Babywearing
The best type of baby carriers are the ones that have most of the baby’s weight evenly through your hips and secure around both shoulders. They are also designed to seat the baby in the “M” posture where the baby bottom is positioned in the centre of the carrier, is lower than their knees and their hips are spread open.
A big damage can occur when the carrier places most of the stress through the crotch and the hip joints. Babies are particularily vunerable if they have been diagnosed with a hip problem, as the forces that travel through the baby’s body are directed through the hip joints. This is especially the case when the baby is facing outwards in the carrier and their legs are dangling.
A big damage can occur when the carrier places most of the stress through the crotch and the hip joints. Babies are particularily vunerable if they have been diagnosed with a hip problem, as the forces that travel through the baby’s body are directed through the hip joints. This is especially the case when the baby is facing outwards in the carrier and their legs are dangling.
Outward-facing carriers - You need to consider before putting your baby in this position:
- Not recommended for babies under 4 months. They still have poor head control and can fatigue quickly which will put excess stress on their neck and spine.
- Young babies can get over-stimulated easily, so when they are facing outwards there is no turning back into their parents to block out the stimuli.
- This position not only places excess strain on the hip joints, but also on their lower spine as it forces it to hyper extend which can lead to stress fractures within the spine.
Choosing a baby carrier could be tricky and difficult, here are some point for what to look for:
- Comfort for you and your baby
- Soft-structured baby carrier (SSC)
- How long are you planning to use it
- Adjustable to fit all body types and sizes
- Carrying positions (front, hip, back)
- Back clipping straps options (standard or crossed)
- Back panel that unzips (to accommodate a taller child or to support a sleeping child)
- Security (three-point release hip belt buckle for extra security)
- Newborn seat
- Easy to use
- Seating position (spine, pelvis and hips are sitting level)
- "M" Position (the legs are drawn up and spread more than 90 degrees and their bottom is lowered)
- Sleeping hood (supports the neck and stops from rolling back)
T.I.C.K.S. rule for safety baby wearing
- Tight
- In view at all times
- Close enough to kiss
- Keep the chin off their chest
- Supported back
