Baby carriers and slings design make parenting easier by keeping your hands free, while also keeping you and baby cosily close.
You probably already know of babywearing’s fabulous benefits. Research shows baby carriers can keep baby calm and content. Additionally, they can also increase secure attachment between mother and baby. And it can help you breastfeed for longer.
But a common worry about babywearing is that it will give you a sore neck, back or shoulders. Don’t worry; there are things you can do to make sure you’re comfortable using a baby carrier, sling or wrap. Babywearing should be a pleasant and nourishing experience for both you and your little one.
What to Look for in Baby Carriers
First, look for broad shoulder straps that cross over your back, and don’t pull too much on your neck and shoulders. There should also be a wide hip or waist strap to take some of the weight. Broad straps distribute your baby’s weight evenly across your body. They also stop the carrier from moving from side to side too much. If you choose a sling or wrap-style carrier, it can usually be worn with the fabric spread wide over your shoulders, and wide around your waist.
Next, make sure you carry bub in the centre of your chest. Your baby should be sitting higher rather than lower. Wearing baby on your hip or to one side puts uneven tension through your spine, and your back will soon complain.
Most importantly, wear baby snugly against your chest. It shouldn’t feel like you’ve got a weight hanging from you. It’s more like you’ve gained extra weight yourself. Tighten the straps so that bub is close to you, with no slack in the straps or wrap. If you’re using a carrier with buckles, first adjust the straps to more or less fit you. Then, put the baby in position and tweak the fit. Remember that keeping baby close is part of the formula for safe babywearing.
Which Carrier is Best for Comfort?
Perhaps you’re wondering which style of carrier is best for your comfort – a wrap or sling, or a soft-structured buckle carrier. Well, they each have different advantages. On the one hand, good quality buckle carriers usually have well-padded straps that don’t dig into your shoulders and waist. Their firmness helps keep bub in position. On the other hand, wraps are infinitely customisable. You can wear them different ways and adjust every aspect of the fit to suit both you and your baby’s unique dimensions.
No matter which carrier you use and how well you wear it, giving your body a regular change of position can be a godsend. As with any physical task, taking breaks to let your muscles and joints relax will lessen your chances of aches and pains. For example, if you’re out for a walk, stop by the park. Let your little one have tummy time on the grass, or a turn on the swing. When your partner is around, make sure they have plenty of opportunities to bond by carrying your baby too.
Looking After Yourself
Although it might sound strange, one more way to improve your comfort is to check what’s on your feet. Wearing flat, comfortable shoes is another way to avoid a sore back (and reduce your chance of tripping with baby).
On the whole, babywearing is a fantastic way to carry your little one more comfortably and avoid overloading any one body part. Remember that caring for babies provides lots of other challenges for your back, neck and shoulders. All that feeding, lifting, carrying, changing and rocking can soon take their toll. So proactively building your strength and endurance makes sense. To find out the most effective exercises for you, see a health professional with postnatal expertise. Health professionals with postnatal expertise include women’s health physiotherapists or exercise physiologists.
If your shoulders and neck do get sore, pop a heat pack in the microwave. The soothing warmth can increase blood flow and decrease tension. Use the heat pack in combination with a lovely cup of tea and a footrest.
Reference List
PBB aims to keep you informed with the latest research-based information. Check out our reference list used in the creation of this article.
Revised on 22nd March 2022
When my babies have been little, I have loved using a stretchy wrap like the Moby, JPMBB or Kari-me. I like how I have been able to breastfeed on the go and have my hands-free for toddlers. As they have grown bigger, I have enjoyed a Mei-Tai for back carries and then a full buckle carrier (like a Tula) for bigger little people who still get tired legs. Happy babywearing everyone!