Frequently asked Babywearing Questions.....
In the course of my work as a Babywearing Consultant, I'm asked many questions about Babywearing. I've tried to include the most frequently asked questions here and will continue to update as time goes on. If you have any babywearing questions, feel free to contact me using the button below or by emailing me info@leanbhbabywearing.ie.
What age can I start carrying my baby from (and to)?
It’s possible to carry your baby from birth right through to preschool age and beyond! Be gentle on yourself though and don’t try to do too much straight after birth. Resting is important but sometimes needs must (like those hospital appointments for the heel prick test the day after discharge!) and it’s so handy to be able to babywear, keeping your new baby up close, safe and warm while you are around the house or going out and about. Alwyays listen to your body though, and don't overdo it. Especially in those first few weeks.
Can my baby sleep in the sling?
Yes! You might find that your baby falls asleep pretty much everytime they’re put into the sling! That’s why it’s said that slings come with sleepy dust ☺
Can I forward face out my baby in the sling?
While a limited number of ergonomic carriers now offer forward facing or world facing as an option, it is usually only recommended to be used from 6mths of age and for approx 20mins at a time. Babies can become overstimulated while facing away from their parent and it can be harder to read their cues. It is also safest to turn them back to parent facing for sleeping. When world facing, it's important to keep an eye on your little one, check they're comfortable and happy and when you think they might have had enough, turn them back parent facing. An alternative option would be to try a hip carry or a high back carry instead, many soft structured carriers can be used for hip carries, as can mei tai, ring slings, woven wraps and hybrid stretchy wraps.
What about their hips?
Ergonomic slings and carriers promote the healthy hip position. Baby’s back is supported in the natural curve of the spine and knees are in the spread squat, M position. See this infographic by Sheffield Sling Surgery.
Excerpt from Sheffield Sling Surgery:
1) Classic high-street narrow-based carrier. The legs are hanging downwards, entirely unsupported. The infantile hip-socket is taking the full weight of the legs and there will be a lot of unhelpful strain. It is similar to balancing on a beam at the gym with all the weight being borne on a narrow strap between the legs. Baby’s back may be straightened, meaning their head is able to fall backwards, needing rigid head and neck support.
2) A slightly wider-based carrier. This is better, but the legs are still not well supported with the knees lower than the bottom. The weight of the unsupported leg will drag down on the still-forming hip joint, and baby’s weight is still not very widely distributed across the base.
3) A properly fitting, wide-based carrier. Observe the M-shape that has been created, with the thighs securely supported all the way to the knees, which are held above the bottom. The hip joints are in the optimal position, and there is no weight at all dragging down on the joint. Orthopaedic consultants recommend thighs to be resting at an angle of 100 degrees from the midline.
4) Side on view of the M-shape position, showing how there is no downward strain on the socket and the child is supported widely across a large proportion of their base. The baby is clearly seated comfortably with their weight widely distributed, and the gentle curve of their spine protected. This baby’s upper body will be supported against the parent with head resting on parent’s chest, and rigid head supports are not needed (using natural anatomical positions).
1) Classic high-street narrow-based carrier. The legs are hanging downwards, entirely unsupported. The infantile hip-socket is taking the full weight of the legs and there will be a lot of unhelpful strain. It is similar to balancing on a beam at the gym with all the weight being borne on a narrow strap between the legs. Baby’s back may be straightened, meaning their head is able to fall backwards, needing rigid head and neck support.
2) A slightly wider-based carrier. This is better, but the legs are still not well supported with the knees lower than the bottom. The weight of the unsupported leg will drag down on the still-forming hip joint, and baby’s weight is still not very widely distributed across the base.
3) A properly fitting, wide-based carrier. Observe the M-shape that has been created, with the thighs securely supported all the way to the knees, which are held above the bottom. The hip joints are in the optimal position, and there is no weight at all dragging down on the joint. Orthopaedic consultants recommend thighs to be resting at an angle of 100 degrees from the midline.
4) Side on view of the M-shape position, showing how there is no downward strain on the socket and the child is supported widely across a large proportion of their base. The baby is clearly seated comfortably with their weight widely distributed, and the gentle curve of their spine protected. This baby’s upper body will be supported against the parent with head resting on parent’s chest, and rigid head supports are not needed (using natural anatomical positions).
How long can I carry my baby for?
There is no time restriction per se as young babies need feeding and changing every hour or two unless they’re taking a long nap. For older children, they will naturally want to be crawling, walking or running so their time in the sling (sadly) lessens as they grow.
Can I feed in this sling?
