How to use a baby carrier for a newborn?

It is no-doubt very hard to keep your baby at a distance. Parents want to keep their babies close at all times. This is why baby carriers are one of the most amazing baby items that can make life so much easier and convenient for parents. These carriers allow parents to bond with their baby even as they perform their everyday tasks. However, for these carriers to be useful, it is also important to use them carefully and usefully. So, this guide will help you learn all the safe habits to use a baby sling the right way.

Top Safe Habits to Wear Your Baby Carriers

Here are some of the safety habits that you should follow when you are carrying your baby. 

The T.I.C.K.S. Rule for Babywearing Safety

The first and the most important rule while carrying your baby is the TICKS rules. It is designed so that parents can remember the main things that they should consider while using a baby carrier. Here’s what TICKS stands for: 

1. Tight – The word ‘Tight’ means that the baby sling should have a snug enough fit. It should be tight (although not too tight) so that you can keep the baby close to your body while also providing the right type of support.”
2. In View at All Times – The ‘I’ in TICKS means that when you use a baby carrier, your baby should be in your view all the time. This means that you should be able to see your baby easily by simply looking down. This way, you can easily check on your baby and see if they are breathing properly. 
3. Close Enough to Kiss – The next letter in this word refers to being able to kiss your baby’s head easily while babywearing. All you have to do is simply lean forward and kiss their head without too much strain. 
4. Keep Chin Off Chest – The next thing to consider is that their chin should not be too tight against their chest. If that happens, then your baby will be uncomfortable in the baby carriers and will not enjoy their time in it. 
5. Supported Back – Lastly, the carrier should be able to support your baby’s back and the position should be natural for them. This means that their spine should be in a smooth curved ‘C’ shape. 

Proper Positioning for Newborns

The positioning of your newborn in a baby carrier or baby sling is also important. With the help of proper positioning, your baby will be more comfortable in the baby sling and there will be no strain on their back. Here’s what you should consider: 

Frog-Leg Position

In the frog-leg position, your baby’s body should be in a subtle “M” shape. If you are unable to understand what it means, here’s what it means; your baby’s knees should be higher than their bottom and their legs should form a soft “M” shape. It’s more like a “spread-squat” position. This is important to have proper health and proper growth for their body. 

Head and Neck Support

When your baby is in a sling, then their head should be supported well. This is because babies cannot support or control their head on their own. So, you can make the experience much smoother and easier for them by giving them the much-needed support in the carrier. You can do this by tightening the sling properly and making sure their head is not pressing too harshly against your body. It should be resting gently on your chest. 

Avoid Loose Fit

It is important to remember that if the fitting of the baby carriers is loose then it will not provide the support that your baby needs. This is why you should always check that the fit is proper and tight enough to keep them comfortable. A snug fit provides both comfort and stability.

Safe Activities to Do While Babywearing

Babywearing lets you continue with light activities, but there are certain things to avoid to maintain safety.

• Limit Straining Activities

When your baby is so close to you, then it is better to stay away from activities that could put you or your baby in danger. This also involves things like lifting heavy weights or running. In this case, it is best to focus on simple and safe activities.

Avoid Bending at the Waist

Similarly, you should also avoid bending at your waist a lot because it can put your baby in an uncomfortable position. As an alternative to that, it is better to bend your knees whenever you need to pick something up. This way, your baby will still remain in an upright position.

Be Mindful Around Hazards

You should also be mindful around huge obstacles or places that can be dangerous. This also includes your everyday activities like walking up stairs or uneven surfaces. In such places, you can easily lose your balance and fall down. This can not only cause harm to you but also to your baby.

Conclusion

Babywearing can be a wonderful way to stay close to your newborn while keeping your hands free for daily tasks. With the right baby carrier or baby sling, a good understanding of safe babywearing practices, and a focus on your baby’s comfort, you’re setting the stage for a beautiful bonding experience. Remember, babywearing is a journey; take your time to adjust, observe your baby’s comfort, and enjoy the moments of closeness.