Babywearing FAQ's
1. When can I start?
You can start baby wearing with a newborn! Baby wearing supports the idea of the fourth trimester (that the first three months of life are an extension of life in the womb). Baby wearing allows for lots of cosy snuggles keeping baby feeling warm, safe and secure. If you have a baby who is smaller newborn, please get in touch to discuss small baby carrying options.
2. Is it too late to start baby wearing my older baby/toddler
Not at all! Older babies and big kids like to be carried too and sometimes it's easier to carry! Whenever you come to begin your baby wearing journey it's all about finding the right sling and the right position that suits you and baby. Sometimes older babies and bigger kids may fuss when they are put into a sling (even if they have been carried from birth). Give yourself and baby time to get used to it and usually he or she will settle when you get moving and talking.
3. Is it safe?
Slings and baby carriers are safe when worn correctly. Have a look at the safety information on this website and each sling will also come with it's own instructions on safe baby wearing. A good rule with regards to activities you can do while baby wearing is if you wouldn't do it with a baby just in your arms then don't do it when baby wearing.
4. Will my baby get too hot or be too cold?
Layers! They are key to getting baby's temperature right in a sling or carrier. You don't need to use a baby snow suit in a sling as it is hard to adjust the sling or carrier to the optimum position and tightness and baby may overheat. Lots of layers, leg warmers, hat and cosy socks. Remember too that your body heat will keep baby (and you) warm and each layer of a sling counts as a layer of clothing. And in summer: dress right down. You can always add a layer.
5. What's the "best position"?
The ideal position for baby to be in when using a sling is with baby's knees are higher than their bottom and they sit in an "M" shape. This is especially important for very young babies as it allows for their hip joint to be in an optimum position for development. (keeps the ball of the hip in it's socket as it continues to form and grow in the first two years). To achieve this position the fabric or seat of the sling should be spread from the back of one knee to the other.
6. Can I forward face?
Of course! There are some really great carriers which offer this position ergonomically. (my favourite are the ergo omni 360 and the tula explore). Normally at around 5 months old babies are ready to do this. You can check by making sure that your baby can sit comfortably in the forward facing position without the panel of the carrier covering your baby's face and that they have excellent head control so they don't slump forward in that position. Baby should be turned around to the parent facing position BEFORE nap time to make sure that baby is in a safe position for nap time.
7. How long can I baby wear for?
As long as you are both comfortable. There are slings and carriers that are suitable for toddlers, preschoolers and beyond. Big kids need carrying too. So enjoy those snuggles for as long as you can get them!
8. Is it going to damage my back?
We always say "baby wearing should never be uncomfortable". If it is try adjusting your sling, perhaps making it tighter or higher, or wearing it in a different position (moving from a front carry to a back carry if baby is big enough) or try a different sling. For those with existing back troubles try and choose a sling which offers support for the problem area. All of the slings we use and recommend are all those which put baby into the seated "M" position meaning that baby's weight is going through your core rather than hanging off your shoulders and so should put limited strain on your back. If you babywear from birth you will find that your back and shoulders become stronger gradually as your baby's weight increases.
9. When can I back carry?
We like to recommend back carrying when baby is about six months old or when baby is confidently sitting unaided and has excellent head control. This allows you to have the confidence that baby won't slump down in a sling when on your back and also means it is easier to put baby on your back as they have enough muscle strength of their own to assist you.
10. Is it expensive?
Yes and no. There are lots of budget options that are still great slings. Our favourite companies which offer great budget options are Lenny Lamb and Yaro. There are lots of "cheaper" options on amazon and eBay. If it looks too good to be true it probably is and may well be a fake of a more expensive sling. These could well be dangerous, be aware. You can spend lots and lots on individual slings or a "stash" of slings too. Those who baby wear exclusively may find that they need more than one type of sling depending on what it is they are doing that day.
You can start baby wearing with a newborn! Baby wearing supports the idea of the fourth trimester (that the first three months of life are an extension of life in the womb). Baby wearing allows for lots of cosy snuggles keeping baby feeling warm, safe and secure. If you have a baby who is smaller newborn, please get in touch to discuss small baby carrying options.
2. Is it too late to start baby wearing my older baby/toddler
Not at all! Older babies and big kids like to be carried too and sometimes it's easier to carry! Whenever you come to begin your baby wearing journey it's all about finding the right sling and the right position that suits you and baby. Sometimes older babies and bigger kids may fuss when they are put into a sling (even if they have been carried from birth). Give yourself and baby time to get used to it and usually he or she will settle when you get moving and talking.
3. Is it safe?
Slings and baby carriers are safe when worn correctly. Have a look at the safety information on this website and each sling will also come with it's own instructions on safe baby wearing. A good rule with regards to activities you can do while baby wearing is if you wouldn't do it with a baby just in your arms then don't do it when baby wearing.
4. Will my baby get too hot or be too cold?
Layers! They are key to getting baby's temperature right in a sling or carrier. You don't need to use a baby snow suit in a sling as it is hard to adjust the sling or carrier to the optimum position and tightness and baby may overheat. Lots of layers, leg warmers, hat and cosy socks. Remember too that your body heat will keep baby (and you) warm and each layer of a sling counts as a layer of clothing. And in summer: dress right down. You can always add a layer.
5. What's the "best position"?
The ideal position for baby to be in when using a sling is with baby's knees are higher than their bottom and they sit in an "M" shape. This is especially important for very young babies as it allows for their hip joint to be in an optimum position for development. (keeps the ball of the hip in it's socket as it continues to form and grow in the first two years). To achieve this position the fabric or seat of the sling should be spread from the back of one knee to the other.
6. Can I forward face?
Of course! There are some really great carriers which offer this position ergonomically. (my favourite are the ergo omni 360 and the tula explore). Normally at around 5 months old babies are ready to do this. You can check by making sure that your baby can sit comfortably in the forward facing position without the panel of the carrier covering your baby's face and that they have excellent head control so they don't slump forward in that position. Baby should be turned around to the parent facing position BEFORE nap time to make sure that baby is in a safe position for nap time.
7. How long can I baby wear for?
As long as you are both comfortable. There are slings and carriers that are suitable for toddlers, preschoolers and beyond. Big kids need carrying too. So enjoy those snuggles for as long as you can get them!
8. Is it going to damage my back?
We always say "baby wearing should never be uncomfortable". If it is try adjusting your sling, perhaps making it tighter or higher, or wearing it in a different position (moving from a front carry to a back carry if baby is big enough) or try a different sling. For those with existing back troubles try and choose a sling which offers support for the problem area. All of the slings we use and recommend are all those which put baby into the seated "M" position meaning that baby's weight is going through your core rather than hanging off your shoulders and so should put limited strain on your back. If you babywear from birth you will find that your back and shoulders become stronger gradually as your baby's weight increases.
9. When can I back carry?
We like to recommend back carrying when baby is about six months old or when baby is confidently sitting unaided and has excellent head control. This allows you to have the confidence that baby won't slump down in a sling when on your back and also means it is easier to put baby on your back as they have enough muscle strength of their own to assist you.
10. Is it expensive?
Yes and no. There are lots of budget options that are still great slings. Our favourite companies which offer great budget options are Lenny Lamb and Yaro. There are lots of "cheaper" options on amazon and eBay. If it looks too good to be true it probably is and may well be a fake of a more expensive sling. These could well be dangerous, be aware. You can spend lots and lots on individual slings or a "stash" of slings too. Those who baby wear exclusively may find that they need more than one type of sling depending on what it is they are doing that day.