A baby carrier is a wonderful item for use with newborns, as this is the best time to wear one since babies require a lot of holding at this stage of their lives. Having a carrier also frees up your hands.
It is important to use baby carriers, as they allow newborns to bond with their parents and caregivers but remember that even though you can use a baby carrier for the duration of a young child’s life, it is also important to allow them to get used to lying down on their own without always needing to be carried.
Due to their inability to hold up their heads, newborns need extra care and this emphasizes the significance of a newborn baby carrier, which provides additional support and comfort.
Considerations When Choosing The Best Baby Carrier For A Newborn
- Safety
This is the most crucial factor to consider while selecting a baby carrier for a newborn.
If you want a hands-free carrier, ensure it can hold your newborn’s weight. There are various dangers to be aware of at various ages. Newborns are typically the focus of this care because they need to have their heads propped up so they do not strain their necks.
- Cleaning
Newborns can be messy, so you should anticipate the need to clean the carrier on a regular basis. Because of this, many individuals prioritize having a carrier that is simple to clean.
Most baby carriers come with removable covers that can be cleaned in a washing machine. Make sure to get one where the cover is easy to remove, clean, and machine dry.
- Different Carriers For Different Purposes
Another consideration is that while some baby wrap designs may feel perfectly natural at home, they might not be ideal for traveling or going out, especially if the added closeness makes you or your child too hot.
Consider getting a carrier that can be used both for indoor and outdoor purposes.
- Your Comfort
Your ease of mind is crucial as you will ‘wear’ your baby for extended periods of time. How the baby carrier fits on your body, how it distributes the weight, and whether or not both parents will be using it are all factors to consider. Remember that the carrier will need to be more flexible if it needs to accommodate both parents.
Hip carriers that spread the weight evenly between the shoulders and hips are suitable for those with hip and back problems. The same goes for a front or back carrier that does an excellent job of balancing the weight between the shoulders and hips.
- User-Friendly
Wrap styles and figuring out how to carry your infant in the safest, most comfortable way might be frightening in the initial days, but you will figure it out after you use the carrier a few times. There are baby wrap designs that are ready to wear right out of the box, there are also back-facing carriers, baby chest carriers, and front-facing carriers that go on like backpacks and will likely be the easiest to use.
Consider the main benefit of a hands-free baby carrier in that it does not require you to use your hands to carry the baby. To maximize the benefits of having a carrier and increase the likelihood of using it, look for one that requires little to no effort.
- The Comfort Of Your Baby
If it doesn’t feel good to the baby, neither will you like using it and for this reason, the carrier must have a comfortable fit. Make sure the baby’s legs do not get displaced, or the baby will feel too much pressure from the carrier.
Keep in mind that babies benefit greatly from the most cushioned baby carriers, in addition, they offer appropriate support for the head and neck.
Consider where you will use the baby carrier and pick one that can handle the conditions. In hot climates, light cargo transport is preferable.
Can I Put My 1-Week-Old Baby In A Carrier?
Some parents believe that a baby should be at least six weeks old before using a baby carrier amd most wait until then. However, if your newborn weighs at least 7 pounds, you can bring a baby carrier to the hospital and use it a day after birth as this creates a wonderful opportunity to reap the rewards of skin-to-skin contact right away.
Babies need to stay close to their parents from the time they are born, and although cuddling with your newborn is a great way to feel closer to them, it can be inconvenient to have to do it for 4 or more hours every day. For safety purposes, check the age requirement from the manufacturer’s recommendations of the baby carrier you intend to use.
Most carriers are rigid and strong, so your infant can always be supported securely, but a baby sling or wrap made from soft fabric that allows your infant to cuddle up securely could be preferable to a stiff carrier in the baby’s early days.
For mothers that need a carrier they can use to carry and nurse the baby at the same time, Baby K’Tan is the most convenient baby carrier for this. This is the backpack that doubles as a sling and for most new mothers, that is the most practical nursing position when they are out and about.
Considerations When Using A Baby Carrier For A Newborn:
- A newborn should always face the parent when being carried in a carrier as the child can rest across their parent’s chest. The carrier and the body of the adult carrying the baby should provide support for their head. Carrying a newborn backward can be too stimulating for a child still adjusting to life outside the womb.
- Prior to developing upper body stability, the first couple of months are crucial for a baby to have their neck and head supported. This is because they lack the strength to hold their heads up. The common guideline is that the baby carrier’s support should reach the child’s ears, not the child’s entire head. This will allow you to keep an eye on them as well as help prevent obstructions from blocking their airways.
- Your baby can relieve stress on the hips and spine by resting in the C-shape position, commonly known as the fetal-tuck posture. It is the most restful position for a newborn and helps them conserve energy while maintaining a healthy core and even body temperature. Be careful to always check on your baby’s breathing while in this position.
- During the first 4 to 6 months, when the hips are still developing, another great position to carry the baby is the “M” position also known as the frog position. The baby is placed in this position with their bottom lower than their knees, their hips supported by their thighs at a 90-degree angle, and their knees flexed.
Baby Wearing Comfort
The best method for carrying your newborn and keeping your little one close is by using a baby carrier. What’s not to enjoy, especially with the added benefit of a less fussy baby? However, if you observe that your baby prefers to sleep exclusively in the baby carrier or in your arms, you might want to train them to alternate between the carrier and their crib.