The Babywearing Basics
Here, I want to tell you a little bit more about the very babywearing basics.
Don’t worry, there aren’t many of them, you can break them down to only 4 rules!
- Free airways
- Well supported back
- Spread position
- Squad position
If these four basic rules are met, the baby is safely positioned in the carrier.
Further, these four rules help you finding no-gos when it comes to choosing a carrier and positioning your baby.
For example, you should always use a carrier that fits the size of your baby and you should never carry your baby facing outwards (except in special situations in specially designed carriers for only a short time).
Make sure that your newborn doesn‘t sink into the carrier. The fabric should not go higher than the earlobes.
At the sides, the fabric should embrace your baby and not being too loose.
Free airways:
Check if it is possible that CO2 accumulates under a piece of fabric or a strap of the carrier. Always control if the chin of your baby isn’t resting on its chest because this can hinder breathing!
Supported back:
If the fabric in the back is loose, your baby can slump and it can get problems with breathing.
Spread position:
The fabric at the bottom between the legs of the baby should go from knee to knee to get it into the right spread position.
It should never go further than the knee but it can end before when the child grows bigger.
Squad position:
This is the natural position of a small baby. Keeping it in a carrier helps the hips mature in a natural way and the risk of hip dysplasia may be reduced.
However, there is of course so much more to learn about babywearing! Especially when it comes to comfort! This is where a babywearing consultant jumps in 🙂
I am helping you with adjusting your carrier and positioning your baby in the best possible way. Of course, I can also help you to find the best and most comfortable carrier for you and your baby. And if you have minor problems, for example when you feel pain when carrying your baby already after a short time, I can help you with adjusting your baby carrier in a way that you feel better.
A babywearing consultant is a professional in all things babywearing and can help in many directions. Babywearing consultants also have a great variety of carrying aids to try and choose from.
You would like to learn more about safe baby wearing? How about a self-study course?
In case you don’t want an in-person consultation but still would like to learn more, my Babywearing Basics Course might be for you. Read through all the chapters at your own pace.
Baby Wraps
Of course, I can also help you with baby wraps!
It doesn’t matter if stretchy wrap (free size) or woven wrap. I can show you how to easily wrap your baby.
The length of the woven wrap is calculated of which carry style you want to use, your height, and your clothing size.
Baby wrap sizes:
Size 1 – 220cm – 87 inches
Size 2 – 270cm – 102 inches
Size 3 – 320cm – 126 inches
Size 4 – 370cm – 142 inches
Size 5 – 420cm – 165 inches
Size 6 – 470cm – 182 inches
Size 7 – 520cm – 205 inches
Size 8 – 570cm – 221 inches
Size 9 – 620cm – 244 inches
With a wrap size 6, a woman with clothing size 42 (US 11) will be able to tie all common styles. Larger men usually need one size up.
Women with size 34/36 (US 4/6) can use one size smaller.
