Pros and Cons of baby carriers
Introduction
When you're a parent, there's no shortage of advice on how to raise your baby. Some experts say you should swaddle them at night; others say that might cause overheating and SIDS. Some recommend that babies sleep on their backs instead of stomachs, while others think tummy time is better for development. And then there are the people who insist that co-sleeping is absolutely necessary if you want a happy, healthy baby—but not so great for mom and dad's sleep! All these ideas are important to consider when raising your little one, but what about something like babywearing?
If you're new to this whole parenting thing or just trying to figure out what works best for your family, here's everything I've learned about keeping my newborn close during our first few months together: from why it's helpful in the first place all the way through what kind of carriers are best for various stages of development and use cases (including travel!). Hopefully this will help guide some other parents through some really tricky decisions!
Pros
Babywearing can be great for bonding with your baby. Skin-to-skin contact is a wonderful way to help you feel closer and more connected to your little one and it can help them feel safe and secure, which will make breastfeeding easier. Babywearing is also a great option if you're trying to get back into shape after childbirth because it allows you to do things while keeping your hands free. Many carriers are easy enough for anyone in the family (even grandparents) to use, so they'll be able to enjoy hanging out with the little ones too!
If you're planning on traveling by plane or train with a baby who isn't yet old enough for an actual stroller (which usually means up until around 6 months), then babywearing may be an ideal choice because it makes traveling easier without adding any bulk or weight onto your luggage. You don’t have extra stuff taking up space inside the cabin of whatever form of transit vehicle you’re using; instead all that needed gear stays close at hand on top of your body where its easy access makes everything work smoothly regardless what mode of transportation we choose!
Babywearing can help with breastfeeding
With a baby carrier, your infant can breastfeed while you're on the go. Your baby's head will be supported, and it'll be easier for him or her to latch on to the breast. This can help improve milk supply by encouraging let-down (when milk flows out of the breast). Having your infant in a carrier also helps you relax as well as feel more connected with your child. Some parents say that having their babies close helps them bond better with their children and know what they're thinking when they cry or fuss in response to being carried around in a sling or carrier.
Giving baby and parents skin-to-skin contact.
One of the pros of babywearing is that it gives you and your child skin-to-skin contact, which is important for their development. Skin-to-skin contact helps keep your baby warm and also helps them regulate their body temperature. It's also a great way to bond with your child when you're out and about doing errands or are just enjoying some time together.
Baby is close to your heart
Baby is close to your heart.
- Baby can hear your heartbeat. This sound helps baby know that they are safe, and it also helps them to relax.
- Baby can smell your scent, which reminds them of home (you) when you're away from the house or out in public places where there are lots of other people around.
- You'll be able to feel the warmth of baby's body against yours as you hold them close in a carrier that allows for skin-to-skin contact.
You'll also be able to feel their breathing patterns while they sleep on your chest as they nuzzle into the fabric of whatever carrier you choose to use as well!
Great for travel
The great travel accessory for baby carriers is that they can be used for travel in the car, on a plane, or on public transport. Babywearing is great for keeping your little one asleep while traveling. You can also use it to keep them entertained while travelling.
Keeps your hands free
Baby carriers can be very convenient for parents who want to keep their hands free or want to multitask. For example, you can use your hands to talk on the phone or hold a bottle while wearing your baby in a carrier. You also don't have to worry about holding up your child as you walk around, which could be helpful if you have back problems or other issues with mobility.
Baby feels safe and secure
Babies feel safe and secure when they're held close to you in a baby carrier. They can hear your heartbeat, smell you and sense your movements. This helps them feel more comfortable and relaxed. It also makes them less likely to fuss or cry as much because they are spending time with their parents—which is important for bonding!
When I was carrying my son around in his carrier, he would often fall asleep. It was like magic! He would be wide awake one minute but then almost immediately go quiet after being put inside his carrier. He'd nap quietly while we were out shopping or going on walks together as a family unit—it was very sweet to see him snoozing away while I went about my business doing things that needed attention (like grocery shopping).
Promotes bonding between parent and child
The fact that baby carriers help parents and children bond is a huge pro. Babies who are carried by their parents are able to see, hear, smell and touch their caregiver. This creates a stronger connection between parent and child.
Cons
Baby carriers are great for busy parents and babies alike. However, in order to use them safely and be sure you're getting the most out of your carrier, it's important to remember some basics:
- Ensure that shoulder straps are snug around your body and not riding up over your shoulders or slipping off them entirely (this can happen if there are too many layers of clothing on underneath). When possible, try wearing the carrier without anything else on top or beneath so you can feel exactly how tight everything needs to be before putting in baby next time!
- Don't forget about head support! It's easy for babies' heads to flop forward when there isn't any padding behind their heads—especially when sleeping—so make sure there is some kind of cushioning along this area (even if just from a t-shirt wrapped around back).
Can be awkward to get baby into a carrier at first
If you're new to babywearing, it can be awkward to put your little one in a carrier for the first time. You'll need to practice getting them into a good position and have the right carrier for their size. You also need to be able to do this on your own, or with minimal help from someone else who's familiar with babywearing.
Please check our extensive and easy video and text instructions to help you at first.
Needs to be used correctly to keep baby safe
Carriers are designed to be safe, but they should always be used correctly to keep your baby safe. Always make sure that the carrier is designed for your child's weight and size, as well as your body type (if you're a man, for example). It's also important that you read the instructions before using a carrier. You'll have more success if you understand what it takes to get started with one in the first place!
Conclusion
Babywearing is a great way to bond with your baby and give them the closeness they need. However, there are some safety risks that you should be aware of before using a carrier. We hope this article has helped you decide if babywearing is right for you!