Criterias of a good baby carrier
Read anatomical facts first about development of baby's spine and hips....more
Criteria of good baby carriers
It can be very confusing finding your way around in the jungle of different baby carriers. The baby is always best supported in a (well tied) woven wrap sling. It holds the baby firmly like in a bandage and it adjusts well to the baby’s and the wearer’s body. A woven wrap sling also ‘grows with your’ child and can be used for newborns and older children alike.
However, there are now also really good Mei Teis and Buckle Carrier’s around. Use the guide below to be able find one that is suitable for you.
A good carrier...
1. allows you to carry uour baby in the M-position
2. doesnt only have fabric in the crotch but support both baby's thighs as well
3. supports baby's rounded spine on its whole length
4. has good head support
5. should be adjustable - both for parent and baby
6. spreads baby's weight well over the parent's body
7. is made of materials that are not harmful for your baby
1. Does the carrier allow you to carry your baby in the M-position?
In the M-position the baby's knees are higher than baby's bottom and his legs are spread apart in an angle of approx. 90°. Check out photos of a baby carried in the carrier or try the carrier with your baby and you'll easily notice if you can achieve the M-position. Ideally the base of the back panel can be adjusted in width so the carrier ‘grows’ with your child. Many carriers claim they are suitable form birth, however the base of the panel is often too wide leading to overspreading of the baby’s legs. Some unsuitable carriers on the other hand have a very narrow base leading the the baby’s leg’s dangling down which is unhealthy for the baby’s hip and spine development (more here…)
2. Does the carrier support both baby's thighs?
The fabric at baby's bottom should reach from knee to knee. This way you can avoid dangling legs and achieve the ideal M-position. Imagine what would be more comfortable for you: hanging from your crotch on a bit of (padded) fabric or having both your upper legs supported too.
3. Does the carrier support baby's rounded back like a bandage?
Good support for the spine is necessary because small and sleeping babies cannot hold themselves upright. Their muscles aren't strong enough yet, or they are too relaxed. Without enough support they will slump in the carrier which may even lead to breathing problems.
Also the sling should allow for the spine to be rounded because babies are born with a rounded back and straightening of the spine to the well-known S-shape is a process which takes about one year.
4. Does the carrier offer sufficient head support?
Especially for newborns who cannot hold their head and for sleeping babies it's important that a carrier supports their neck and head well. If you feel you have to hold your baby's head while having her in a carrier then head support is not good enough. A Mei Tei or buckle carrier should have a hood that can be pulled over the baby's head when asleep.
5. Is the carrier adjustable both for the baby and for the parent?
Your baby will grow and you will loose weight (probably) so it's important you can adjust the carrier to everyone's need. Infinitely adjustable are wraps, and in structured carriers (the ones with buckles and straps) check out how well they adjust, especially around baby's upper back and neck. Some carriers in highstreet shops don't adjust well at all. Having an adjustable carrier is also important if you want to share it with someone.
6. Does the carrier spread baby's weight well over the parent's back?
Also an important factor to consider is how comfortable a carrier is for you. You won't use it if it hurts your back and then what would be the point in having it?
What people find comfortable differs - we are individuals after all. In general look out for wide and/or padded straps. The closer and higher up you can carry your baby the less his weight will pull on your shoulders. The closer the straps are to your neck the more strain you will feel on your neck - it's better to carry the weight with the bony part of your shoulders. For older babies use a carrier which transfers weight on your hips, e.g. soft structured carriers like the Manduca, Ergo or Beco. If you have back problems there probably still is a way to carry your baby comfortably, especially on your back.
7. Are the carrier's materials harmful for your baby?
Another point to consider are the materials a baby carrier is made of because your baby will get parts of it in his mouth - babies love chewing straps. Ideally they should be organic or tested for harmful substances (the ökotex100 label shows that it's safe). Baby carriers made from synthetic fabrics may make your baby sweaty and overheated whereas natural fibres may need more care. Generally baby slings are available in all sorts of materials, even with silk or cashmere.
