Baby wearing seems like a straightforward enough activity. It promotes attachment parenting, helps parent and baby bond, and helps the baby to grow up more self confident and secure. But with the number of slings and baby carriers available, as well as the number of different ways to insert the baby into them, the entire concept can become overwhelming. Follow some of these tips to help make sure that baby wearing is a positive experience.
Change Positions for Putting the Carrier On
If new to baby wearing, or utilizing a new type of baby sling or carrier, try putting the baby into the sling or carrier from different positions. For instance, some people find it easier to put the baby into a Hot Sling properly while sitting down.
If using an Infantino carrier, try laying the baby across the lap and adjust before standing up. Try kneeling and leaning forward, standing up straight, or even reclining to insert the baby. One position may end up working better than another, and may not be obvious until tried.
Put Adjustable Carriers to Use
If using a ring sling, an Infantino pouch sling, or some type of wrap style carrier, like the Moby Wrap, adjust it in multiple ways to see which way fits best. Make the sling ride higher or lower on the body; tie the Moby Wrap higher and tighter, or lower and looser. Some babies may prefer to be held tight to the chest, while others prefer being held lower so that the sling will move and swing them slightly. These baby carriers are not meant to be used in one position only, so experiment to find what works best before giving up.
Move Around While Wearing the Baby
If the baby fusses after being placed in the sling or carrier, and it appears that the baby has been placed correctly, try moving around to settle the baby. Bounce on the balls of the feet, rock side to side, or pace around the house. Try patting the baby’s back, stomach or bottom through the wrap or sling in a rhythmic manner. The baby may simply need time to adjust to being worn, and the movement may help to calm them down.
Enlist the Aid of a Fellow Baby Wearer
If a friend, neighbor or family member has experience with wearing a baby, enlist their help. Have them watch the baby being inserted into the carrier; they may be able to catch an error that the wearer can’t see from their vantage point.
Experience and practice take time, so while gaining that experience, take advantage of that gained already by someone else.
Most importantly, remember that no matter the type or style of baby sling or carrier chosen, practice, practice, practice. Put the baby in for short periods of time, and practice lifting the baby in and out. Wear the baby while going to the grocery store for milk, or while vacuuming the house. The more the baby is worn, the more confident the wearer will become, and the more content the baby will be.
 |
