Page 2 - Babywearing
You spent 9 months (give or take) carrying your baby 24/7. Your baby spent those 9 months safely and snugly against you. It’s not surprising that many babies' favorite way to sleep during the fourth trimester[1] is being held by their mom! Who wouldn’t sleep soundly in the cozy confines of their mom?Your baby being held in a baby carrier is similar to them being held in your arms. It’s warm, cozy and mimics the closeness you and your baby had during your pregnancy. But is it safe for your baby to nap in a baby carrier? Will napping in a carrier create bad sleeping habits? Read on to learn everything you want and need to know about babies sleeping in baby carriers.
1. Is it safe for a baby to sleep in a carrier?
As long as you are using a baby carrier correctly and safely, it should be safe for your baby to nap while you carry them in a carrier. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep alone on their backs on a firm, flat surface without any loose blankets,
Which is the best Ergobaby carrier for my family?
As an expecting parent, there are so many decisions to make. What do I need? What can I do without? Everyone has an opinion on the “must have” baby products out there. And when it comes to babywearing, that’s no exception. There are so many benefits to babywearing, including calming a crying baby and allowing parents to be hands-free, that the decision to get a baby carrier is a no-brainer as far as we are concerned! With countless options and products, making a decision can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help.
Here at Ergobaby, we offer two options for your babywearing journey called Ages & Stages or All-in-One. Neither journey is better than the other, it’s all about personal preference. Perhaps you’d like an option that allows your baby to face out when developmentally appropriate, about 4-6 months old. Maybe you’re less concerned about facing out and just want simplicity of inward snuggles. Whatever babywearing journey
Why back carry?
There are many benefits of babywearing in the back carry position. One benefit of the back carry allows you to do many tasks that would otherwise be difficult with a baby on the front, such as doing laundry, going to the farmer’s market, grocery shopping, and hiking. In other cultures, moms have used the back carry when they needed to work but still care for their young child. Yay for achieving freedom and convenience while still being able to tend to and hold your baby close! With the back carry, your baby is also centered on your hips, which makes your baby’s weight a lot easier to support for longer periods of time. In fact, it takes an average of 16% more energy to carry a baby in your arms than if you have something like a baby carrier to carry him or her in. Soft-structured carriers with wider waist belts alsoHave you ever wondered about babywearing? It’s a great thing to try! There are so many wonderful benefits of babywearing. From supporting baby’s natural posture to reducing infant crying, strengthening the bond between baby and her caregivers and more, using a baby carrier is a win-win for you and your baby, emotionally, cognitively and physically.
But if you’ve never used a baby carrier, everything is new and unknown. So, you might be asking yourself things like what kind of ergonomic baby carrier should you use? When can you start using a baby carrier? Is a baby carrier safe for newborns? What about baby carrier safety and hip dysplasia?
Here are the basic things you need to know about using a baby carrier.
1. You can start using a baby carrier from day one.
So, let’s start with the question: is a baby carrier safe for newborns? Yes, but it depends on a few factors. Some parents think they can’t use a baby carrier until their baby is six weeks old
Baby carriers are a lifesaver for many parents. But as a first-time parent, you probably have a lot of questions about baby carriers, like when can I start putting my baby in a baby carrier and at what age or weight can my baby sit forward facing in a baby carrier?
With my first child, I had lots of babywearing questions. But with a little research, and learning while babywearing with my son, I found the answers and am here to answer your questions about forward facing baby carriers.
When is it safe to put my baby in a baby carrier?
You can start using a baby carrier from day one. Most are meant to hold babies when they’re a newborn up to 2-3 years old. Babies who are younger than 4-6 months should only be carried in the inward facing position in your newborn carrier with proper head, neck, hip and bottom support.
When can a baby face forward in a carrier?
Unlike car seats where age and weight are the two factors used to determine
Summer is upon us, and with that comes lots of visiting our beautiful National Parks. Have you ever been to one? There are 58 National Parks in the US, with plenty of Mother Nature's beauty to explore. And the best way to visit these places with your little ones? While babywearing. Not only do the wearer and baby get to bond while taking in some of the most beautiful sites you'll ever see, there are a few great reasons to choose babywearing when national park-hopping:
- Safety. The safest place for baby is on you, and when you're exploring with your family, it's great to have your little one on your front, hip, or back. Rocky terrain, potentially hazardous conditions for new walkers, all wonderful reasons to have your baby on you. There's always time to explore on their own two feet, but when you're trying to get a hike in or check out a new spot in the park, babywearing is key.
- Safety. The safest place for baby is on you, and when you're exploring with your family, it's great to have your little one on your front, hip, or back. Rocky terrain, potentially hazardous conditions for new walkers, all wonderful reasons to have your baby on you. There's always time to explore on their own two feet, but when you're trying to get a hike in or check out a new spot in the park, babywearing is key.
The Omni 360 in Cool Air Mesh is our latest carrier at Ergobaby. Breathable, lightweight, and easy to use, our mesh fabric is soft and durable so you stay cool and comfortable. If you're just getting started with this carrier, here is a simple tutorial to get you started with facing baby in!
Emotional Benefits of Getting Outside
Spending time in nature with your baby can strengthen the bond between you. The simple act of holding your baby close, feeling their warmth, and sharing new experiences together can create strong emotional connections. It’s also a wonderful way to reduce stress and improve your mood. When my littles were extra fussy, I’d take a walk around the neighborhood. Even though I don't live in an area with trails and surrounded by nature, simply behind outside changed everything. A little vitamin D does wonders!
Cognitive Development
Nature is a sensory wonderland for babies. The different sights, sounds, and smells can stimulate your baby’s senses and promote
With the Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh baby carrier, you can do it all (like hiking!) and stay cool. A few of our mama friends hit the trails this past week in Los Angeles. Hiking is a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors with babe! Just be sure to prep and bring along the sunscreen. Please use caution when attempting any of the carries, exercise or activities highlighted on this blog, social media or any other content channels. Please use common sense and caution when using a baby carrier. You should consult a physician before starting any diet or exercise program. For more information, see our Disclaimer.
Emotional Benefits of Getting Outside
Spending time in nature with your baby can strengthen the bond between you. The simple act of holding your baby close, feeling their warmth, and sharing new experiences together can create strong emotional connections. It’s also a wonderful way to reduce stress and improve your mood. When my littles were extra fussy, I’d take
The Original and Four Position 360 baby carriers are designed to carry most children from birth (at least 7 pounds) with the use of the infant insert, which provides cushion and support. Infants are soft and floppy and lack the ability to hold their head and trunk up on their own. The Ergobaby infant insert provides this needed support that is not present in the carrier without it. Think of a taco holding everything up and in. This insert keeps the airway open and provides a swaddling effect that both soothes and protects the infant.
You can read more about why you need the infant insert and the importance of the infant insert on the Ergobaby blog.
How to Use the Ergobaby Infant Insert
How do you use a newborn insert? It’s really quite easy! First, attach the 360 baby carrier around your waist. Make sure it’s tight but still comfortable for you to wear. Next, take the infant insert and place it inside the carrier. The Ergobaby infant insert has