Ever thought about hip carrying for the nosey baby
In the sling library we get asked all the time about carriers that allow baby to face forward, hip carrying is a great alternative but one often overlooked.
Many babies are more than happy to remain parent facing until they are ready to be back carried. When you carry your baby parent facing, they can see well to the sides and with an arm over the top quite far round. Parent facing also gives baby reassurance of seeing a familiar face if stimulation becomes too great or they are unsure if something is fun or scary. It’s also easier for them to switch off when they are tired and arms can be tucked in so they feel held and safe.
Some babies love to have a big view of the world and parents often feel that facing out then is the only option to keep baby happy. This has a few draw backs though.
1. Facing out should be limited to about 20 minutes, then baby needs to be turned back to parent facing.
2. Baby can’t see your face for emotional regulation and all too easy for baby to become over stimulated.
3. It’s likely to put more strain on the wearers back, much harder to get an ergonomic position for baby too.
4. Baby cannot sleep in this position (risk of positional asphyxia) but it’s hard to see if baby is getting tired.
Before attempting forward facing carry your baby needs really good neck control, check your carrier for the recommended age, usually this will be 4-6 months.
The alternative is a hip carry and it has many benefits
No time limit
Baby can see you and the world
This is a slightly asymmetric carry which might be uncomfortable (though we all do hip carries in arms all the time)
Baby can sleep in this position
Hip carries need good head control too and are appropriate if you are carrying on the hip in arms.
What are your options?
The obvious one is a ring sling.
These have a bit of a learning curve but once you get the hang of it, they are very quick and easy to use.
They can be used from newborn (with baby positioned central on the front at that age) through to any age. Back carries are also possible. Beware there are many very pretty fabrics if you have a habit of buying slings!
A Pouch Sling can be a useful option.
Quick to put on and easy to use but you do need the correct size for you so probably won’t be able to share with your partner.
The Scootababy is a buckle carrier designed for hip carries. I’d say it’s the easiest of these options. Suitable
from approx 5 months (and can be used on either hip).
Some buckle carriers offer a hip carry (generally the cross strap carriers are more likely to offer this, check your instructions). This works OK but other options would be more comfy.
Fine for occasional short hip carries but buckle carriers are really designed for front or back carries, some will offer front world facing too.
A meh dai is a lovely soft carrier which can be tied for a hip carry. Beautifully supportive in any position. Adjustable ones can be used to front carry from birth, back carries can be introduced when you and baby are ready.
A woven wrap is so versatile, can be used for any carry in multiple ways. Very supportive but there’s definitely a learning curve. A hip carry can be done in a variety of methods, this is a robins hip carry. (Warning, buying wraps can be addictive!)
We have some of these options in your local sling library, do come and ask us about them or anything else, if we can’t help then we will be able to find one for you.
Mid Beds
All the above ae available for you to try.
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