I previously
mentioned that we alternate a baby carrier and my Next9
ring sling when wearing Lia. Lately though, it seems that she’s become intolerant of the carrier
particularly when we’ve been stationary for some time. I figured that it
may be that the material tends be too warm especially we’re in the kitchen, and
that her knees are not positioned comfortably in it.
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| Hip carry (for 6 months +. Made this only for documentation) |
If she still
cries, that just defeats the whole purpose of wearing her at all.
cries, that just defeats the whole purpose of wearing her at all.
Then it occurred
to me that maybe it’s not that she feels restricted in the sling. It’s just a
matter of changing
babywearing positions so she could explore better!
to me that maybe it’s not that she feels restricted in the sling. It’s just a
matter of changing
babywearing positions so she could explore better!
See, during the
first few months, her head was still wobbly so only the cradle carry suited
her.But now that her neck muscles are strong enough to support her head, I bet
she can do other semi-independent positions like the tummy to tummy.
first few months, her head was still wobbly so only the cradle carry suited
her.But now that her neck muscles are strong enough to support her head, I bet
she can do other semi-independent positions like the tummy to tummy.
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| The kangaroo carry (for 4 months+) |
A few YouTube
tutorials and a two-day practice later, we are now able to do the kangaroo
carry,tummy to tummy and hip carry. Took her for a test
drive while working on some
chores and on walks and voila! No crying spells. It’s also incredibly easy to
change her from any position to the cradle carry when she suddenly falls
asleep. No need to unstrap and unbuckle knots and clips.
tutorials and a two-day practice later, we are now able to do the kangaroo
carry,tummy to tummy and hip carry. Took her for a test
drive while working on some
chores and on walks and voila! No crying spells. It’s also incredibly easy to
change her from any position to the cradle carry when she suddenly falls
asleep. No need to unstrap and unbuckle knots and clips.
 |
| Tummy to Tummy (Newborn +) |
I just love my Next9 ring sling. It’s easier to remove and much lighter than the carrier, and
ensures proper hip and knee posture. Plus, it has a pocket on the tail for
personal and baby stuff like feeding bottle, phone, wallet – even some snacks
from the sari sari store – so you are absolutely hands-free.
ensures proper hip and knee posture. Plus, it has a pocket on the tail for
personal and baby stuff like feeding bottle, phone, wallet – even some snacks
from the sari sari store – so you are absolutely hands-free.
Some babywearing
basics I’ve learned:
basics I’ve learned:
1. Adjusting the
rails are harder when the sling already holds weight. Always pre-make
the sling according to your baby’s weight and built so as to ensure minimal
adjustments when the baby’s already worn.
rails are harder when the sling already holds weight. Always pre-make
the sling according to your baby’s weight and built so as to ensure minimal
adjustments when the baby’s already worn.
2. When trying
out the sling for the first time or any new position for that matter, always do
it on a couch or on the bed to ensure your baby’s safety.
out the sling for the first time or any new position for that matter, always do
it on a couch or on the bed to ensure your baby’s safety.
3. Make sure that
there is no “slack” or loose fabric hanging around the inner rail
before placing the baby inside.
there is no “slack” or loose fabric hanging around the inner rail
before placing the baby inside.
4. Check that the
fabric is widely spread out at the back.
fabric is widely spread out at the back.
5. The ring
should be at corsage height.
should be at corsage height.
6. When doing the
hip carry and tummy to tummy, always remember that the bum must be lower than the knee. Contrary to the belief that it makes your child sakang (bow-legged), studies have shown that
these position actually follows the baby’s natural physiologic position, thereby preventing hip dysplasia.
hip carry and tummy to tummy, always remember that the bum must be lower than the knee. Contrary to the belief that it makes your child sakang (bow-legged), studies have shown that
these position actually follows the baby’s natural physiologic position, thereby preventing hip dysplasia.
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| Tummy to Tummy & Hip Carry: Bums down, knees up |
7. For the
kangaroo position, cross your baby’s legs first before slipping his butt
carefully inside the sling.
kangaroo position, cross your baby’s legs first before slipping his butt
carefully inside the sling.
8. There are
studies suggesting that the cradle carry is not entirely safe due to the tendency of the legs to be squeezed and stretched too straight.
Also, there is the risk for asphyxia as the baby’s jaw may be forced down to
the chest, thus constricting his airway.
studies suggesting that the cradle carry is not entirely safe due to the tendency of the legs to be squeezed and stretched too straight.
Also, there is the risk for asphyxia as the baby’s jaw may be forced down to
the chest, thus constricting his airway.
 |
| Cradle carry (For newborn +) |
I still use this
position though, especially when Lia’s sleeping and there are chores to be
done. I simply make sure that her head hangs down a bit so that her neck is
extended, and the legs are crossed to a frog-like stance.
position though, especially when Lia’s sleeping and there are chores to be
done. I simply make sure that her head hangs down a bit so that her neck is
extended, and the legs are crossed to a frog-like stance.
9. When the baby’s fussy, don’t force her into the sling. Try again when she’s already calmer to avoid accidents.
10. Mastering the
sling and babywearing positions takes practice. Don’t give up on the first,
second or third try. Even threading took me a month or so to perfect. Trust me.
It’s so worth it.
10. Mastering the
sling and babywearing positions takes practice. Don’t give up on the first,
second or third try. Even threading took me a month or so to perfect. Trust me.
It’s so worth it.
How about you,
babywearing mom? What positions have you tried?
babywearing mom? What positions have you tried?
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