The most secure and comfortable way to carry your baby around is by using a baby carrier. But there are questions we keep hearing from parents who are in search of baby carriers.
What are the Advantages of a Baby Carrier?
Having a baby carrier ensures that you and your baby are too close. You will also have time to do your chores without you having to sacrifice your arms to hold him or her. Work carries on, be it at home or outside while your baby peacefully sleeps beside you.
Baby carriers are much helpful especially when you are traveling or visiting family and friends. Thus pushing the stroller is not a choice. You might be walking along the bench, or waiting in line at the bank and you won’t get your arms tired of holding you baby for too long. So, you can also learn how to make a baby sling step by step out of a sheet or blanket.
How Do I Choose a Baby Carrier?
There are questions that parents tend to ask themselves whenever they are choosing a baby carrier. These are as follows:
1. At What Age Baby Carrier Can Be Used?
As a newborn, babies can be carried in a carrier (theoretically). The most important thing that you have to note is that, your baby must be at least 4-5 months, which is when his or her neck muscles can support the head.
When carrying a newborn baby who is less than 5 months old in a carrier, you should consider a carrier that gives your baby enough support to his or her head to rest. Baby carriers are made firm to provide sturdy support for your child as he or she grows.
Putting your baby in a rigid baby carrier may cause great discomfort to him or her. Therefore, it would be better if the baby sling were made from soft fabric. The soft fabric allows your baby to curl up with much ease; hence, it’s the best choice. Having a baby carrier for your newborn baby is perfectly all right but they will be much better if they are suited inside a wrap or a sling.
2. How Much Weight Do Baby Carriers Hold?
There are different carriers built for children who have different weights, these carries also differ between models are brands. Most babies weigh between 7 and 8 pounds at birth.
Over the next 12 months, they are able to gain 12 to 15 pounds. When babies reach the age of four or more they are able to attain an average weight.
Therefore, by now you should know that most plus size baby carriers could support babies who are more than 3.5 or 4 years old. Most parents however stop carrying their babies when they reach their 2nd birthday, this is because at this age some are able to walk very well by themselves.
3. When Can I Carry My Baby Facing Outward?
Very young children do not have to face outwards; they can only comfortable sleeping the whole time you carry them. It is recommended that you carry your baby facing towards you if he or she is 5-6 months old so that he or she can feel your skin against him or her, listen to your heartbeat and sleep comfortably while resting the head on your chest.
When your baby clicks 6 months, his neck muscles will be strong enough. Your child will also try to show some interest in the environment that surrounds them. That’s because they can lift their heads up high and enjoy looking around.
4. When is a Baby Carrier Safe for Baby’s Hips?
Carrying your baby at a wrong position may lead to dysplasia; dysplasia is an abnormal hip formation it comes about when your baby’s hips are harmed as you carry her around. Leaving your baby’s legs dangling for a long time may also create a permanent problem especially if the baby is at any age from birth to 3 years.
Therefore, when you want to buy the best baby carrier for your newborn baby, it would be better if you consider the one that also offers legs support.
5. How Old Does My Baby Have to be For a Carrier?
It is true that any newborn baby can be put in a carrier, but personally, I would encourage you to wait until that time when they will be capable of holding their heads up high. If you find it necessary to carry your newborn baby using a carrier, then, look for a carrier that has a headrest where your newborn baby can rest his or her head.
A 5 months old baby will mostly enjoy sleeping close to you rather than having a fan enjoying the view. It’s therefore important to have a carrier that is much comfortable for your baby to sleep in.
6. What is the Best Way to Carry a Baby When Hiking?
If you are a parent and you are looking forward to exploring the great outdoors with your child, check out our in-depth look at baby backpack carriers.
