety of buckles that go around the waist, shoulders, and upper back.
Wrap/Sling Pro: Keeps baby close, easy to adjust positioning as baby grows, provides good head support for newborns, easy to transport and wash, less expensive, can be used to breastfeed, carries in multiple positions; Con: Must learn how to wrap safely, takes a bit more time to put on, provides less lower back support.
Structured Carriers Pro: Easy to take on/take off with buckle system, more bells/whistles (like pockets & head cover), some can be used to breastfeed, provides more lower and upper back support, and carries in multiple positions; Con: More expensive, does not provide as much head support for newborn, bulkier for transporting and washing.
Where should I baby wear? Anywhere! Wear your baby at home while he/she naps or while you do dishes. Wear your baby on a walk while you get some fresh air. Do it as often as possible! For extra closeness, you can ditch your shirt and wear your baby while getting in some skin-to-skin bonding time! Many carriers can be used while breastfeeding, too.
When is it safe to start baby wearing? Most wraps/slings and carriers usually accommodate babies 8lbs-35lbs. Check with the manufacturer's instructions of your individual carrier/wrap.
Why should I wear my baby? Benefits of baby wearing abound! Check out this article for all the reasons.
How: Use each carrier according to the manufacturer’s instructions and register your carrier to be notified of any recalls. Always use the TICKS checklist for safe babywearing. For an in-person tutorial and to borrow from her free lending library of wraps, slings, and carries, please contact Monica directly.
Learn more about Monica and her in home postpartum doula support services and parenting groups in the Oak Park area through her website here.
FIT4MOM Oak Park River Forest offers fitness classes for women in all stages of motherhood, including prenatal, stroller & moms only classes. Your first class is free! Click here to try a class.