Foreign parents are crazy about being “kangaroo parents.” With the increasing popularity of baby carriers, more and more Chinese moms are joining this trend. There are so many benefits to using a carrier. Not only does it promote a closer bond between parents and babies, but it also frees up parents’ hands. With it, you can truly experience how easy it is to take your baby out or do housework. After reading this guide from “Mommy Help Help Help,” I hope it will help those of you struggling with decision paralysis.
Babies Held Close Develop Better
Making life easier for yourself and making your baby’s life better—that’s every parent’s wish. Sears, in his timeless parenting book, mentions, “We have conducted years of research on infant care, and there is a consensus: the more a child is held, the better their behavior and development.” Of course, this is in contrast to using strollers or cradles to soothe the baby.
Compared to strollers, using a baby carrier to take the baby out or do housework is incredibly easy, especially for moms who are taking care of the baby alone. Moreover, keeping the baby close to you provides them with enough security to adapt to different environments, while also giving them a broader view to experience more. “Mommy Help Help Help” believes that when your baby is always close to you, they can sense your breathing, heartbeat, body temperature, and movement, which helps them feel more secure and relaxed.
Carriers generally fall into three categories: wraps, slings, and hip seats. Each has its own characteristics, and Jo Mom has used all three at different stages.
Wrap (For Babies 0-3 Years Old)
The carrier that Sears highly recommends is the wrap. He studied how many cultures around the world carry their babies and believes that wrapping the baby with cloth is the best method for infants. Specifically, the wrap has the following advantages:
Safety:
This is the most important point. When used properly, the wrap can safely support and encase the baby.
It can be used from newborn stage, allowing the baby to lie horizontally in the wrap, their body snugly wrapped, simulating the feeling in the mother’s womb. You’ll find the baby falls asleep quickly.
Comfort:
A baby wrap can make both parents and babies feel comfortable. I believe the wrap is the least tiring among the three types of carriers. The force is evenly distributed between the shoulders and hips, reducing soreness caused by localized pressure. For many babies with colic or high needs, who constantly want to be held, the wrap really helped us a lot during that period.
Flexibility:
There are many ways to use a wrap. Some even offer DVDs to teach moms how to use it. Babies typically don’t want to stay in the same position for too long, so a versatile wrap satisfies this need. A good wrap can be used until the baby is two years old.
Convenience:
Another advantage is that you can even breastfeed in the wrap. In the image below, the mom is just demonstrating, but there are very private ways to use the wrap for breastfeeding, and you can do it without anyone noticing, saving you the need for a nursing cover.
Another benefit of the wrap is that when the baby falls asleep, you can leave them in the wrap without taking it off, using it as a blanket, so the baby won’t easily wake up.
Disadvantages:
Wrapping the cloth can really test your patience. The steps are somewhat complicated, and by the time you’re done wrapping, your baby might already be crying in impatience. Wraps with rings are a bit simpler.
It can get quite hot in summer, although slings and hip seats aren’t much cooler. Also, it’s not as “cool” as a sling to wear.
Sling (For Babies 0-3 Years Old)
Advantages:
Convenience:
The sling works just as well as the wrap, completely freeing up your hands.
Simplicity:
Compared to the wrap, the sling is much simpler to use. Just fasten the straps like you would with a backpack. A good sling is also very safe.
Portability:
Although it doesn’t fold up as easily as the wrap, it is far more convenient than taking a stroller.
Stability:
The sling uses various unique designs to ensure strong support for the baby’s back. Some major brands have special designs to protect the baby’s neck from leaning back too far.
“Mommy Help Help Help” recommends paying attention to the material’s breathability when choosing a sling. Since babies’ skin is delicate, it’s important to keep it dry and clean. Therefore, the material shouldn’t be too thick, and it should have good moisture absorption and breathability. The shoulder straps should be at least 7cm wide.
When using a sling, you can tie it higher to use your hips for supporting the baby’s weight. It’s best not to dress the baby too thickly, so their limbs can move freely. When removing the sling, it’s safer to do so while sitting on a bed or chair.
Disadvantages:
Most slings cannot be used for newborns. They should only be used when the baby’s neck is strong enough to support themselves when upright (usually after 3 months). Using it too early can harm the baby’s spine and neck development.
Some multifunctional slings on the market now offer a newborn lying position, but comfort still depends on the individual experience.
It’s best to choose a sling with a waist strap to help distribute the weight across the shoulders and waist. Otherwise, your shoulders will get sore after a while.
Sling Position and Age Appropriateness:
Front Carry: Suitable for babies aged 3-12 months, from when the neck muscles are developed until the baby reaches 12 kg.
Side Carry: Suitable for newborns, before neck muscles are fully developed, up to 6 months.
Back Carry: Suitable for babies aged 12-36 months, after the neck muscles have developed, up to 12 kg.
Kangaroo Carry: Suitable for babies aged 6-36 months, after neck muscles are developed, up to 15 kg.
Hip Seat (For Babies Over 6 Months)
A hip seat is essentially a small seat attached to the mom’s waist, where the baby can sit. The hip seat looks like a fanny pack, and its main function is to reduce the pressure on the waist, back, and wrists while carrying the baby. The hip seat is very light and may come with shoulder straps.
Hip seats are generally suitable for babies over 6 months, when they can sit upright. They mostly place the weight on the waist.
Some hip seats have a hard base, and multi-functional ones come with additional protective straps that can be used on their own or with shoulder straps. If you’re worried about the wrap or sling being too hot in the summer, a hip seat is a good option. The weight is mostly carried by the waist, but the shoulder straps can also bear some weight, so it’s especially suitable for dads when going out for long periods.
Advantages:
Lightweight:
The foam inside the hip seat is very light, so it’s easy to carry and simple in structure, without extra straps or buckles. It’s best to choose a sloping hip seat.
Easy to Remove:
You can quickly remove the waist strap with a pull, making it convenient. When the baby starts walking, they often want to get down, and the hip seat’s convenience shines here, saving you from the hassle of constant adjustments.
Disadvantages:
The hip seat only uses the waist strap to bear the baby’s weight. While it may seem easy at first, carrying the baby for long periods can strain the waist, leading to potential damage to the mom’s lumbar spine if used long-term.
Safety is another concern. If the straps aren’t fastened properly, you’ll need to keep one hand on the baby for safety, as active babies can be a bit risky. Jo Mom’s baby has almost fallen a few times.
“Mommy Help Help Help” Summary:
Generally speaking:
For babies under 3 months, it’s best to use a wrap.
For babies 3-6 months, when the neck muscles aren’t fully developed, the front-facing position in a sling is best.
For babies 6-10 months, use the front-facing sling with the baby’s face outward to satisfy their curiosity.
Hip seats are generally suitable for babies over 6 months. They’re also great for toddlers who are learning to walk, offering easy up and down movement without the need for constant adjustments.