Benefits of Babywearing
When my second child was born, I was shocked at how busy life became. I anticipated that two little kids were going to be twice as busy as one. But as my kids’ pediatrician validated, the experience of multiple kids defies math equations: “One is one, and two is like four.”
Wearing your baby can help decrease colic
Fortunately, I discovered a survival tool in the early days of having two young kids: babywearing. Using a baby carrier or wrap to “wear” my infant on me made both my kids and mehappier. My daughter was snuggled close and I was free to attend to my toddler son. Babywearing isn’t just for the birth parent! When my partner got home from work, he would wear our baby and walk figure eights in our small apartment living room to calm her during the fussy evening “witching hour.”
As much as I love my daughter, she was not an “easy baby.” Daytime naps in the bassinet were rarely successful, so baby carriers were our go-to for getting her to nap and stay asleep. This led to happier daytime wake periods, too. Babywearing – rather than leaving her in a swing or bouncer – also helped prevent flattening of the back of her head.
Every parent has preferences as to which baby carrier works for them. This may be based on their own body, especially depending on how their postpartum recovery is gocrying, as well as their baby’s weight and age. I felt most comfortable re-using the soft structured carrier I had from my first child after recovering from delivery. I also mastered tying a woven wrap (after practicing with a baby doll!) and found this type of carrier most comfortable for use around the house.
Once our kids got a bit bigger and stronger, we often used a child carrier hiking backpack around the city. They loved being attached to us and having a new view of the world; we loved not having to navigate bumpy narrow sidewalks with a stroller. Regardless of what type of baby carrier you may choose or use, I strongly recommend reading the manufacturer’s information or watching their official videos on how to position your baby safely in any carrier, as each is different.
Know the importance of protecting your baby’s hips
The first 6 months of a baby’s life are important to help their hip sockets develop appropriately. The hips are “ball and socket” joints, where the head of the femur (the upper leg bone) sits in a cup-like area in the pelvis on each side of the body. Babies’ hip joints are very loose and flexible at birth to be able to pass through the birth canal. Over the first 6 months of life, the bones and soft tissues support the hip joint and keep the “ball in the socket.” If these bones are not in the right position during this time, they won’t develop normally (known as hip dysplasia), and this can cause long-term musculoskeletal problems. This is why it’s so important that any baby carrier you use not place damaging stress on their joints.
Use the best hip and leg position in baby carriers
When using a carrier or wrap, the ideal position for your baby is inward-facing with their legs in an M-position (bent with knees slightly higher than their bottom ). Look for an infant carrier that is designated as “hip-healthy” by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute and read the package insert or brand videos on appropriate positioning for your baby’s weight and age.
Your baby’s pediatrician will help monitor healthy hip development over their first year of life. If your baby was breech position (head up) while in the womb or if there is a family history of hip dysplasia, they’re at higher risk of hip problems, so it’s especially important to follow these “safe hip” guidelines for babywearing and swaddling during sleep too. If your baby was in breech position, an ultrasound and/or x-ray will likely be done to confirm the hips are developing normally. As always, please contact your child’s pediatrician with any questions about your baby’s hip development.
Babywearing can help parents and infants get through those challenging early days of infancy, especially if you have a more “colicky” baby. Time does fly as a parent, though. Before you know it, your child will be too big to carry, so try to enjoy the snuggles while they’re small!
Resources for Parents
American Academy of Pediatrics
Kaiser Permanente
Featured Author
Dr. Lindsay Frost's biography reads: I joined the pediatrics team at Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento in 2018 to help kids thrive. Outpatient pediatrics is a unique and rewarding medical specialty. I enjoy being able to foster long-term relationships with patients and their families, providing care in both health and illness as children grow. I believe that it is important to truly partner in health care with patients and their families; this allows not only for the best possible care but also for me to continue to learn and grow as a pediatrician. A professional interest of mine is to support breastfeeding families as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). During my medical training, I also pursued a degree in public health/health promotion - a field which applies to every patient visit in pediatrics. Yet, some of my most relevant experiences as a pediatrician has come from my two children, who have “trained” me first-hand on the challenges of parenthood and in finding the balance between evidence-based recommendations and reality to achieve optimal childhood growth and development. Being part of Kaiser Permanente allows physicians and patients access to integrated care and resources that are not readily available with other health systems. Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to preventive care is also an important piece of my personal care philosophy. I am proud to be part of the team at South Sacramento and I look forward to getting to know you and your family.
Dr. Frost's full biography can be found on My Doctor Online. Disclaimer: If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder. This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.