Absolutely! Breastfeeding and babywearing are both skills best mastered separately. Once you’re confident with both individually, choose a relaxed time of day to practice. Be aware of the clothing you're wearing - is it breastfeeding friendly? Do you have easy access to your breast without having to lift a layer of clothing from underneath the sling? I found that breastfeeding tops were invaluable for feeding in the sling, especially in the early months. Adjust your sling to allow your little one access to the breast and ensure they’re secure whilst not restricting their head with any fabric. I have always personally found that when breastfeeding in the sling, I had to lower my baby slightly towards the breast, and I used one hand to support my breast so I was never entirely handsfree for the duration of feeding but it was still a very handy trick to have up my sleeve! Once you’re finished feeding, bring your little one back into the correct position and tighten the sling again correctly. Don’t allow your little one to sleep at the breast in the sling as they are not in the optimal position and there could be restrictions to their airways if they are slumped into a loose sling.
For bottlefeeding, a slight adjustment may be needed to the sling so that your little one can turn slightly so that they have access to their bottle. Be sure to tighten the sling again when they’re done.
Can I babywear in the rain/snow?
Yes! It’s best to layer both yourself and your baby. Each layer of sling fabric over your baby constitutes a layer of clothing, so a mei tai would be one layer where a stretchy wrap would be three layers. The parts of the body outside of the sling (usually head, arms, legs) would need an extra layer to keep warm such as a babyhood, a light fleece or cardigan and leggings, tights, babylegs or even just and extra pair of socks can keep your baby snug. There are other options such as babywearing covers, babywearing fleece jackets and babywearing waterproof coats that you can buy to cover both of you from the elements. Some people just wear an oversize jacket or rainmac.
And what about the sun?
For those couple of summer days we are lucky to get here in Ireland, or for those lovely holidays abroad in the sun, it's best to be prepared. The general rule of thumb is that suncream is suitable from 6 months and up. Be aware of keeping your child out of direct sunlight. Dress them appropriately, be it in some UV resistant clothing, a vest, in an all-in-one shorts set or just a nappy depending on the temperature, you can determine how to dress them to keep them comfortable. When in the sling, you might like to place an opened muslin cloth between both of you to wick away any moisture. Your little one may need more frequent feeding and a soft wide brimmed baby sunhat will be a great investment. There are other options such as specialised babywearing covers and baby blankets and babylegs (baby legwarmers) offering UV protection that you can drape over your little one or even just use a sun umbrella for walking! Be sensible and err on the side of caution. Keep your little one out of direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day. Find a shady spot to hang out and most of all, enjoy yourselves!
There is no time restriction per se as young babies need feeding and changing every hour or two unless they’re taking a long nap. For older children, they will naturally want to be crawling, walking or running so their time in the sling (sadly) lessens as they grow.
Can I feed in this sling?
Absolutely! Breastfeeding and babywearing are both skills best mastered separately. Once you’re confident with both individually, choose a relaxed time of day to practice. Be aware of the clothing you're wearing - is it breastfeeding friendly? Do you have easy access to your breast without having to lift a layer of clothing from underneath the sling? I found that breastfeeding tops were invaluable for feeding in the sling, especially in the early months. Adjust your sling to allow your little one access to the breast and ensure they’re secure whilst not restricting their head with any fabric. I have always personally found that when breastfeeding in the sling, I had to lower my baby slightly towards the breast, and I used one hand to support my breast so I was never entirely handsfree for the duration of feeding but it was still a very handy trick to have up my sleeve! Once you’re finished feeding, bring your little one back into the correct position and tighten the sling again correctly. Don’t allow your little one to sleep at the breast in the sling as they are not in the optimal position and there could be restrictions to their airways if they are slumped into a loose sling.
For bottlefeeding, a slight adjustment may be needed to the sling so that your little one can turn slightly so that they have access to their bottle. Be sure to tighten the sling again when they’re done.
Can I babywear in the rain/snow?
Yes! It’s best to layer both yourself and your baby. Each layer of sling fabric over your baby constitutes a layer of clothing, so a mei tai would be one layer where a stretchy wrap would be three layers. The parts of the body outside of the sling (usually head, arms, legs) would need an extra layer to keep warm such as a babyhood, a light fleece or cardigan and leggings, tights, babylegs or even just and extra pair of socks can keep your baby snug. There are other options such as babywearing covers, babywearing fleece jackets and babywearing waterproof coats that you can buy to cover both of you from the elements. Some people just wear an oversize jacket or rainmac.
And what about the sun?
For those couple of summer days we are lucky to get here in Ireland, or for those lovely holidays abroad in the sun, it's best to be prepared. The general rule of thumb is that suncream is suitable from 6 months and up. Be aware of keeping your child out of direct sunlight. Dress them appropriately, be it in some UV resistant clothing, a vest, in an all-in-one shorts set or just a nappy depending on the temperature, you can determine how to dress them to keep them comfortable. When in the sling, you might like to place an opened muslin cloth between both of you to wick away any moisture. Your little one may need more frequent feeding and a soft wide brimmed baby sunhat will be a great investment. There are other options such as specialised babywearing covers and baby blankets and babylegs (baby legwarmers) offering UV protection that you can drape over your little one or even just use a sun umbrella for walking! Be sensible and err on the side of caution. Keep your little one out of direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day. Find a shady spot to hang out and most of all, enjoy yourselves!
