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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is this type of carrier safe for the development of my baby's spine?
The basis of good posture begins with the pelvis. If this is well sup-
ported, the baby's spine and neck will fall into a natural curve and the
weight will be supported by the pelvis. To ensure a correct position,
the baby's knees should be higher than his pelvis, in a fetal position,
with his hips and legs properly supported. The baby's bottom should
be lower than the knees and his back should be rounded with his
head resting on your body. This is the ideal position for the develop-
ment of healthy hip joints. The baby does not hang, but comfortably
rests against the wearer.
If the baby is in an upright position, it is essential that the legs do not
dangle or hang in mid-air. This puts strain on the baby's spine and
the baby will tend to arch backwards creating a bad position for his
neck too.
The fetal tuck is the most natural position for a baby. Not only is this
position good for correct spinal and hip development, it allows him to
rest and use his energy to develop other strengths.
Does my baby's head need to be supported?
If your baby's pelvis is supported correctly as explained above, then
her neck will follow a natural curve and her head will rest on your chest.
She is free to lift her head when curious to look around and her neck
muscles will strengthen quickly. There is no need to support her head,
unless you are bending over. At that moment, spread one band over
her head. This can also be done to stabilize her when she is sleeping.
How long can I safely carry my baby per day?
There are no limits. A baby well positioned in a baby carrier can be
carried as long as he and the wearer desire. Remember that babies
around the world are carried throughout the entire day as the wearer
continues about his or her daily tasks and activities.
Is this good for my own back?
If you have back problems, you should always consult with your doc-
tor before using a baby carrier. This said, using a carrier is probably
one of the best ways to prevent back strain because the cloth carries
the weight and not your arms and back as when you are simply hold-
ing your baby in your arms. Carry your baby each day and progres-
sively extend the carrying time to allow your back muscles a chance to
strengthen along with the baby's weight gain.
Will the carrier put too much pressure on my breasts?
If you follow the instructions of our tying methods, the scarf should
not put pressure on your breasts. You should cross the bands over
or under them, and if across them, spread out the fabric so that it
doesn't put pressure on one specific spot.
At what age can I start carrying my baby and when should I stop?
The benefits of carrying premature babies – or kangaroo care – is well
documented. A baby (full term or premature) can be placed in a baby
carrier just after birth, creating a 'womb with a view'. There are, of
course, no problems starting later as well. Your back will strengthen
as you carry your baby and his weight gains will go mostly unnoticed.
A baby can be carried as long as he wants. Even an older child will
find a safe refuge in a baby carrier when tired with the stimulations of
the outside world.
Will my baby like being in a baby carrier?
Babies crave close human contact. Once they are used to being car-
ried, you will instinctively reach for your carrier whenever your baby
is fussy, can't fall asleep, or just needs a reassuring presence. Some
babies need a little adaptation time to a new position in the carrier,
especially on your back.
Sometimes babies are unhappy in a carrier because they feel insecure.
This is often the result of not tying the carrier tight enough. Follow the
instructions carefully to make sure you wear your baby high and tight.
We recommend trying a new position when your baby is relaxed, just
after eating or ready to fall asleep. Walk around after placing your baby
in the carrier for the first time or when trying a new position. This will
distract him while he gets used to a new way of being carried.
Most importantly, TRUST YOUR BABY. If your baby is uncomfortable,
too tight, too hot, or whatever, he will let you know. If he is asleep or
happily observing the world, then he is just fine. Carrying your baby
close means you can often read his body language well before he
starts to cry or tell you something is wrong.
Will I spoil my baby and make him dependent on me?
Imagine you are thirsty. Sometimes you are given a glass of water and
sometimes you are not. Your thirst is not quenched. You are forced to
wait until the next time someone else decides you can have a glass
of water. You become increasingly nervous and frustrated. You begin
to constantly ask for water, even when you are not thirsty, because
you are not sure that when you will be thirsty, you will be given some
water. You become insecure when you do not have water available.
You are so preoccupied with having enough water that you are unable
to think about anything else.
Now imagine the opposite scenario. You are thirsty. You are imme-
diately given water, however much you need to quench your thirst.
You are satisfied and can go on about whatever you were doing with-
out worry. You are reassured because the water is in abundant sup-
ply and you can have some whenever you need it. You feel secure in
this knowledge and the physical presence of the water is not always
necessary. You are worry free and can put your energy into other ac-
tivities.
Now imagine these two scenarios with your baby and his need for
close physical contact and reassurance. You decide.
Will my baby be able to breathe wrapped in a carrier?
Wrapped snuggly into the baby carrier, your baby is still able to move.
If he is uncomfortable in any way, he can turn his head or wiggle his
body in protest. Either he will shift and rectify the situation, or you can
help adjust him to a more comfortable position. Held close to you,
your baby will synchronize his breathing to your heartbeat and the
rise and fall of your chest. This stabilizes his respiration.
Will my baby be too hot or too cold in a baby carrier?
Newborn babies are not capable of regulating their body tempera-
ture. The adult's body will stabilize the baby's body temperature
when holding them close. Dress yourself and your baby accordingly.
Remember that your body heat will be considered one layer and the
baby carrier itself is a second. In cold weather, your coat over both
of you is a third layer. Just make sure that whatever extremities are
exposed are well protected from the sun and/or the cold.
Meeting your baby's needs by carrying him close to you creates a
secure and self-confident child.
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