Dr. Dara DaCunha

As a chiropractor, I see scoliosis in my office regularly. From behind, the spine is normally a straight vertical line. Scoliosis is a lateral (to the side) curvature of the spine that leaves the head, shoulders, and hips unbalanced. Most people with scoliosis have visible changes, with the most common being an uneven shoulder height and asymmetrical rib cage. A common statement is that a custom fit in a soft structured carrier (SSC), like an Ergobaby, is not possible. This is simply not true. There are many adjustments that can be made to an SSC to allow for balanced wearing. Although in people with scoliosis, this may mean that it is an asymmetrical fit when looking solely at the carrier. As you can see from the pictures below, the adjustments are not symmetrical but however are custom fit to her spine and physical imbalance.

How to get the most comfortable fit in an SSC if you have scoliosis:

Start by picking up your child and finding the spot on your chest that is the

New Years brings new goals, mental, emotional, and physical.  As parents with little ones in tow, it can be hard to keep up with new routines. Here is an exercise routine that can be done while babywearing. Involving your child in your fitness regimen can be a great way to score some quality time! While doing these exercises, you can engage baby as well. Sing some songs, recite a nursery rhyme, count, or even chat with them while you go up and down. This is a great alternative to plain old counting. While performing exercises make sure you have a surface or chair to hold onto for balance and safety. Remember, you are still babywearing and need to be conscious of their safety. Below are the exercises. There are 10 total exercises (when you count one for each leg).

Squats

Stand up straight with feet shoulder width apart. Slowly move up and down as if you are about to sit into a chair.

Stationary Lunges

Stand with feet shoulder width apart and step backwards

Bundle and Save 

The Ergobaby Carrier is designed to carry most children from birth. The way this is possible is through the Ergobaby Infant Insert providing cushion and support. Infants are soft and floppy and lack the ability to hold their head and trunk up on their own. The insert provides this need support that is not present in the carrier without it. Think of a taco holding everything up and in. This keeps the airway open and provides a swaddling effect that both soothes and protects the infant.

The wonderful people at Ergobaby have done extensive research on their products and discovered in order to have one carrier that extends through the growth of a child, it will need a couple parts to custom fit, hence infant insert and pillow option. Whenever you use a baby carrier, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Everyone is always concerned with baby and their positioning while they are in an ergonomic baby carrier, and justifiably so. However, as parents we always forget about ourselves. What about our position, our posture? All too often we are slumped over, just trying to get through the day. Parenting can be hard and is definitely time consuming, so is it any wonder we forget to pay ourselves some attention. Did you know that by doing a few simple exercises you will not only improve your posture but your energy and mood! It’s true, and easy! Below are a few exercises that will leave you feeling tall, strong, and ready to tackle parenthood again.

Wall Angels