Earth Babies Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Wrap’

1) POUCH SLING (or Pocket Sling)

A pouch sling is by far the easiest of the baby carriers to use. It is a tube of fabric which you wear diagonally across your body (on one shoulder like a sash). The tube is folded double, forming a pocket which you can pop baby into.
At Earth Babies we stock the Rhubarb and Custard Pouch.

Pros:

Very easy to use,

No real learning curve

Ideal for newborns and small babies

Streamlined look – not bulky

No clips, buckles, rings, tying or adjusting

Lightweight and folds slim to fit in any bag

Possible to breastfeed with baby in it

Excellent for quick trips/errands

Cons:

Weight distributed to only one shoulder

Not Adjustable – baby cannot be pulled in close to the body resulting in body strain and feeling baby is not secure

Not specifically practical with toddlers

Comes in different sizes – correct size is important

Can be difficult to determine correct size

Parents/caregivers can’t share pouch if different sizes

Less discreet for breast feeding (does not provide cover)

A bit of a manoeuvre to take off if baby falls asleep

Though it does free up your hands it is not hands free (specifically once baby sits upright)

2) PADDED RING SLING

A length of fabric with padding in the shoulder area and the edges of the fabric. Some are thinly padded in the body of the sling. The one end of the sling is sewn closed to form a tab or point and this is threaded through 2 rings on the opposite side to form a circular tube.
It is similar to a pouch in that it has limited adjustment but is easy to use (pro’s and cons are similar apart from that the Padded ring sling has slightly more scope for adjustment and it is a bulkier carrier)
At Earth Babies we no longer stock a Padded ring Sling

Pros:

Easy to use,

No real learning curve

Ideal for newborns and small babies

Possible to breastfeed with baby in it

Excellent for quick trips/errands

Easy to take off if baby falls asleep

Padding provides a little cushioning on contact points (shoulder)

Cons:

Weight distributed to only one shoulder

Not wide range of adjustment – baby cannot be pulled in as close to the body resulting in body strain and feeling baby is not secure

Comes in different sizes – correct size is important

Can be difficult to determine correct size

Parents/caregivers can’t share pouch if different sizes

Less discreet for breast feeding (does not provide cover)

Though it does free up your hands it is not totally hands free

Because of the padding it can appear to be bulky and can be hot to wear

If the body is lightly padded the sling becomes less flexible around the body

Does not fold up small but can fit in a bigger nappy bag

3) UNPADDED RING SLING
An unpadded ring sling is the most practical of the carriers.
It is a length of lightweight fabric with rings sewn in on one end. The open side of fabric is fed through the rings (like a basic belt buckle) to make a secure pouch/pocket for the baby.
The sling is worn over your shoulder and across the body like a sash. You adjust the size and fit of the carrier by pulling the fabric through the rings to get excellent support and comfort for you both.
At Earth Babies we sell Earth Babies Unpadded ring sling

Pros:

One size fits all – can be shared with all caretakers

Unlimited adjustment ** – the top, bottom edges and the centre (body of the fabric) can be adjusted independently to custom fit your needs.

** The close fit allows for comfortable and secure hands free carrying.

Easy to get baby in high and snug

Good for the snugly tummy to tummy position

Good for quick trips/errands and longer periods of wearing (even with bigger babies)

The open tail makes it excellent for discreet covered breast feeding

Has the most options of all the carriers on positions in which baby can carried – lying down (on back or tummy to tummy); upright (facing in or out – legs in or out); hip carry, back carry and hammock carry (for preschoolers)

Lots of room to get longer legs in and out.

Easy to take off once baby falls asleep

Folds up small, fit in practically any nappy bag

Non bulky to wear

Light, flexible and breathable fabric

Cons:

Weight distributed to only one shoulder

Takes practice to get used to adjusting fabric through the rings and getting a comfortable carry

Some people do not like the extra fabric in the tail

Rings can appear to be in the way if not correctly fitted

If not used correctly it can be uncomfortable and cause strain

4) SOFT STRUCTURED CARRIER
Soft structured carriers are more conventional back-pack type carriers. Ideal for heavier, older baby and toddler carrying.
They have an approximately rectangular section which holds your baby securely against your body and straps to attach the carrier to you. Some tie on and some fasten with clips. They are generally easy to use and distribute the weight of your baby evenly, and vertically on your back much like a rucksack or backpack.
At Earth Babies we sell the Khanyisa African Baby Carrier

Pros:

Easy to learn to use

Can be used on front or back

Relatively adjustable in size

One size fits most so can be shared by parents/care givers

Has a padded waist belt to support under babies bum

Weight distribution is balanced over both shoulders, back and waist

Good for heavier babies/toddlers,

Comfortable for long periods of wearing and carrying of heavy babies

Usually have highest resale value

Sturdy fabric

Cons:

Adjusting of belts and buckles can take a while to figure out.

