Babywearing FAQ

There are so many different baby carriers! How do I choose one?
Can I breastfeed while babywearing?
Can premature babies be carried in a baby carrier?
Are there any hazards involved with the use of a baby carrier?
Will I 'spoil' my baby by carrying him constantly?
My baby likes being in my arms, but doesn't like the sling!
Should I be using a pushchair at all?
Can carriers be used for twins?
Can I use a baby carrier in a hot climate?
Can I use a baby carrier in a cold climate?
I will not be the only one using the baby carrier - also my husband, who is bigger than me,
will carry our baby. Which baby carrier would be suitable?

There are so many different baby carriers! How do I choose one?
Perhaps it would be helpful if you make a list of what you expect from your baby carrier or sling. Some things you may wish to consider are:
· Is it suitable from birth?
· Until what age can I use it?
· Can I breastfeed in it?
· What positions can I use it in and which one is most important for me?
· Is it hard to put on/adjust?
· Who will be using it: me, my partner, someone else as well?

We have included information for these questions in our Type of Carriers section as well as Babywearing FAQ and look for the ones that have the features you expect from your carrier. If you are still in doubt, you can contact us with more questions.

And if you cannot choose just one - as extravagant as this sound you can get two baby carriers for less than a price of a pram. In fact, we know of many mums who got so enthusiastic about babywearing, that they own huge selections of different types of baby carriers.
We are offering a special Bundle Deal, where you buy Maya Wrap sling and Mama Kangaroo Wrap together for less than if you have bought them separately.

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Can I breastfeed while babywearing?
You might have noticed that we often mention breastfeeding with baby carriers and slings. We feel it is important information. Newborn babies nurse on average 8 - 12 times a day. You may find that you just fed your baby, changed him and were getting ready to go out and the baby needs feeding again, How very convenient it is if you can pop him in the soft carrier and just feed him on the go!
If you have your baby close in a soft carrier and learn how to breastfeed in it, you will be able to do it anytime, anywhere! What a big step from having to sit down and stay at home.
You have probably heard that breastfeeding is a learnt art. It can take time before mummy and baby learn to breastfeed comfortably sitting down or lying down. And breastfeeding in sling may represent another learning curve for the two of you.
You can try first by sitting down while your baby is in a baby carrier. You can loosen it a bit to start with.
When you progress to (or if you start with) moving around, you can help the baby latch on as usual, and then tighten the carrier if needed and gently support baby's head so he stays latched on. Moving around slowly and rhythmically at first might be helpful as well.
Do not worry, in time, as you both learn and as your baby becomes more confident and stronger, breastfeeding in a baby carrier will become natural to both of you.

Some carriers are easier to breastfeed in than others. In experience, slings are the easiest to feed in. Ellaroo Lightly Padded Sling is really great for breastfeeding as it offers cushioning on the rails to avoid pressure points and, with its fan tail, allows for easier adjustment. Maya Wrap is another good choice.

Wraparounds, when used in front positions, are also great for breastfeeding. Stretchy ones need minimal adjustment, which can be an added plus when carrying newborns who need feeding often.

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Can premature babies be carried in a baby carrier?
Absolutely!
All babies benefit from skin-to-skin contact and interaction with their mommies, and this is especially important for the premature babies. This is the basis of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) that is now a proven method of stabilizing premature babies (please, read more about it on Kangaroo Mother Care)
Studies have shown that infants receiving skin-to-skin care improved stability: better vital signs, better regulation of body temperature, good heart rate, better breathing patterns. Skin-to-skin also helps with better weight gain. Babies, cared for in that way, cry less, they have longer period of quiet alertness and more quiet sleep, which helps with their development as well. And it is also good for parents, as it promotes bonding and actively involves them in caring for their infant and helping him develop and feel better.

Carrying the premature baby (or term) is also important after discharge from the hospital and all the above is still true.
You can use sling, pouch or wraparound for your newborn. A nice stretchy wraparound, such as Mama Kangaroo Wrap, can be wrapped around you under your garment and baby held close to you as well.

