In general, to practice the babywearing well, it is necessary to respect some simple rules that allow you to bring both infants and older children safely.
Position of the child in the baby carrier
It is preferable to position the child from the first days of life in the vertical position “belly to belly” (the baby’s belly in contact with the belly of the adult who carries it).
Lying “cradle-like” ligatures, on the other hand, are not advisable (except in special cases and, once again, with the necessary precautions).
With a newborn, it will be necessary to simply indulge his fetal position, supporting his head and back well. The child will keep the spine in kyphosis (curved in the shape of a large C, just like in the mother’s womb), the legs curled up, with the bottom lower than the knees, the feet parallel to the ground and the head resting on our chest.
We must not absolutely strain or widen the legs of the little ones: we must position them so that they hold the knees against our ribs.
It is essential to check that the baby always has excellent oxygenation. His nose must always be free and his chin must not touch his chest, so as not to create possible airway compression and prevent him from breathing properly. This is an essential precaution especially in the first months of life, when it does not yet have control of the head.
The older child obviously needs less restraint than the newborn.
For this, he can remain completely free with his head, arms and legs. It is always important that the legs are optimally supported from knee to knee, making it assume an “M” position.
Can the baby sleep in the baby carrier?
Children can easily remain in the baby carrier support even when they sleep (indeed, it is one of the things they appreciate most! Softly cradled by the well-known movement, breath, smell, warmth and voice children, especially the little ones, fall asleep almost “sitting because “…).
When children fall asleep (and this applies to older children!), I always recommend recreating a pleasant containment with a strip of the band or another piece of fabric or scarf. This will work both as a support to the head during sleep, but also as a discreet protection from light and external stimuli. As far as ergonomic baby carriers are concerned, it is always advisable to choose a model such as Rebozo equipped with a headrest.
Speaking of baby carrier bands, it is essential to work and always work on the fabric when preparing a tie: never on the child’s body!
You should never “force” baby to place in the band, but adjust the fabric so that the child finds his space and his position in the most natural way possible.
Not everyone knows that the mother’s body helps the baby to thermoregulation at its best, especially in the first few months of life when the baby’s thermoregulation system is still immature.
In summer and winter, therefore, it is important not to cover it too much (considering that it also absorbs heat from the mother’s body).
Rather, it is necessary to pay attention to the external parts to the baby carrier support, such as head, legs and feet, which must be adequately protected from the sun in summer and from cold in winter.
In general, however, direct contact between the two bodies is always preferable, without too many fabrics in between.
For the hottest periods of the year, it is advisable to choose the more “fresh” ligatures, which is those that allow you to wrap and support the child with fewer layers of fabric.
Finally, there are some more adjustable ligatures than others, which are therefore suitable for breastfeeding “on-the-go”, while the baby is inside the baby’s headband. Personally, I always advise to proceed with this option only after breastfeeding is well underway, when both mother and baby are well secure and “shoeed” on the subject.
All baby carriers can be used both indoors and outdoors. But always with common sense!
Carrying while driving, riding a bike or riding a horse, skating, skiing or climbing is not safe at all …
In terms of duration, a child can be taken safely even for many hours. However, it is always necessary to listen to oneself and the child, to perceive the real needs of both. It will be comfortable until you both appreciate it and wish it.
The babywearing (in safety) will allow you to do many more things than you think … and you will soon discover how practical, comfortable and enjoyable it is for you and your children!
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