It's worth taking a look on the label to see how a carrier can be washed. Many of them can be machine-washed and some can even be tumble-dried, which comes in very useful if your baby tends to puke regularly.
text adapted from fellow Clauwi-trained babywearing consultant Mirjam Brockmann.
http://www.babywearingadvice.co.uk/
Criteria of good baby carriers
It can be very confusing finding your way around in the jungle of different baby carriers. The baby is always best supported in a (well tied) woven wrap sling. It holds the baby firmly like in a bandage and it adjusts well to the baby’s and the wearer’s body. A woven wrap sling also ‘grows with your’ child and can be used for newborns and older children alike.
However, there are now also really good Mei Teis and Buckle Carrier’s around. Use the guide below to be able find one that is suitable for you.
A good carrier...
1. allows you to carry uour baby in the M-position
2. doesnt only have fabric in the crotch but support both baby's thighs as well
3. supports baby's rounded spine on its whole length
4. has good head support
5. should be adjustable - both for parent and baby
6. spreads baby's weight well over the parent's body
7. is made of materials that are not harmful for your baby
1. Does the carrier allow you to carry your baby in the M-position?
In the M-position the baby's knees are higher than baby's bottom and his legs are spread apart in an angle of approx. 90°. Check out photos of a baby carried in the carrier or try the carrier with your baby and you'll easily notice if you can achieve the M-position. Ideally the base of the back panel can be adjusted in width so the carrier ‘grows’ with your child. Many carriers claim they are suitable form birth, however the base of the panel is often too wide leading to overspreading of the baby’s legs. Some unsuitable carriers on the other hand have a very narrow base leading the the baby’s leg’s dangling down which is unhealthy for the baby’s hip and spine development (more here…)
2. Does the carrier support both baby's thighs?
The fabric at baby's bottom should reach from knee to knee. This way you can avoid dangling legs and achieve the ideal M-position. Imagine what would be more comfortable for you: hanging from your crotch on a bit of (padded) fabric or having both your upper legs supported too.
3. Does the carrier support baby's rounded back like a bandage?
Good support for the spine is necessary because small and sleeping babies cannot hold themselves upright. Their muscles aren't strong enough yet, or they are too relaxed. Without enough support they will slump in the carrier which may even lead to breathing problems.
Also the sling should allow for the spine to be rounded because babies are born with a rounded back and straightening of the spine to the well-known S-shape is a process which takes about one year.
4. Does the carrier offer sufficient head support?
Especially for newborns who cannot hold their head and for sleeping babies it's important that a carrier supports their neck and head well. If you feel you have to hold your baby's head while having her in a carrier then head support is not good enough. A Mei Tei or buckle carrier should have a hood that can be pulled over the baby's head when asleep.
5. Is the carrier adjustable both for the baby and for the parent?
Your baby will grow and you will loose weight (probably) so it's important you can adjust the carrier to everyone's need. Infinitely adjustable are wraps, and in structured carriers (the ones with buckles and straps) check out how well they adjust, especially around baby's upper back and neck. Some carriers in highstreet shops don't adjust well at all. Having an adjustable carrier is also important if you want to share it with someone.
6. Does the carrier spread baby's weight well over the parent's back?
Also an important factor to consider is how comfortable a carrier is for you. You won't use it if it hurts your back and then what would be the point in having it?
What people find comfortable differs - we are individuals after all. In general look out for wide and/or padded straps. The closer and higher up you can carry your baby the less his weight will pull on your shoulders. The closer the straps are to your neck the more strain you will feel on your neck - it's better to carry the weight with the bony part of your shoulders. For older babies use a carrier which transfers weight on your hips, e.g. soft structured carriers like the Manduca, Ergo or Beco. If you have back problems there probably still is a way to carry your baby comfortably, especially on your back.
7. Are the carrier's materials harmful for your baby?
Another point to consider are the materials a baby carrier is made of because your baby will get parts of it in his mouth - babies love chewing straps. Ideally they should be organic or tested for harmful substances (the ökotex100 label shows that it's safe). Baby carriers made from synthetic fabrics may make your baby sweaty and overheated whereas natural fibres may need more care. Generally baby slings are available in all sorts of materials, even with silk or cashmere.
It's worth taking a look on the label to see how a carrier can be washed. Many of them can be machine-washed and some can even be tumble-dried, which comes in very useful if your baby tends to puke regularly.
text adapted from fellow Clauwi-trained babywearing consultant Mirjam Brockmann.
http://www.babywearingadvice.co.uk/