Why You Should Use A Baby Carrier. Benefits Of Baby Carriers
February 14th, 2008 Posted in Baby Carriers Types, Benefits of Baby Carriers
Why You Should Use A Baby Carrier. Benefits Of Baby Carriers For Women and Men
Oh how I love baby carriers! You can transport baby from A to B with none of this lugging around heavy strollers, and baby is as happy as can be snuggled up close to mum or dad!
It’s comforting for baby to be in a carrier, she’s close enough to smell you, she can feel your heart beating, she’s tucked up nice and warm and happy.
As you can tell I am a big fan! I used a baby carrier for both of my children. As I don’t drive if I wanted to go anywhere then it had to be on public transport, and there really is nothing worse that trying to get a stroller, a baby, and your bags all onto the bus while most people just sit there and watch! (Ok some people do help, and if you’re one of them then you should feel very proud)A baby carrier in my opinion is one of the best things that a parent can buy for their baby, what can be better than being that close to your little one!
While baby is in the carrier, your hands are free to carry your bags, open doors, push your shopping trolley and more besides. Just be very careful with drinks and if you bend down for anything. It’s easy to forget baby is there and you don’t want to bump her head or spill a drink on her!
Baby carriers are not just for wearing while you’re out either, I used to wear my babies about my person in the house if they were tired but couldn’t sleep, they soon drifted off when they were held close. If your baby has colic, the movement of wearing baby in a carrier can gently ease her tummy and help to relieve any trapped wind she may have. It also allows you to do a few odd jobs around the house without having to put baby down, please do take care though, and of course there are some things that should never be done with baby anywhere near, such as ironing, cooking etc. If you are at all in doubt over what you should do while wearing baby in a carrier, then the answer is you probably shouldn’t!
Comfort first! - Sling
Their are several types of carriers. Slings - which are basically a piece of fabric with straps, that you tie onto your body. Your baby can lie in the foetal position, which is very soothing for her. This type of sling can make breast feeding easy and discreet while you’re out and about.
Front carriers, this is what I had (I had 3 of them!) This type of carrier allows baby to sit in front of you, facing either towards you, which is better for younger babies. Or they can face outwards and take in the sights. I found these extremely easy to use, and very comfy me and my children. One problem could be actually getting baby into this if you have no one there to help. Sometimes I would struggle, but you will find a way that suits you and baby. You may find it easier to put the carrier on first and then pop baby in, or the other way around.
Asian Carriers
Asian carriers, I don’t really know alot about these, but from what I’ve read they are a very versatile carrier. They can be worn in a multitude of different ways, allowing the parent to carry baby on their front, back, or even on their hip.
Backpack carriers are great for people with older babies, and also great for people that love walking and hiking. Your baby should be over 6 months old and should be able to support her own head before you go off hiking around the countryside with baby in one of these. They allow alot of freedom for the parent, and are very sturdy. Your baby will quite happy looking over your shoulder as you feed the cows on your next hiking trip!
I have found a great website dedicated to baby carriers, it has a huge choice of styles and brand names, and plenty of background information to help you make an informed choice.
Baby carriers are extremely useful for busy parents. Wearing your baby allows you to keep your baby close while getting other work done. Choosing the right baby carrier for your baby is a rather difficult task as there are many different types of baby carriers on the market with vastly different styles.
When you are choosing a baby carrier, you should first consider the age and size of your baby. Newborn babies should be close to the parent’s body with adequate head support. Sling and wrap style carriers work great for newborns because they allow the baby to lie in a reclining , fully supported position and they also allow for easy breastfeeding access.
Another thing to keep in mind when you are doing your shopping for a carrier is whether your carrier will be used by more than one person of different body size and shape. If so, the baby carrier should be adjustable such as a front pack carrier or a wrap.
If you are able to try several carriers with your own baby inside, you can buy the best one that suits your baby as well as yourself. Naturally that isn’t possible if you are shopping for a carrier while you are pregnant. If that is the case then you can either base your decision on ratings and recommendations of other moms or better yet, borrow a friend’s newborn baby for a quick shopping trip.
Another factor to consider when making a baby carrier choice is the lifestyle of the wearer such as what type of activities you engage in, what weather will you be encountering, if there are other children in the family, how busy you are and how important the look of the carrier is to you.
There are many different categories of baby carriers such as sling carriers, front-pack carriers and back pack style carriers. Soft fabric carriers are especially useful for the newborn and the young baby, who will usually be soothed by your body’s rhythmic movement. Select heavyweight and completely washable fabric. Corduroy, organic cotton, polyester and denim are excellent for soft baby carriers.
Some baby carriers are specifically designed for carrying multiples. Others such as slings, pouches and hip carriers are adaptable enough to allow you to carry twins. Baby carriers are easier for parents and better for babies. There are hundreds of choices for baby carriers and slings, so the choice can feel overwhelming. It is not as hard as it looks. After you narrow it down to the style you want it is simply a matter of choosing the fabric you like best!
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