I wanted to help you all to understand some of the changes that commonly happen in a baby wearing journey.
I find many people stop carrying their babies around the 3-4 month old mark. There
could be many reasons for this, but there are a couple of common ones.
Firstly, the sling/carrier they have been using becomes uncomfortable. For many a stretchy wrap or close caboo will only last for 4-6 months (though some people find them great for longer). As your baby gets older & heavier some carriers will start to pull on the shoulders, making it uncomfortable for you to wear, and just because yours does doesn’t mean all carriers will do this! There are so many good options to move onto at this point to carry on with wearing your baby, but the transition doesn’t always happen - do come along to the sling library and try some other carriers.
Secondly, a common reason is that baby becomes unsettled in the carrier. With close caboos & stretchies this may be that they can’t see enough now that they are more interested in the world around them. A shoulder flip can help prolong the use of this carrier or possibly it’s time to move onto a different one altogether. Developmental leaps can also make baby more unsettled, this will pass, it isn’t necessarily the carrier.
Carrying continues to be a very practical way of living, you are hands free around the home, you can go to places the buggy doesn’t allow, it’s a quicker transfer from car to wherever (baby session, shop, school pick up etc). It’s certainly an easy option for the school run, leaving you able to hold hands with your older children (or carry their stuff!!).
From baby’s perspective being close to their adult is still a very safe place to learn about the world. Their transition from womb to world continues along with their physical development in these early months. Seeing the adult’s face is great for baby’s emotional regulation and also for their language development - we tend to talk to them more when they are so close to us.
The closeness & connection that carrying your baby provides is so useful for transitions for your small person e.g. from childcare to home and as baby goes through developmental leaps and needs to learn about the world from a new perspective, or when they are a bit under the weather.
Being carried gives a much better view of things, being higher up than the buggy means you can see so much more, from the buggy you can be limited to a view of knees! Back carrying can be a great option once baby is sitting independently is another step to seeing things from a different view point. Hip carries can be done earlier if baby wants to see more without the time limit of 20 mins that facing out has (and they can sleep safely in a hip carry).
Facing out in a carrier can only be done safely when baby is awake and has very good head control-check your carrier’s instructions usually 4-6 months.
It’s cosy in winter. Snuggled up against an adult inside their coat is a lovely warm place to be on a cold winter day, though take care please don’t use snow suits for baby when babywearing, layers are better.
Other times babywearing can be really useful
* on holiday, going through an airport, going on the beach (you really don’t want to do this with a buggy), walking over rough terrain.
* when your baby is poorly, no being stuck on the sofa under a miserable baby. Your temperature helps maintain baby’s and it’s comforting for both of you.
Other benefits of continuing to carry your baby
* it’s great for mental health, increasing your oxytocin, helping keep your baby safe and calm
* it will help you increase your strength and fitness (with good posture), as baby gets older and heavier and as walks get longer
* it has been shown to be helpful for breastfeeding, because you are close to baby so see their cues and respond sooner. If you need help with feeding in your carrier do ask.
* others can do it too, it will aid their relationship with baby-dad, grandparents, uncles/aunties and friends.
I am Tessa Brocklehurst, I host the Bedford branch’s sling library every week with Sadie Hume. I have a colleague Tracy Machin based at NCT Mid Beds who also hosts a sling library on a Wednesday once a month.
I am also a sling consultant available to do one to one sessions in the Bedford area
Tessa Brocklehurst (North Beds NCT sling hire) email tessanct@onetel.com
Tracy Machin (Mid Beds NCT sling library) email tracyannmachin@yahoo.co.uk
If you need one to one help, or more specific help than the libraries can give then contact me tessaslings@gmail.com
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