The Art of Babywearing: How to Safely Carry Your Newborn

We're genuinely excited about diving into the world of babywearing here at Baby Nest Birth Boutique. In this blog post, we'll explore the art of babywearing, equipping you with essential knowledge on how to carry your newborn safely while nurturing those wonderful connections that make parenthood an incredible journey.

The Magic of Babywearing

Picture this: You're strolling through the park with your baby snuggled close, their tiny fingers gripping your shirt, and their little heart beating against yours. Babywearing is like a warm, secure hug that both you and your baby will cherish. It's the ultimate way to savor parenthood, both for you and your little one.

Babywearing goes beyond just convenience; it's a way to integrate your child into your daily life, whether you're running errands or going for a hike. It's a practice that embraces closeness, promotes security, and encourages your child to explore the world with you.

Why Babywearing is the Ultimate Hack?

Before we dive into the "how," let's explore the "why." Babywearing has been used by cultures around the world for centuries. It promotes:

1. Bonding: Holding your newborn close fosters a strong emotional connection.
2. Convenience: Keeps your hands free to tend to daily tasks or simply enjoy a walk.
3. Comfort: Newborns often find comfort in the soothing rhythm of your heartbeat and warmth.
4. Sleep: Some newborns sleep more soundly when held in a carrier.
5. Security: Reduces separation anxiety and promotes a sense of security.

 

Babywearing Safety Tips

Now, let's get into the details of how to safely carry your newborn in a baby carrier:

• Choose the Right Carrier: Select a carrier that suits your body type and your baby's age and size.

• Positioning: Ensure your baby is in the optimal position – facing you with their knees higher than their bottom, forming an "M" shape.

• Tightness: Your baby should be snug but not constricted. You should be able to slide your hand between your baby's chest and the carrier.

• Supportive Back: For newborns, make sure their head and neck are well-supported.

• Regular Checks: Periodically check on your baby's breathing and comfort.

• Protect Airway: Ensure your baby's face is visible and their nose and mouth are not obstructed.

• Dress Appropriately: Adjust your clothing and your baby's attire to avoid overheating.

• Practice and Comfort: Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the time spent in the carrier to ensure both you and your baby are comfortable.

Benefits for Baby

• Promotes emotional and intellectual growth: Close physical contact through babywearing is believed to promote attachment and bonding between babies and their caregivers. This can lead to better emotional and intellectual development in babies.

• Reduces crying: Studies have shown that babies cry less when they are worn close to their caregiver. This can be a relief for parents and help babies feel more secure and comfortable.

• Improves hip development: Babywearing can help to keep babies' hips in a healthy position, which is important for proper development.

Benefits for Parents

• Helps parents be more responsive to their babies' needs: By keeping babies close, babywearing can make it easier for parents to see and respond to their cues, such as hunger or tiredness.

• Promotes breastfeeding: Skin-to-skin contact, which is common during babywearing, can help to promote successful breastfeeding.

• Frees up parents' hands: Babywearing allows parents to keep their hands free while still keeping their babies close. This can be helpful for everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, or shopping.

Safety Ways to Position

• Ensure the baby is positioned with their legs in an “M” or frog shape, with their hips and knees bent and their hips wide apart.
• Make sure the baby’s head is well supported, especially if they are a newborn, and that their chin is not tucked against their chest.
• The baby’s head and face should be visible at all times and should not be covered by the carrier or other fabric.
• Carry your baby on your chest with their face toward you so you can monitor them and make sure they are in the correct position at all times.
• Be very careful when doing anything that could be dangerous for your baby, such as using a knife, cooking over a hot stove, or bending over too much.
• Choose a carrier that is made of sturdy fabric and that securely holds your baby against your body.
• Every time you use the carrier, confirm that all straps and fastenings are secure and that your baby cannot fall out.
• If you have back problems or other conditions that could be affected by babywearing, speak with your doctor before using a carrier.

How Baby Wearing Can Increase Milk Supply?

Babywearing can increase milk supply by promoting frequent nursing and skin-to-skin contact. Skin-to-skin contact releases oxytocin, a hormone that helps your body produce milk. Frequent nursing also helps to signal to your body that more milk is needed.

Here are some additional tips for increasing your milk supply:

• Nurse your baby on demand, whenever they show signs of hunger.
• Pumping after nursing sessions not only helps remove milk from your breasts but also signals your body to produce more milk, while Let It Flow Lactation Tincture, a natural miracle worker, can further enrich your milk supply by nurturing the growth of milk glands.
• Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids.
• Get enough rest.

Getting Started with Babywearing

Now that you understand the benefits and safety precautions, it's time to get started. Our experienced doulas are here to assist you with hands-on babywearing demonstrations, where you can try different carriers to see what suits you and your baby best.

Babywearing is an art worth mastering, and at Baby Nest Birth Services, we're here to support you every step of the way. Whether you're a first-time parent or an experienced one, our doula services are tailored to your unique needs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey into parenthood.

If you're in the Vancouver, WA, or Portland metro area, reach out to us today to learn more about our services, schedule a FREE doula consultation! We're dedicated to helping you and your baby thrive in this incredible journey of parenthood.

 

About the Author

Sherilee Peters, owner and creator of Baby Nest Birth Boutique. For over 18 years she has been passionate about bringing comfort and healing to moms with natural remedies (a wanna be witch doctor). She is a mother of two, a Birth & Postpartum Doula, a Bradley Method Birth educator and certified placenta specialist in the Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR areas.