Baby carrying

Do you know why it is so important baby carrying? By “exterogestation.” Or what is the same, for the first nine months of life after birth. And this period is characterized by being a key moment for growth since it will help lay the future foundations for your little one’s learning. Hence the primary need for you to take care of him not only in terms of hunger or sleep, but also to give importance to his safety and emotional needs.

Right now there is no better place for the baby than the arms of its parents. But… How to do it in the best way? How to become a kind of “kangaroo mom or dad”? Until when can it be carried out? Of the baby carrying We speak along the following lines.

What is baby carrying?

Is there anyone who has not felt doubts and fears before doing something for the first time? I’ll give you the answer: No. Especially if what we have in our hands (and never better said) is what we want most in the world. Just the thought that we can do a minimum of harm to our baby already causes us to say the least, fear. Hence it is key to have somebasic notions about baby carryingbefore we start on this adventure. But… let’s go little by little.  

First of all, what do we mean by the term “carrying”? Currently, more and more mothers and fathers find themselves carrying their babies in different ways. Is this some fashion? Absolutely not. Nothing could be further from the truth sincecarrying is an act that is practiced in all cultures and continents. In fact,It is the oldest way to carry a baby..

When we talk about carrying We could define it as the fantastic way to attend to the physiological and emotional needs of the baby.. It is atransport system that guarantees constant contact between both. Is there an age and/or weight limit? No, it will be your own baby who, little by little, once he has greater mobility and independence, will make his way alone.

Conditions for safe baby carrying

Scarves or scarves, shoulder bags, baby carriers, baby carriers, etc. Of different models, brands, designs and compositions. Once you immerse yourself in the world of babywearing, you will be able to see with your own eyes that there are practically as many types of babywearing as you want.

However, you must be aware at all times that…NOT all carrying is valid:

NOT all baby carriers are ergonomic, NOT all are safe and NOT all are approved.

Is there a perfect baby carrier? No.They all have advantages and disadvantages. The fundamental thing is to look for one that allows the parent and baby be comfortable . Furthermore, as your baby grows, his physiognomy will adopt different postures, which is why there are different levels of support adapted to the evolution and needs of the baby:

• Newborn babies (first 3 months) should have their head held gently against your chest.
• Babies between 3 and 8 months will be restrained up to the neck.
• Babies over 8 months old will be restrained up to the shoulder. From then on (when the baby becomes too big) another carrying option can be carrying from behind.

Start to carry little by littlesince if you do it from days/weeks after birth You will increase the weight progressively but if you do it at a later age the weight will already be more considerable. In these cases it is important increase the time progressively so that the body gets used to the load. 

How do I know if the baby carrier is ergonomic?

You may be wondering. Well, the ergonomic posture is the one in which babies find themselves inside the uterus and that at the same time they adopt in the first months until they change it little by little as they grow and advance in their physiological development.

That is to say, that a baby carrier is ergonomic whenrespects his physiognomy by preventing him from adopting a bad posture. Check that the fabric fits and adapts to your body as if it were a second skin, also distributing its weight.Fabrics must be certified having passed all quality controls, thus guaranteeing its safety and allowing us to place the greatest confidence in it.

Benefits of carrying

According to the Spanish Association of Pediatrics There are numerous benefits of carrying for both the baby and its parents. Let’s see it!

Benefits of babywearing

• Increases physical and social well-being, making them cry less and feel calmer.
• Improves your sleep qualityand gain weight faster.
• They obtain better psychomotor development (better balance and better postural control). Here you can read more about the development of the fetus in the first trimester,development of the fetus in the second trimester and development of the fetus in the third trimester. 
• They suffer less infant colic.
• Promotes psychomotor development and sensory stimulation.
• Prevents postural plagiocephaly and the development of the back and hips.
• Reinforces and encourages a secure attachment.
• Help in caring for premature babies.

Benefits of baby carrying for the mother/father

• Strengthens bonds and increases the secretion of oxytocin and prolactin (hormones that improve mood). Here you can read more about the emotional health during pregnancy.
• Reduces the risk of postpartum depression.
• Benefits breastfeedingpromoting the rise of milk. 
• Promotes postural hygiene after childbirth.
• Improves self-esteem and security of parents.
• Tones the muscles of the back.
• It helps with day-to-day autonomy by having your arms and hands free.

Recommendations for safe carrying

If you have come this far, you surely want to start carrying your baby. Forward! From SingularMom we leave you a series ofrecommendations that we consider to be key when carrying out safe carrying :

1. First of all and after informing you,you mustfeel safeof yourself(practice with a doll or even do it in front of a mirror).
2. Make sure that the chosen carrying is correct knowing that it is ergonomic, approved and safe.
3. Take into account theoutside temperature when it comes to putting more or less clothes on your baby. Remember that it is better to dress him in layers (yes, as if he were an onion) than to wear him excessively warm and in uncomfortable clothing. Keep in mind that the babywearing fabric is already a cape.
4. Always put yourbaby held and glued to you with your back bent and at “kiss height” (check that you can kiss him on the head). Make sure your legs are in the “frog position” (never hanging your legs).
5. It is essential that you gooriented towards the carrier and may your face always remain free and clear.

Afraid of the baby getting used to being in your arms? Throw it away and enjoy this unique experience.

At SingularMom we advocate information as the main weapon and tool. We want to give you the keys not only to live your pregnancy and birth in the best way but also the postpartum and raising your baby. We have a team of professionals willing to advise you with professionalism and closeness.