Slings, baby carriers, back carriers and infant carriers: when it comes to mobility with baby and toddler, parents are spoiled for choice. The scent of mommy, the deep voice of daddy – especially in the first year of life, it is important for babies to feel the reassuring closeness of their parents. However, anyone who has ever carried such a bundle of joy around in their arms for a long time knows how heavy even the smallest baby can become in the long run.
Advantages of a baby sling
In this case, for example, a baby sling is recommended, which can already be used in the first weeks of life. Advantages: The parents have the child close to the body, thereby the hands free and the own back is spared. The child can be carried in the cradle position or in the so-called spread-squat position (“frog position”) in front of the parent’s stomach.
The spread-squat position is a natural position in which the baby’s thighs are pulled in to at least 90 degrees. It encourages his hip to develop well and minimizes the risk of hip malposition. The baby’s head and back are well supported in the sling, and the movements encourage a sense of balance and back muscles.
However, the wrapping technique requires some practice from parents. Many manufacturers of high-quality slings offer good instructions. There are also courses, for example, offered by birth centers, midwives or lactation consultants. When buying, parents should make sure that
- The material does not contain harmful substances such as formaldehyde, pesticides or other substances that are harmful to health. Before use, be sure to wash thoroughly.
- The fabric yields in moderation, but does not wear out. Double stitched cloth edges also prevent cutting into the skin.
- The cloth is large enough so that other, large people can carry the child.
Carrier bags easier than swaddling cloths
Carrier bags are generally easier to use than swaddling cloths. When buying, parents should make sure that the child’s head is well supported and that the bar between the legs is wide enough to ensure the spread-squat position. This also applies to other baby carriers. In addition: never carry babies with their backs to their stomachs, otherwise they will overstretch their backs, be at the mercy of many new impressions, and also lack healthy body and hip posture.
In the meantime, children can be carried in an appropriate back carrier from the age of about four months. To prevent parents from experiencing back pain or tension, the weight should be distributed over the shoulders and hips in a similar way to a backpack. Properly adjusted shoulder and lap straps help with this.
Back carrying frame for hiking
For hiking with a child who can already sit well (from about eight months), a back carrier is suitable. In the great outdoors, the sturdy racks are well suited, because the risk of bumping into something or getting stuck somewhere is low there. However, care should be taken when putting down the back carrier – do not put the children down with it alone, as they can so easily fall over.
Baby carriers in the car
Baby carriers are primarily intended for transport in the car – they are usually too heavy for longer carrying and cause poor posture. Some manufacturers offer so-called travel systems, in which the baby shell can be attached to a mobile frame or converted into a buggy.
Infant carriers are suitable for babies weighing up to 13 kilograms. Their advantage: the child can be transported quickly from A to B, cumbersome assembly of the stroller is eliminated and the shell is also very suitable for sleeping.
Use stroller when back pain
With all the advantages that the baby has when it is carried, of course, the needs of parents should not be neglected. Who gets back pain or back tension from it, better put his offspring in the stroller or buggy.