If your baby has health problems, consult with his health care provider.

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Are there any hazards involved with the use of a baby carrier?
Baby carries as such are not dangerous items when used properly. As with any other baby equipment, some precautions must be taken and common sense used:
· Be careful how you use your carrier in the kitchen: hot surfaces, hot beverages or food, sharp objects, etc. represent hazards to a baby in a baby carrier as well.
· When you are still learning to use your carrier, help from another adult may be a good idea, until you are confident enough to do it yourself. Some back positions can be tricky to do at first on your own.
· Bend at the knees when picking something up; do not bend over at your hip or waist.
· Check that the carrier is securely fastened and baby is in safely, before you let go. Supporting baby with your hands is necessary with some baby carriers.
· Check that your baby's airways are free
· Babies can get hot in the baby carrier - keep a regular check on him
· Be careful when fastening any buckles - those tiny fingers and chubby flesh can get nipped
· Be careful when you are walking through doors, narrow passages, revolving doors, automatic sliding doors, etc. - remember, you have an addition to your back/front or over your head.
· Baby carriers are great for hiking and walks, but they are not suitable for more extreme undertaking, such as climbing, skiing, etc.
· Be careful if your baby is not cooperative. Vigorous wriggling, arching and turning can cause a child to fall out of the carrier.

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Will I 'spoil' my baby by carrying him constantly?
This is a common concern. Parents are told that by meeting their baby's every need, he will become spoilt, demanding, clingy, etc. This has not been proven to be true. Actually, I would say that just the opposite is true. By meeting your baby's need for your closeness and by giving the security of your presence he gains confidence and trust. When he is ready, he will start exploring, going off slowly, and perhaps keeping an eye on you to start with. Through all this - having his need to be held closely to you and to be safely near you met, he has a sense of security and well being. And he slowly, at his own pace, develops the 'independence'.
Babies, whose need for closeness and touch are not met are often the ones, who become clingy or develop attachment to objects, such as blankets, toys, etc.

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My baby likes being in my arms, but doesn't like the sling!
Babies really like being close to mommies and being carried. And by picking them up and holding them in our hands they settle instantly, obviously enjoying the experience. So, why do some resist slings/wraps, etc.?
The chance is, it is not the sling that is the problem, but actually the ceremony of getting them in. Babywearing is a learnt art and it may take time for both you and the baby to learn this skill. As you are both beginners, it can be understandable that one of you gets frustrated with all the trying, wrapping, adjusting, moving, wriggling, arching, etc.
Perhaps the following would be helpful:
· Try putting the baby in the carrier when he is rested and fed. When his basic needs were met he might be more willing to try new things
· Try to adjust the carrier before putting the baby in, so you minimize the commotion. Then adjust it enough to bring baby high and tight.
· Watch your baby - what does he prefer when he is in your hands: does he like facing out, cradle hold, facing in, etc. Then try that position with the baby carrier as well.
· Try moving around or bouncing while adjusting the baby.
· Give him some distraction - but not something that will want him to go down to reach it. Perhaps standing next to the window or even going outside will provide enough stimuli for him to forget about being put in the baby carrier.
· You can try going for a walk straight away.
· Try simpler positions first - if wrapping the wraparound for back carry is taking a lot of effort, try using front carry first until your little one is happy with the baby carrier and associates it with pleasant experience.
· Ask someone to help you at first - this can be safer, faster or it can provide necessary distraction for the baby
· Follow your baby's lead - if he is distressed, leave it for another time.

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Should I be using a pushchair at all?
This is entirely up to you and your baby! If you both enjoy it, why not. We own a pushchair, bought when my daughter was 15 months old. Reason? She was not walking yet, it was summer and she was getting quite hot on holiday. Friends gave us a loan of an old, battered stroller and she loved it. So, we begrudgingly invested in one and it has been in use, although these days she prefers walking.
If you do use a pushchair occasionally, popping your baby carrier underneath is a good idea, preferably the one that leaves your hands free. The chance is, your baby might eventually want to be carried and it is a balancing act holding a baby and pushing an empty pushchair.

