Baby Carriers for the Young at Heart
Ever think of wearing your baby? Baby wearing seems to be more popular these days. More parents are seen walking with baby carriers.
There are lots of theories being discussed about adult feeling of isolation and a lack of connectedness in relationships and affiliations. Some are due to changes in society and technology. Many opinions rise up around the power to touch. For thousands of years, touch has been used to reduce stress and anxiety. In social moirés, momentary touches, whether an exuberant high five, a warm hand on the shoulder, or a creepy touch to the arm — can communicate an even wider range of emotion than gestures or expressions, and sometimes do so more quickly and accurately than words.
A view of animal behaviors show that before sounds and words developed, the roots of consciousness are through touch. Isolationist traits of adult personality may stem, some believe, from not being held or touched as a baby. In many cultures, young babies were carried in slings, close to the mother, for up to the first year of life. The invention of strollers permitted more conveniences and greater mobility. Modern parents use strollers routinely but are also turning to baby carriers to develop closer attachments to their new babies.
A baby carrier offers an easy way to keep your child close and comforted while freeing your hands to do other things. Whether you’re busy with odd jobs around the house or out running errands, a carrier can come in handy.
Strap-on carriers are designed for babies weighing from 7 or 8 pounds up to 25 to 32 pounds, depending on the brand. Some strap-on carriers can be used from infancy (the minimum weight is about 8 pounds) in the inward-facing position, then outward-facing for children with full head control up to 25 pounds. Some can be used for full-term babies who weigh as little as 6 pounds.
It’s important to make sure that all strap supports are secure before putting your baby into a carrier. Front strap-on models with leg openings big enough for a child to slip through have been recalled. Some models now come with a seat insert for newborns to guard against that. Other models have straps, drawstrings, or other ways to narrow the openings so they fit snugly around the legs. In any event, adjust leg openings to the smallest size that’s comfortable for your child.
Adult fitness is, of course, an important issue. You are using your muscles and body to help support your child. Balance and coordination are important issues, a trip or accidental fall could injure your baby. The current generations of parents are the most exercised and health-oriented of previous generations. They can easily support the weight of a baby in a carrier. This may account for the rise in baby carrier use.
There are different types of baby carriers for front and/or back use. What seems to be popular is the front-pack and is often perceived as the classic baby carrier.
Classic front-pack baby carriers are easy to use, adjust easily for either parent’s height and size, and can be found in most stores. Baby can face forward or towards the parent. Men often prefer the simple look of the front-pack over other baby carriers.
Most front-packs can only be used one way, and some are too bulky to fit easily in a diaper bag. The weight limit is usually 20-25 pounds. Some new front-packs can be converted for use as a backpack baby carrier.
Backpack carriers are more common among adventurers, those that enjoy outdoor activities. There are accessory shades and such for baby protection. The weight limit is up to 40 pounds.
Sling baby carriers are possibly the oldest form of baby wearing and can be dated back over two thousand years. The Sling baby carrier was once very popular and there are padded and unpadded designs. Any sling should hold your baby the way you would hold him in your arms. The idea is to give better support for your baby and you.
With various designs, the sling baby carrier has gone off the favored list of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. According to a report filed by the CPSC in 2010, they have identified 14 infant suffocation deaths with sling-style carriers over the past 20 years. After reviewing numerous cases, child safety experts at CPSC have determined that parents with infants younger than four months of age, premature, low-birth weight babies, and babies with colds and respiratory problems should take extra care in using a sling, including consulting their pediatrician.
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) set criteria and specific standards for sling carriers as a response to the CPSC report and a number of sling carrier recalls. While sling carriers are still used, the real issues lie at the attention of the wearing parent.
Success with any baby carrier takes a little practice especially if this is your first time. If you are having trouble with your little one, try this. Making sure that baby is fed, rested, and happy before you attempt any new baby carrier the first few times. All babies naturally love to be hugged and a baby carrier is supportive to long-term bonding with your child.
Remember that in wearing your baby, your body’s dependability is required to offer your child adequate support. For the baby wearer, it is most important that a baby carrier have excellent weight distribution efficiency. When the weight distribution efficiency of a baby carrier is greater, the more weight a baby wearer can carry with less effort and strain on his or her body. Also make sure all straps of the baby carrier are secure and stable.
Consider baby carriers that allow different positions. Very young babies need a slight spine incline for proper spinal support and development. When the baby has gained good neck control and can sit well unassisted, they would be more suited to upright carriers. This is also the stage where the baby can better enjoy the environment around them. You should be mindful to choose a good quality structured baby carrier to instill good sitting posture and give good support for the baby’s back and spine.
Baby Bjorn, and Phil&Teds baby carriers are very popular baby carriers. It is your baby and your body. Choose the best carrier for both of you.
There is ample evidence, over the past 60 years, that demonstrates that hugging and holding young babies promotes greater social development and avoids isolation behaviors as they grow. While strollers play significant roles, augmenting mobile time with the use of a baby carrier offers lots of positives towards promising futures.
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