Talk about cosy

If you can get to grips with wearing a baby carrier, you and your baby could both be happier for it. Here’s how to get in the sling of things.

Baby carrying is certainly nothing new to South Africans. Generations of us were raised on the backs of our mothers, gogos and child carers. But while a good piece of cloth or towel was good for gran, a whole range of wraps and slings is now available, offering new levels of comfort, practicality and safety.

HANGING OUT WITH YOUR BABY

The Institute of Child Health at the University College London has done comprehensive research into sling use. Their findings show that it promotes bonding between parent and infant, makes frequent breastfeeding easier, and that babies kept close through baby wearing are more content and cry less. They put this down to a range of factors such as the benefits you get from skin to skin contact, temperature regulation and the fact that being in such close contact with your baby allows you to read his signals much more closely – and you’re on hand to offer a boob, bottle or new nappy before the crying phase hits.

In fact, with some carriers, you can place your baby in a hammock position while breastfeeding to ease the strain on your back and arms and offer some privacy if you’re out and about. So what’s good for baby can be good for mom too.

Not to mention the practical aspects of having your hands free to get stuff done.

SO MANY OPTIONS

The first six weeks can be tough if your baby only wants to be held. Wearing your baby could change your life! But which one is for you?

There are different types of products on the market.

A sling is a carrier you hang from one shoulder over your hip, while a wrap goes over both shoulders and is literally wrapped around you. A wrap can be worn from birth right up until about 18 months, while a sling can only be used for very small babies, as they can become uncomfortable and unstable when the baby grows bigger. Some parents prefer to move onto a back carrier from about one year if they have a big or heavy baby. You also have the option of a hip carrier, which is also suitable for older babies.

When shopping for a baby carrier, look for natural products. Too much spandex can make the fit insecure, and also not last long as it loses elasticity.

IS SAFETY AN ISSUE?

Research teams have done some extensive work to establish this. The US National Injury Surveillance System shows that infants’ breathing or oxygen levels do not differ if they are carried vertically in a sling, horizontally in a sling, or in a pram.

However, lower oxygen levels are seen in pre-term babies, so check with your doctor before using a sling if you have a preemie.

While baby-wearing using slings is considered safe, you still need to practise safe sling use, which includes ensuring your baby is held tight to you, is in view at all times, is close enough to kiss, is able to keep his chin off his chest and is supported with a straight back. Never drive or do a gym workout with your baby in a carrier, sling or wrap – in spite of those adorable yoga mom YouTube videos you’ve seen.

For a newborn, ensure the baby is facing inwards, with his tummy placed on yours. You want his legs in a froggy position, as this is good for hip development. Some gentle support for the head with the face facing sidewards keeps the head secure. The outward facing position, promoted in some types of baby carriers, is not an ideal position for a baby’s hips to be placed in, say the medical fraternity.

IS IT FOR ME?

Like people, all babies are different and have their preferences for temperature, fabrics and sensations, so your baby may not take to a sling or wrap immediately. If this is the case, a little bit of perseverance may be all that’s needed. Place your baby in the carrier and go for gentle walks for about 10 minutes a pop over a couple of days and they will get used to it. ●