There are so many proven benefits associated with carrying babies, including happier babies and mothers (or fathers), faster child development, less crying, and closer bonds between babies and their caregivers. It is no wonder that baby carriage, and of course baby slings, have gained such popularity in the last decade. It is important for parents to understand the benefits associated with carrying a baby and it is even more important for parents to do their homework to determine the best carrier for their baby. This is particularly important when your baby is a newborn because there have been some slight risks associated with wearing babies younger than 4 months in a sling. The following are some of the best baby carriers for newborns and tips for carrying them safely.
Fabric slings are a great option for newborns because they allow them to be worn on their stomachs, kangaroo style, or in a crib position for younger babies. Fabric slings are adjustable to accommodate smaller babies, and they come in different styles and tons of options. Fabric slings come in many different styles, including ring style, bag style, and wrap style. The best style for newborns is any style that allows the carrier to see the baby’s face at all times to ensure the safest possible sling for younger babies.
Ring slings are one of the most popular styles for newborns, especially if they are breastfed because these slings allow the baby to be carried in an upright or reclined position. Ring style slings are fully adjustable to fit the size of the carrier and the size of the baby and therefore your baby can be positioned exactly where you want them to be. This is safer for newborns because it allows you to position them so that their face is up and out, minimizing the risk of suffocation. Ring slings can also be used for older babies and toddlers, to grow with your baby.
Bag style slings are one of the simplest on the market. They are a fabric sling that is carried over the shoulder with a bag to place your baby. These work well for newborns because they allow the baby to be cradled and do not require the baby to be able to support its own head. It is important when carrying newborns in a pouch-style sling that you can see their face at all times to avoid suffocation.
Many people consider an elastic wrap to be the best carrier for newborns. This sling is elastic and allows you to swaddle your baby as loosely or tightly as you prefer. Wraps in this style allow you to wrap your baby comfortably and securely against your body. This allows your baby to hear your heartbeat and feel the warmth of your body, which is calming and comforting for your baby. These wraps also allow your baby’s entire head and face to be exposed, making the sling safer for a newborn.
If you choose to use a carrier for your newborn, make sure you know which is the best carrier for newborns. Understand that there are some risks associated with wearing very young babies in a sling, but if you are aware of those risks and work to prevent problems, you will enjoy wearing your baby in a sling during every stage of infancy.