Uncomfortable if not correctly fitted

Can’t really be used for comfortable breast feeding

Not recommended for newborns and babies under 3-4 months (lack of neck/head control)

Does not hold baby as snugly against body as some other options may

Can only be carried in upright position

Child is always inward facing (towards parents body)

Very bulky to store

4) WRAP
A wrap comes in either stretchy or non-stretchy fabric. It is the most versatile and probably comfortable baby carrier but the one most difficult to learn to use optimally.
It is a length of fabric with which you wrap the baby onto your body in different positions.

At Earth Babies we sell the Traditional Kikoi wrap (non stretchy) – The stretchy Wrap me up Baby Wrapz is coming soon.

Pros:

Two-shouldered carry – most people find them extremely comfortable to wear, even with a heavy baby, as the baby’s weight can be spread closely over both shoulders, back and the waist/hips.

Fit any size and shape perfectly

Gives baby’s head, neck, back, hips and legs ideal support

Holds baby high and snug

Grows with baby

No baby too small for this style carrier (perfect for premies & kangaroo care)

Can pre-tie and pop baby in and out for quick errands

Versatile – you can wear your baby in almost any position, choosing a wrap that suits you.

Can be used for newborns right through to older toddlers

Cons:

Greatest learning curve, especially for back carries **

** This means that occasional carers are less likely to try using it

Long piece of fabric can be intimidating and overwhelming when wrapping.

Bulky to store

Some people feel constrained or engulfed by the amount of fabric around them.

For some it is not an easy on and off option so only used if wearing baby for long periods.

It can be hot, depending on the fabric and season

Why not try our fun Which Baby carrier for me? Quiz

A quick fun guide on which carrier/s would best suit you, according to what you want it for.

***You can choose more than one option per group

1) How long do you think you would like to carry for

a) For the first 6 months
b) For the first year plus
c) For the first year at least
d) For as long as I can carry their weight

2) In what situations do you think you would use your carrier, do you need free hands?

a) Around the house or quick outings – 1 hand free will be enough
b) When out, shopping or working. Need to be hands free.
c) For long periods of wearing. Need hand free.
d) For going on long walks or hikes

3) Who will be using your baby carrier?

a) Only me
b) Anyone who cares for baby
c) Mostly myself and possibly husband
d) Myself & husband (and possibly others)

4) How much time are you willing to spend learning how to use it?

a) Few minutes max
b) I don’t mind practicing a bit
c) I have time and love experimenting, give me a challenge
d) I would prefer something you set up and leave. Not too fiddly

5) What look do you like?

a) Stylish, Trendy
b) Boho, Relaxed
c) Casual, Comfortable
d) Sporty, Structured

6) In terms of comfort, how do you imagine carrying baby most?

a) Lying down or sitting
b) Lying or on my front, I like hip carrying
c) Upright snuggled close – on my front able to face out
d) Once big enough definitely on my back and upright.

7) How old is baby right now ?

a) Pregnant or Newborn
b) Pregnant – 8 months
c) Pregnant or Newborn
d) 4months and older

8 ) If breastfeeding – are you wanting something you can breastfeed easily & discretely in?

a) Would be nice if it was easy, discreet not really an issue
b) Yup that is high on my list
c) No I doubt I will be feeding with baby in a carrier
d) If they can but it is not really something I would do

9) Will you be putting baby in and out often?

a) Yes, needs to be quick in and out
b) Yup relatively easy in and outs
c) No once baby is in they will stay there for a while
d) No but would like it to be fuss free when we do use it

10) Do you want to always have it close at hand and is carry space an issue?

a) I want it folded neatly and take as little space possible in my bag
b) I want it close so needs to be able to fit in my bag
c) My bag is BIG – space for everything
d) Dont mind carrying something extra when I need it

If your highest score was A, you might enjoy a pouch.
If your highest score was B, you might enjoy a ring sling.
If your highest score was C, you might enjoy a long wrap
If your highest score was D, you might enjoy a structured carrier

Baby Carrier Comparison (Pro’s & Con’s)

1. Happy baby: Babies who are carried more often have been found to be in general calmer and they cry/fuss less.

* Mother and baby contact is the baby’s first socio-emotional interaction – it allows for both emotional and sensory stimulation.
* A Study done in 1986 by Hunziker and Barr on increased carrying and its affect on infant crying, showed that baby’s who were carried more throughout the day cried less and the intensity of their crying was less distressed – (this study specifically looks at the occurrence and increased diagnosis of ‘3 month colic’ ).
* Decreased reflux and colic (wind): Many moms have said that a sling helps with colic (wind), by reducing the need for burping as well as babies’ tendencies of vomiting and excess spitting up. Being supported in a more upright position seems to help, as does the soothing movement of the mother’s body.

