While I have known about baby carriers/wraps for quite a few years, I imagine it is because I am in the BIZ. I have to keep reminding myself that for new parents, baby carriers may be new to them. I always love to highlight that wearing babies in carriers is a great way to calm a fussy baby.
While there are many baby carriers available, I do not claim to know about all of them. I do know about Boba Wraps because I sold them for 8 years.
The main reason I sold Boba Wraps is the material, the price and the beautiful colors. I also love the softness and the versatility. The same wrap can be used by mom and dad and grandparents…. and believe me, the wraps do get passed around!
What is one of the most comment sentiments that new parents make? Probably the most common one I hear is: ” I just don’t know why, but she likes to be held all the time.” This is usually followed by mom saying, “now don’t get me wrong, I love holding my baby, it is just that sometimes I would like to put her down so I can get just a few things done.”
So, yes, even when babies have been fed well and are dry and comfortable, they still really like to be held close. It is one of the easiest ways to calm a fussy baby. After all, they have been use to being “rocked and rolled” inside mom for a better part of 9 months.
Babywearing makes parenting easier because it allows you to respond to your baby quickly before crying escalates and stresses you out.
Social conditioning has led parents to believe that if a baby is held or carried too frequently they will be spoilt, clingy or demanding. Research aside, just ask a babywearing parent if they feel that carrying their baby has created a clingy, dependent child. More than likely you will hear parents agree with what we know to be true. The physical and psychological benefits associated with baby wearing encourage children to feel secure and content and build a solid sense of self-esteem.
Babies worn in carriers are less clingy and tend to initiate separation much earlier than babies less frequently held. It allows them to be at the centre of activity not THE center of attention, which is a wonderful environment proven to stimulate brain development and cognitive learning.
Here are the common type of baby carriers:
The sling: You wear this carrier over one shoulder. Some have heavily padded shoulders, which are optimal.
Fabric carrier: Just like the Boba Wrap, these are very versatile in how you can use them. Typically, they are one big long piece of fabric that you wrap around both of you to support your baby. These wraps tend to be very helpful in minimizing back pain and fatigue.
Soft structured carrier: You can choose one to use for a newborn and it can grow into using for an older baby. These carriers also help to distribute your child’s weight to minimize back pain and fatigue.
There is lots more info on the benefits of carriers. They come in all different colors and styles. Here are links to ones that I recommend for beginners. Baby carriers make excellent baby shower gifts for any new parent or even for your childcare provider.
Boba Wrap, Grey, 0-36 Months
Baby Tula Free-to-Grow Baby Carrier, Adjustable Newborn to Toddler Carrier, Ergonomic and Multiple Positions for 7 – 45 pounds – Stormy (Gray)
Maya Wrap ComfortFit Ring Sling & Baby Carrier
