Baby Wearing Part 1 & 2

PART 1

When I (Rhiannon) was pregnant with my first son, one of the best gifts I received was a voucher for a babywearing consult and an offer to buy a carrier (huge THANK YOU to the amazing midwifery staff from Murray Bridge Hospital). At first, I was a little apprehensive. I didn’t think of myself as much of a hippy, I didn’t feel coordinated enough to execute a complicated wrap and my son’s first experience in the carrier did not suggest that he entirely loved the experience. However, I quickly became a convert and soon found that my carrier was a lifesaver. It allowed me to settle my babies more easily, get some of the never-ending washing done and was particularly helpful when travelling. My second son hardly left the carrier during the day for the first few months, allowing me to get out and about and still have two hands to wrestle a hot-footed toddler! Babywearing definitely allowed me more flexibility, at the same time providing lovely cuddles with both boys. Be warned, baby wearing is seriously addictive and you can quickly slip down a rabbit hole (I now have 4 carriers!).

There is not a huge evidence base for the benefits of babywearing, although it has been normal practice in non-western cultures and is gaining popularity. A lot of the theorized benefits are extrapolated from evidence of the benefits of skin to skin, and cued care.

I came across an article (from 1986!) which looks at the positive impact of babywearing on unsettled behaviour. 99 - baby pairs were involved and assigned either to an increased carrying (3 hours a day) or a control group at 6 weeks of age. The carried babies cried/fussed 43% less overall and 51% less in the evening (witching) hours. There have been more recent studies that contradicted these results, however it is obviously difficult to “blind” such a study and this may play a role.

Babywearing also provides a wonderful opportunity to provide cued care as you are literally perfectly placed to observe your baby’s behaviour. Some Mums even choose to breastfeed their babies whilst they are in a sling or carrier. The wearing or carrying of children helps them to feel close and connected to their carers, which assists the formation of secure attachments. Recent research is highlighting that secure emotional attachments between children and carers has a positive impact on neurological development . An observational study by St James Roberts examined unsettled infant behaviour in relation to the time spent carrying or holding a baby. Three groups were involved – the proximal care group (recruited from UK and Denmark) who held/carried for 15 hours a day, the Copenhagen group (10 hours) and the London group (8 hours). At 2 and 5 weeks of age, the London group babies cried 50% more, however bouts of “unsoothable crying” occurred in all 3 groups. It is hypothesized that the increased carrying and responsiveness was responsible for the difference in crying time.

Babywearing is also thought to have benefits for plagiocephaly (asymmetry of the skull) and provides a variation on “tummy time” if your baby doesn’t appear to enjoy this. It is important that you use a carrier correctly, which is where a baby wearing consultant can provide guidance. The carrier or sling will need to be adjusted to suit the individual using it. It is recommended that the “TICKS” principles are followed:

• Tight • In view at all times • Close enough to kiss • Keep chin off chest • Supported back

Click here for more details from Kidsafe SA.

There has been some information that suggests baby carriers can cause hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia cannot be “caused” by baby carriers, however the type of carrier chosen can have a big impact on healthy hip

Baby Wearing Part 1 & 2

development. It’s especially important for with diagnosed hip dysplasia, to use a wide base carrier which puts hips in the “M” position. Even though they are not ideal for hip positioning, narrow-based carriers are okay for infants without diagnosed hip dysplasia.

Other benefits of babywearing include:

- Reducing stress: touch and stroking has a relaxing effect because it activates the parasympathetic nervous system and increases (the love hormone!). Oxytocin assists in developing emotional bonds, and also promotes lactation and the let down of

- Safety: In a practical sense, a well fitted carrier can keep a child safe when out and about. Additionally, a child being carried will also feel a sense of safety, which is particularly helpful if they are feeling overwhelmed or distressed.

- Learning about the world: By a child’s observation of carers close up, babywearing promotes learning, sociability and language development. It allows plenty of sensory input and acts as a perfect tool to dial baby down.

By Rhiannon Smith and Sarah Pinn, Babywearing Consultants Australia

Sarah can be contacted via www.babywearingconsultants.com.au or email [email protected], on Facebook or via Instagram

Stay tuned for Babywearing Part 2 – Guest Post from Sarah Pinn, Babywearing Consultant

PART 2

What’s What in the World of Babywearing: A Summary of Baby Carrier Types

Meh dai? Woven wrap? Full buckle? Half buckle? Reverse half buckle? Ring sling? Stretchy?

