Ep. 10 Babywearing 101 with Vanessa Shynkaruk

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