 The
benefits of baby carrying
Most parents own some form of baby carrier, yet despite this more
than eight in ten parents in the UK transport their babies by pushchair
rather than carrying them. But what exactly does baby carrying involve
and should we do more of it? We talk to chiropractor, Julian Keel (pictured
right carrying his 7 month old daughter in a baby carrier) and other experts
about the ups and downs of using a baby sling or carrier.
What is baby carrying?
Baby carrying, also known as baby wearing, is exactly as it says on the
box - using a sling or other form of carrier to 'wear' your baby. In fact,
the many supporters of baby carrying say that babies should be carried
constantly for the first few months of life. And not only by mothers,
but by dads and even older siblings too.
Newborn babies love to be carried and, despite old wives' tales to the
contrary, you are neither spoiling nor giving in to a crying baby by picking
him up. In fact, you are simply answering his instinctive cry for you.
The benefits of baby carrying have been recorded for many years, most
famously by Jean Liedloff author of The Continuum Concept: Allowing Human
Nature to Work Successfully, based on spending several years with the
people of the Yequana tribe in South America. She noticed that the Yequana
babies were content, happy and well behaved. She put this down to the
benefits of baby carrying and from it she developed the Continuum Concept
which she says, "Consists, simply, of the infant having 24-hour contact
with an adult or older child. "For millions of years newborn babies have
been held close to their mothers from the moment of birth. Some babies
of the last few hundred generations may have been deprived of this experience
but that has not lessened each new baby's expectation that he will be
held in his rightful place."
And in 2004 the Johnson's Baby report "Power of Touch" suggested babies
are suffering from a mild form of sensory deprivation, because of the
excessive use of car seats and prams.
The benefits
Baby carrying not only benefits your baby, but both you and your partner,
and anyone else who cares for your child.
Hands free parenting - Carrying your baby in a sling gives you
the convenience of having both hands free while still being able to offer
your baby the security of your presence. Author of 'Ten reasons to wear
your baby', Laura Simeon, says, "When we carry a baby in a sling, we can
walk around freely and not have to worry about negotiating steps, crowds
or narrow aisles with a stroller."
Breastfeeding - Carrying your baby in a sling helps you to breastfeed
discreetly. Not only that, but having your baby close to you, stimulates
you to produce prolactin, encouraging milk production. The constant motion
also helps your baby to bring up wind easier, especially if you hold him
in a more upright sling position. The sling also offers protection against
distractions for your baby.
Security - By carrying your baby in a sling, he is in tune with
you in a way similar to when he was in the womb. He can hear your heartbeat
and breathing, and feel every move you make. Because of this, babywearing
is often described as the easiest transition from the womb.
Promotes development - When carried, your baby sees the world
from where you do, rather than at knee level, and the extra stimulation
benefits brain development.
Learning - Babies in a sling spend more time in the state known
as 'quiet alertness' so they are awake but contented. This is the optimal
state for learning for a newborn, who is more able to learn from his surroundings
in a calm contented manner.
Communication - Because your baby is so close to you physically,
he can communicate his needs to you without having to cry. Holding him
close helps you become finely attuned to his facial expressions, to let
you know when he's hungry, or needs a nappy change. Paediatrician Graham
Barr found that babies who are carried cry 43 per cent less overall and
54 per cent less during the evening hours.
Bonding - Fathers don't have the automatic bond with their children
that mothers build up during pregnancy, but by wearing their baby in a
sling, their child can become familiar with the sound of his heartbeat,
breathing and movements.
Is it safe?
There is some debate about the safety of babywearing, with fans saying
it's perfectly safe when used properly. However, some medical sources
are concerned about the risk of potential spinal damage. Regardless, if
you do choose to babywear, you should be aware of any potential hazards.
Environment - be more aware of things that could trip you up,
such as kerbs, toys, icy or slippery paths. However, parents who fall
while wearing a baby are better able to save themselves, and are less
likely to drop a child.
Space - be aware of the need for more space to turn, or when walking
by counters or through doorways. You should be aware of the position of
your baby's head at all times so you do not bump it.
Newborns - it's important that you keep an eye on your newborn
to make sure his head has not fallen forward - chin to chest - and is
not obstructing his breathing.
Infants - in a sling, a baby is higher up and has more freedom
and movement, so be careful that he can't grab things that would normally
be out of his reach.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a condition where one of the vertebra in the spine
slips forward, causing a bend and pain in the lower back. Some experts
believe that wearing the wrong baby carrier can cause spondylolisthesis
in your baby. Chiropractor Rochelle Casses says, "As we are finally realising
the benefits of "wearing" our infants as we perform our daily activities,
we must be careful not to compromise the integrity of our child's spine
through the use of improper carriers. "Spondylolisthesis is a condition
that can result in the low back from excessive stress, such as a baby's
spine might experience in certain carriers on the market today. It is
relatively uncommon, but when aggravated is extremely painful.
"If the trend continues to carry our infants in carriers (or place them
in walkers, jumpers, etc.) that place our babies' spines in a weight bearing
position before the spines is intended to do so, the percentage of spondylolisthesis
will increase."
Choosing a sling
If you decide to babywear your child, you'll need to choose which sling
is best for you and your baby's stage of development. There are several
factors that you should consider before making your choice.
Chiropractor, Julian Keel has a special interest in treating mums-to-be
and babies, he is often asked about the possible benefits or dangers,
from a chiropractic point of view, of using baby slings and carriers.
Other than the obvious universal benefits of bonding he feels there is
no one sling or carrier type that will do everything needed for every
occasion. Many factors need to be taken into account:
- age of your baby
- fitness of the mother/wearer (e.g. the presence of any back problems)
- size/weight of your baby
- physical developmental stage of your baby
Aspects to consider:
Your fitness: Carriers: front, side or back packs decrease a parent's
stability when walking or hiking and parents need to be in reasonable
shape for carrying whilst on the move.
Your comfort: Straps should be wide for comfort and better weight
distribution.
Baby's comfort: On the whole, baby slings are really only intended
for very young infants and bear in mind that a baby can get very hot inside.
Physical development of your baby: Backpack type carriers should
only be used after a baby has fully developed his neck muscles because
until this stage your baby cannot control his head and putting him in
a carrier causes a lot of 'bobbing around' of his head. Whereas with a
front carrier, the wearer can keep an eye on the baby and give baby's
head additional support using his or her hands if needed.
Your safety: Be aware that a significant cause of injury is due
to the parent or carer slipping or falling - wearing sensible footwear
and looking out for poor weather conditions are musts.
Your baby's spine: Do not attempt to run or jog - a baby's spine
and nervous system are not yet adjusted to cope with the motion and stresses
placed upon it through these movements.
Which type of sling when?
Julian says "Wrap around slings are best for providing good weight
distribution so are suitable for parents with back problems whilst also
providing support for your newborn.
Another thing to watch out for is using a baby carrier that supports
your baby both around the thighs and buttocks rather than between the
legs too early in your baby's life."
He adds "In general I would favour sling types for babies before their
neck and back muscles are sufficiently developed because they provide
the most support. When your baby can sit and hold his head up unaided,
then the more upright carriers provide better straps and design for the
parent - who is now carrying a heavier baby.
I do think that carriers and slings provide a good alternative to transporting
your baby exclusively in a buggy or pram particularly in the first 6 months
when a baby's head is vulnerable to plagiocephaly
(flat head) by constantly being laid on its back."
Where to next?
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