For new (and experienced) moms, finding ways to support your baby’s development while navigating daily life can feel overwhelming. One way to support bonding and promote healthy development is through babywearing. Choosing a good carrier not only makes it easier to keep your baby close but also has lasting benefits for their physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Here, we’ll cover why carriers are so important, the downsides of leaving babies in car seats and “containers,” and some of my favorite carriers to use with newborns and older babies.
Why Infant Carriers Matter for Your Baby’s Development
Carriers are more than just a hands-free way to hold your baby—they provide a safe and supportive way to help babies develop healthy muscle tone, promote bonding, and encourage emotional security. When babies are close to their moms and dads, they feel safe and connected, which is vital for their development, especially in the first months of life.
1. Physical Development
• Carriers support the natural curve of a baby’s spine and keep their legs in a “M” position (knees slightly higher than their bottom), which is important for hip development.
• Carriers allow babies to practice head and neck control in a gentle way, especially as they begin to hold their head up. Unlike car seats and other “containers,” carriers let babies strengthen their core without putting undue pressure on the back of their head.
• Always wear your baby facing you! Whether you are wearing your baby on your front, or your toddler on your back, facing you is the best position to support their hips and legs. Even though carries are promoting facing-outward support, it puts your baby's lower half in a compromised position and can cause damage to their spine, hips and leg development.
2. Cognitive and Emotional Development
• When a baby is carried, they are at eye level with you and exposed to the world in a calm, controlled way, which stimulates cognitive development. They hear you speaking, breathing, and singing.
• Babywearing encourages bonding between the baby and caregiver, helping babies feel secure and reducing stress. This secure attachment is essential for emotional health and can reduce fussiness and support self-regulation as they grow.
The Detrimental Effects of Car Seats and Containers on Babies
While car seats are essential for safety during travel, they are not intended to serve as a regular seat outside of the car. My advice is to keep the carseat in the car. “Container” devices, including swings, bouncers, and car seats, can also limit movement and potentially impact babies’ development when used for prolonged periods.
1. Head Shape and Development
• Babies’ skulls are soft and moldable, which can be affected by spending too much time in car seats or containers where pressure is placed on the back of their head. This can lead to flat spots (positional plagiocephaly).
• Car seats position babies in a semi-upright “C” shape, which can impact breathing and spinal development if used outside the car too often.
2. Muscle Development and Sensory Experience
• Spending too much time in a container limits a baby’s ability to move freely, which can delay the development of important muscles used for head control, rolling over, and crawling.
• Babies need the sensory experience of movement and closeness that only carrying them can provide. When carried, babies can feel the rhythm of their caregiver’s body, which can help with digestion, sensory development, and relaxation.
Leave the Car Seat in the Car
• Ideally, leave the car seat in the car and transfer your baby into a carrier for activities outside the vehicle. This practice not only supports their physical development but also helps keep them alert and engaged with their surroundings. Plus, you will havinf extra room in the grocery shopping cart!
The Benefits of Baby Carriers
Using a baby carrier provides numerous benefits, both for babies and parents. Here are a few key advantages of using carriers:
• Convenience and Comfort: Carriers give you the freedom to move around hands-free while keeping your baby close. It can make daily activities like errands, house chores, and outings easier.
• Bonding: Skin-to-skin contact is soothing for babies, and a carrier lets you keep your little one close to your body, supporting attachment and bonding.
• Ease of Soothing: Being close to you helps babies feel secure, reducing fussiness and helping them sleep better. The gentle rocking of your movement can also calm a fussy or overtired baby.
• Promotes Cognitive Development: Carriers let babies see the world from your perspective, which can stimulate learning and interaction in a way that containers or strollers don’t offer.
My Favorite Infant and Baby Carriers
With so many carriers on the market, it can be hard to choose the right one. Here are a few of my favorites that provide safe, ergonomic support for both babies and parents:
1. Ring Slings
• Why I Love Them: Ring slings are easy to use and can be adjusted to perfectly fit your body. Made from soft fabric, they’re also very breathable, which is helpful for both newborns and older babies.
• Best For: Ring slings are wonderful for the newborn stage as they allow for an intimate, snug position that mimics the womb and are easy to nurse in, but they can also be used for older babies as hip carriers.
• How to Use: Position the baby upright, with their head close enough to kiss, and ensure their knees are higher than their bottom. Avoid having the fabric too loose or too tight, and always make sure the baby’s face is visible and not pressed against fabric.
• Why I Love Them: Tula carriers are soft-structured carriers that are ergonomic, comfortable, and very adjustable. They offer great support for both parents and babies, with adjustable shoulder straps and waistband.
• Best For: Ideal for babies and toddlers, Tula carriers work well for longer outings as they distribute weight evenly.
• How to Use: Make sure your baby is in the “M” position with their legs supported. The baby should always face inward and be high enough that you can kiss the top of their head.
• Why I Love Them: Ergobaby carriers are another soft-structured option, known for their durability and lumbar support. Ergobaby offers infant inserts to support even the smallest newborns.
• Best For: Ergobaby carriers are versatile for all ages and are particularly comfortable for parents with back concerns.
• How to Use: Similar to Tula, ensure the baby’s legs form an “M” shape with knees above the bottom. Keep the baby facing inward, as outward-facing positions can put pressure on the hips,legs, and lower spine.
The Importance of Keeping Baby Facing Inward
While it may be tempting to face your baby outward to let them explore, it’s best to keep them facing inward, especially for infants. Facing inward keeps babies in the proper ergonomic position, reduces overstimulation, and allows them to turn their face toward you when they need comfort or rest. Outward-facing positions can put unnecessary strain on their developing spine and hips.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Carrier for You and Your Baby
Baby carriers provide a wonderful way to connect, support development, and safely introduce your baby to the world around them. By choosing the right carrier and keeping the baby facing inward, you’re giving them a nurturing environment that allows for movement and bonding while supporting their growing body and mind.
Remember, your baby’s well-being benefits not only from being close to you but also from having the opportunity to move, explore, and learn from the security of your embrace. Leave the car seat in the car, choose the right carrier, and enjoy the countless benefits that come with keeping your baby close.
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