2. Feeling secure: being close to mom is a baby’s safe place.

* Moms have found that babies who are carried are less likely to become overstimulated – not only is baby happiest when in physical contact with a parent, but in a new environment – especially one with a lot of outside stimulation (eg. shopping centre) – babies often feel insecure. The general trend is covering of a baby’s pram to block out the visual stimulation. This however does not block out the auditory stimulation, which can overwhelm when isolated with no view of the cause. Babywearing helps baby feel safe in all situations.

3. Alternative style carriers are gentler on tiny backs:

* They support the baby’s neck preventing whiplash type injuries to neck and spine.
* Allow for carrying in positions that place no weight bearing pressure on the spine (”The young baby should be horizontal or inclined, with the spine supported along its length” ~ Rochelle L. Casses, D.C)
* The baby is supported by fabric that conforms firmly to their body, this eliminates pressure on their developing backs from hanging upright, unsupported and with all their downward weight on their pelvis & lower back.
* Baby is supported under the entire bum and thighs not only between the legs.

4. Comfortable for mom/dad:

* No rigid frame with set arm and leg openings.
* Baby’s weight is distributed more evenly across the body and supported into the body (usually against the shoulders, back and hips) as opposed to the full weight hanging from the shoulders and away from the body (which pulls your centre of gravity off kilter resulting in the strain of continuously correcting posture).
* Certain of the carriers (unpadded slings & wraps) have unlimited adjustment which allows you to find the most comfortable balanced carry for yourself and baby

5. More confident parents

* A parent able to recognize baby’s needs and triggers and reduce crying, helps to lessen the feelings of panic or being overwhelmed.
* When spending close time with your baby, it is easier able to recognise and relate to her needs, this promotes responsiveness and allows for an increased attachment.
* Can help with maternal depression and aids bonding between mother and baby
* Mothers’ struggling to adjust to having a new baby have found that carrying can help them to bond without the pressure of having to emotionally interact when they feel unable to.

6. Soft carriers such as the slings and wraps offer a variety of carry positions which you can change depending on your baby’s age and mood. eg. lying – horizontal or diagonal, upright – facing in or out, on your front, hip, back etc.

7. Improves baby’s development:

* Babies who are held and cuddled a lot are more attentive and develop mentally and physically much quicker than babies who receive minimal physical contact.
* Enhanced language and social skills: Babies who are worn experience people interacting at eye and voice level, through this involvement in conversation they learn not only language, facial interaction and sounds but the ability to listen.
* Carried babies spend more time in a quiet, alert state which allows for optimal learning – without specific teaching taking place.
* A baby with a sense of security and trust is more receptive to external stimulus.
* The continual movement helps develop and regulate a babies vestibular system which helps with balance and spacial awareness.
* Interaction within their environment helps the brain to grow and learn through stimulating the branching out and connecting of nerves – babywearing helps the right connections to be made

8. Allows for easier breastfeeding

* Contact is an important trigger both for babies latching ability but also a mothers ability to produce milk. Carrying allows for this closeness.
*Slings are ideal for discreet breastfeeding when in public, making it a more comfortable experience for mother, baby and those in the vicinity.
* For a mother with older children sometimes finding time to breastfeed can appear to be a challenge – a sling can help support baby at the breast, leaving mom hands free to give attention to a sibling at the same time (cuddle, read a story, build a puzzle etc).

9. Free hands:

* What all moms’ need … more hands. It is a lot easier to get daily tasks done while wearing your baby than to try and rush to do things before baby starts crying.
* Some carriers allow for hands free wearing, specifically those that hold baby securely against your body (front back carriers, wraps, unpadded slings).
* Having the ability to be able to do things beyond simply holding your baby in your arms, helps to lessen that isolated/trapped feeling mothers often experience.
* Needed when you have other children – see last * of point 8. This also helps with sibling bonding and acceptance as it lessens jealousy, without too much pressure and tug of war for mom-time

10. They are practical.

* They allow for more freedom of movement – eg. when shopping – having a pram can be limiting in terms of moving between floors, maneuvering between people and aisles and it is impossible to push a pram and a trolley.
* They are economical – carrier R200-R300 vs pram R600 +.
* Baby carriers can be folded up and packed into a bag so are close at hand when needed.


Great Babywearing sites and articles
The BabyWearer
Dr Sears on Baby wearing
10 reasons to wear your baby
La Leche League’s view on the benefits
Babywearing International

Research based articles
Baby carriers and Spinal Stress
Hunziker and Barr study on the affects of baby carrying on infant crying