Once you start looking into the variety of carrier styles available, it can quickly become overwhelming. There are quite literally, hundreds of brands to choose from. How do you choose?! What will suit my body shape and my needs? As a qualified Babywearing Consultant, I’m here to give you a quick summary of the 4 most common styles of carriers available and what you need to know about them.

Full Buckle or Soft Structured Carrier

Featuring a structured back panel with a waist band and arm straps, the full buckle carrier is a very popular choice of carrier for first time wearers. It’s the easiest to use without much fuss, similar to putting a back-pack on your front and only needs basic skills and knowledge to achieve an ergonomic, safe position. Popular brands include ErgoBaby, Tula, Manduca, Lenny Lamb and Bjorn.

Pros: Quick to put on- great for quick ups. Easy- basic skills and knowledge required.

Cons: Limited adjustability due to only 4 points of adjustment. Can cause discomfort if not adjusted properly or if the incorrect brand/style is chosen for body shape. Some carriers only suitable for certain age groups ie. Birth to 2 years, toddler.

Baby Wearing Part 1 & 2

TIP: Look for a full buckle carrier that is adjustable across the base. This will allow a carrier to grow as baby grows!

Woven Wrap

Woven wraps are woven lengths of material, ranging from 2m to 6m in length. Woven wraps are most commonly made with but can be made from, or incorporate other fibres such as , , bamboo, or repreve. There are many different weave patterns which will result in different wrap qualities, and affect the way the wrap feels and wraps with. A key feature of a woven wrap is the diagonal ‘give’ which allows the wrap to ‘wrap’ securely around little bodies! Popular brands include Lenny Lamb, Yaro, Little Frog, Wrapture, Ankalia & Didymos

Pros: No age or size limit- Suitable from birth into childhood (or as long as child and carer want to wear!). Extremely versatile- there are many, many different tying methods for a woven wrap, from a basic front wrap cross carry to a ruck (on the back) to a poppins hip carry. The variety is seemingly endless!

Cons: Steep learning curve initially- requires a moderate level of skill and knowledge to achieve a comfortable and safe carry position.

TIP: Start your woven wrap journey with your ‘base’ size. Also, choose a wrap with different colours the run length-wise so that you can identify one edge or ‘rail’ from the other!

Stretchy Wrap

Another really popular choice with first time wearers. Stretchy wraps are similar to woven wraps, but they are made with a blend of cotton, elastane or spandex. Unlike woven wraps, stretchies have 4- way stretch which make them super comfortable and snuggly. Popular brands include Chekoh, Hug-A-Bub, Manduca and Je Porte Mon Bebe

Pros: A great entry level introduction to wrapping. Very comfortable because weight is spread out across the back and shoulders, and can also be tied to support the lower back and hips.

Con: Suitable only until around 7kg (usually around 3 months of age).

TIP: ALWAYS have 3 layers of fabric across baby’s back for safety and to provide enough support.

Ring Sling

I have a lot of love for ring slings… but I only felt that love once I knew how to use one properly! Ring slings are constructed from one piece of woven wrap fabric, secured with 2 rings at one end. Baby is worn UPRIGHT on the wearer’s chest or hip (for older children). Because they are worn on one shoulder they can cause discomfort for those with back or shoulder issues. Once the ring sling is set up, it is the quickest carrier to put on and adjust making it a popular choice of carrier for parents and carers for school drop-offs or quick errands. It is also the carrier of choice for premature babies and newborns.

For older babies, ring slings can be worn very comfortably on the hip or slightly off centre to allow a greater field of vision for those curious kids who like to see what’s going on around them.

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Pros: Very quick to put on, adjust and take off. Folds down small so they are easy to stash in the nappy bag or car boot for ‘those’ moments when you need a carrier. No weight or age limit- can be worn from birth right through until childhood. Great for ‘sticky beaks’ and curious kids.

Cons: One-sided carry- might be uncomfortable for extended wear or doing some tasks around the house like hanging out the washing. Steep learning curve- make sure you find an experience ring-slinger or consultant to show you how to achieve a great fit.

TIP: Try ‘flipping’ the shoulder of the ring sling for a better fit and less pressure on the trapezius muscle in the neck. BEWARE: Watch out for ‘pouch’ slings where baby is positioned lying down. Sadly there have been numerous fatalities linked to this position due to the obstruction of baby’s airways. Baby should be positioned in an UPRIGHT position, with airways clear and unobstructed. Follow TICKS guidelines always.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Check out the other carrier types not included in this summary: meh dai, onbuhimo, half buckle and podegai. by Sarah Pinn , Babywearing Consultant.

Sarah can be contacted via www.babywearingconsultants.com.au, email: [email protected], Facebook and Instagram @babywearingconsutants_aus