To the uninitiated, the term “babywearing” might bring to mind the image of a baby slung around your shoulders, like a scarf. But it actually refers to using a baby carrier to hold your baby close to your body, and doing so has many documented advantages.
“Research has shown that babies who are worn cry less than those who aren’t, plus it promotes the baby’s healthy emotional development by encouraging a deep attachment,” says Caprice Corona, a babywearing instructor in New York City. “This can lead to a strong sense of independence and self-confidence at an early age, which is especially beneficial for premature babies and those with special needs. Plus, you can be close to your babies but still have your hands free.”
However, news earlier this year of a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall of Infantino SlingRider baby carriers (also known as Wendy Bellissimo) raised fears among parents who wear their babies. Three newborns suffocated to death, prompting the recall of 1 million carriers. The recalled product was a “bag carrier,” which Corona says is “flawed by design.” Bag carriers have deep sides that restrict airflow and a hard bottom that doesn’t conform to the baby or the wearer’s body. The baby’s chin can be pressed against his chest, making it difficult to breathe.
Fortunately, bag carriers are a distinct minority among baby carriers on the market. Soft cloth carriers, such as wraps and slings, and soft structured carriers, such as the Ergo, are best for babywearing, Corona says. Wraps are long pieces of fabric that you tie your baby into against your chest or back. They are the most versatile in terms of carrying position and age range - up to toddlers - and best for your and baby’s comfort. But tying methods and dealing with a long piece of fabric can be hard to learn. Some wraps are made of stretchy fabric that allow for only one typing position, which may be easier for beginners.
Slings are one-shoulder carriers worn snug against the body; ring slings are adjustable, pouches are not. While these are simple to use and very streamlined in terms of fabric, wearing your baby on one shoulder can become uncomfortable once he gets bigger.
Structured carriers can be used on the chest and back, and sometimes the hip. These use ties like the mei tai or buckled straps like the Ergo and Baby Bjorn to attach the carrier to the body. It takes some practice to be able to put the carrier on by yourself, and these carriers can be a little bulkier than other types. Note that some experts believe the Bjorn puts undue pressure on the baby’s spine since the baby essentially is hanging by the crotch.
How to decide which to use? It depends largely on your lifestyle and budget. Corona suggests doing research online at such sites as babywearinginternational.org and thebabywearer.com, and then finding a local store that carries the products and will help you try them on. Stores that sell nursing supplies or other infant gear often have carriers.
More importantly, how can you be sure you’re wearing your baby safely? “Hands-on instruction and observation is the best way to learn,” says Corona. Make sure to read the instructions carefully, and watch any instructional DVDs included with the carrier. YouTube can be a good resource for learning how to wear babies properly, too. Keep in mind that because there is no U.S. standard for baby carriers, it is up to carrier makers to voluntarily follow ASTM International standards and to seek certification by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), so look for these two accreditations on your carrier.