Some benefits of baby-wearing:
- Bonding
- Simulating the womb
- Producing oxytocin
- Offering safety for baby
- Sllowing the adult to get things done (hands-free)
- Giving child access and engagement in the outdoors
Some baby-wearing safety tips:
- Baby close enough to kiss
- If baby on back (see below for when to put baby on back), make sure you can turn your neck around and see them
- Allowing an open airway for baby; chin away from chest (1 to 2 fingers can fit in between their chin and chest…especially for a newborn) & fabric away from their face
- Check your work; and check every 20-30 minutes in addition
- Make sure baby’s torso is well supported by carrier (watch with stretchy wraps)
- Baby’s legs should be in an M-shape
- Usually carrier should reach from baby’s knee to knee
*Baby forward-facing on adult’s front can cause overstimulation, can be too hammock-like with lack of support for baby, and can tilt adult’s pelvis out in a poor position causing back pain* That being said, Vanessa just loves seeing baby’s being worn, so if it’s working for you and baby, then it’s working for you and baby!
To switch to back-wearing, make sure:
- Baby has enough neck strength
- Baby is over 6 months
- Baby is able to sit unassisted
- The instruction manual of carrier says baby is able to be back-worn
Some of KWE’s fav soft-structured carriers:
- Tula Free to Grow
- Ergo Baby 360
- Onya Baby
- Ring Sling
Some of KWE’s fav hiking packs:
- Osprey Poco
- Deuter 3
Some bonus things Vanessa loves:
- Uppy Mama Store in Red Deer, Alberta
- Nuun Tablets for energy!
- She reminds you to find a local educator!
Follow Vanessa on IG: @vangrowyeg
Massage Therapy Edmonton: https://pinehealth.ca/
Doula Care: https://www.fullcirclebirthcollective.com/
Thank you so much to Springbank Wellness for sponsoring today’s episode!
IG: @springbankwellness https://springbankwellness.com
Production: @kpmediaproductions
Music: @michaelferraro_music