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Can baby carriers be used for twins?
Yes, some can be used for twins as well. I have heard of Maya Wrap being used for twins successfully, right into toddlerhood. As they are not padded and bulky, they can be placed one over each shoulder, crossing at the front. Take extra care that the fabric is not twisted. It is easier if you put first sling on, put the baby in and adjust the sling as needed. Then you can put the other sling over the opposite shoulder, put the other baby in and adjust it.
You can also use pouches for these purpose. They need minimum adjustment and are easy to put on and off.
While saying this is possible, many mothers of multiples find that wearing one baby in the carrier gives them a chance to take care of the other one.
There are also special carriers on the market for twins, such as Weego Twin (www.weego.com). We do not stock these, but follow the link as they do ship to UK as well.

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Can I use a baby carrier in a hot climate?
Babies can be worn in hot climate as well. Many of today's cultures from hotter continents are practicing babywearing.
Babies love going outdoors. Summer is a great time for walks and hiking and it can be great for both you and your baby.
Babies do get hot in a baby carrier (and so do we). Choosing light fabric material can minimize the heat. There are cotton mesh pouches available as well that allow for air circulation.
Also, not overdressing the baby can help. As baby's arms, legs and head are exposed in carrier, a light airy top with long sleeves or long trousers may help protecting your baby against the sun. There are special clothes sold, that block damaging sunrays. Or protect them with the sunscreen. And do not forget to put a hat on, preferebly one with rims so that their neck is covered as well.
There are also slings available that are made of fabric that protects against sunray. We will stock these in summer, so do come back and check.

Can I use a baby carrier in cold climate?
Absolutely! You can put the baby in the front carrier and just pull the jacket over (if you have big enough one). If it is raining, it is easy to hold the umbrella over you both. If you are pushing a pushchair, the baby might be protected under the rain cover, but you do not have a hand free to hold one over yourself.
There are special jackets and ponchos available to keep both you and baby warm. We sell Aiska Poncho that can be used with a front, hip and back carrying positions and also MaM 3-in-1 Winter Jacket, suitable for front and hip carrying positions. Both jacket and poncho can be worn during pregnancy, through carrying period and afterwards, so it is not a short-term investment. Alternatively, we stock much cheaper and quite ingenious MaM Babywearing Winter Covers - a blanket made with microfibre outer shell and lined with soft cozy fleece. You put it over your baby, fastened it with straps, pull the drawstrings and presto! Your baby is warm and protected from cold wind.

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I will not be the only one using the baby carrier my husband, who is bigger than me, will carry our baby. What baby carrier would be suitable?
You will not be able to use all the carriers, as for some the size of the person wearing the baby is important and you need to choose the correct one to be able to use it comfortably and efficiently.
Stretchy wraparounds, such as Mama Kangaroo ones, are one size fits all, so this would be the easiest choice.
Woven wraparounds, such as Ellaroo Wraps are made in different lengths. However, the smaller person can use a larger size and tuck the extra length away.
Some slings can be used for both partners. They often allow for longer tails, so mothers can cover themselves with the loose tail when breastfeeding (if they wish to do so). As fathers do not need this feature, the extra length of the tail can be enough to make the sling fit him as well. If the difference between you two is really big, than he might need a larger one. We stock Maya Wrap and Ellaroo Lightly Padded Sling.
Wilkinet is another choice that fits across a variety of sizes. For a really large person an optional extension is available, so they can use the same carrier as well.
Mei Tai, such as Ellaroo Mei Tai is also one size fits all, but these are only suitable when baby can support his head, from at least 4 months and up.
Patapum Baby Carrier and Patapum Toddler Carrier are also one size and a waist extension is included with it. They are suitable for babies, who can support their heads. It is not as easy to breastfeed in it as it is in slings and wraps.
Pouches, however, are size related. You would need each your own, suitable for your size.

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