You might not think of an infant back carrier as one of your most important items. However, if you are an active family that wants to take their baby hiking, an infant back carrier might be invaluable.
These infant back carriers feature wider seats and stronger frames to keep kids comfortable for longer periods of time. In addition, they can carry more weight, making them ideal for carrying older babies who become fatigued on walks.
The adjustable padding on the back, waistband, and shoulder straps of these back carriers makes them more comfortable to wear and easier to put on. They also offer plenty of space for your gear, so you can leave the diaper bag at home.
Choosing The Best Infant Back Carrier
The best infant back carrier keeps the baby’s weight distributed evenly. You will not feel it in any one spot, and it is comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Here are the characteristics you can consider when selecting an infant back carrier:
Comfort: Most infant back carriers feature padded back panels and shoulder straps. They also have padded headrests and seats for both you and your child. Hiking and long-wear baby carriers have reinforced waist straps to better disperse your baby’s weight.
Back carriers with mesh backs can help you stay dry, especially if you plan to carry them all day as the fabric will also be rubbing against your back. Make sure your infant’s back carrier has a shade to protect them from the rain and sun.
Adjustability: The carrier’s adjustability ensures the baby’s comfort but also that multiple individuals can use the back carrier. Keep an eye out for features like adjustable height, this will allow you to wear your baby to the perfect height.
Use movable straps to find the most comfortable posture for you and your baby when wearing them. In addition, the seat of many back carriers may be adjusted in height and width to grow with your baby. The footrests on most carriers are also adjustable.
Storage: Hiking necessities like food, bug spray, sunscreen, water, and baby supplies such as wipes and diapers should be among the items you bring. The infant back carrier should have sufficient storage capacity.
You can place the items where you can quickly access their contents. If you would like to avoid lugging around a separate diaper bag, look for a back carrier with enough storage space for your essentials. It should also have pockets for your own personal essentials, like a water bottle, wallet, and phone.
The Best Baby Carrier After A C-Section
You may wonder what you can and cannot do after a C-section delivery if you have recently had one, are considering one, or are investigating “just in case.” There is no denying that a baby carrier or sling is one of the most useful items for new parents, but what if a Mom has had a C-section delivery?
You may need to adjust as you heal from the stomach surgery and taking the necessary precautions is important. The following carrier options may be useful in such circumstances:
- Structured Carrier – It is extremely convenient as it is quick and simple to wear, but if not worn high enough, it might cause a small amount of rubbing pressure on your scar. The key is to wear it above your scar.
- Ring Sling – There is no waistline positioning, therefore the sling shouldn’t even touch your scar. The baby will be snugly carried while being upright, up high, and slightly off-center. There is a little learning curve with this carrier, but you will benefit from long-term use of it as your baby grows up.
- Meh Dai – The waistline of a meh dai is made up of woven wrap cloth and soft padding, allowing it to move easily with your body rather than being rigid. With the simple design of the waistband, back panel, and shoulder straps—all made of soft woven fabric—you get the best of both worlds.
- Stretchy Wrap – These wraps are moldable, and soft and will provide all the necessary support for you and the baby without placing pressure on any wounds that are still healing. Although the lengthy fabric may at first appear intimidating, with a little bit of practice, these wraps are wonderful and loved by many new parents.
The Best Way To Carry A Baby
Your baby’s head should not be touching you as much as possible while you are holding them. If you want babies to build strong neck and shoulder muscles, have them alternate the directions they face during the day.
Here Are Some Of The Best Ways To Carry A Baby:
- In A Sling: This is a pouch or strip of fabric that is worn across your front in many different positions and fastened over your shoulder. Use a sling, papoose or baby backpack to carry your child instead of a stroller or a basket when you are out and about.
- Over Your Shoulder: When you carry your infant over your shoulder, gently hold the head in the middle and remember to switch sides. Your baby can see what’s going on around them and you can carry them without putting pressure on the back of their heads.
- In Front: Holding your infant in front of you will help them turn their heads and see what is happening around them. This position not only protects the head from strain but also encourages social development in your child.
- On Your Hip: Rest the baby on your hip with their face to you so that nothing is pressing against the back of their head. Ensure that you are changing their position by alternating the sides every time you pick them up.
- Sleeping Tiger: Allow your baby rest gently on their tummy without having pressure put on the back of their head by carrying them belly-down on your forearm like a sleeping tiger.
Your baby can benefit from being carried in these ways from an early age and can be helped so much by these methods.
Learn How To Carry Your Baby Safely And Comfortably With These Helpful Tips
With newborns, you certainly feel an overwhelming desire to carry your child constantly, but it can be tiring and soon be more comfortable to “wear” them. This way, the weight is more evenly distributed, which is beneficial for your posture. Your hands are also freed to be used for other tasks.
Some general guidelines to ‘wear’ your baby safely are:
- Carry your baby belly to belly.
- Ensure that you can see your baby’s face.
- Your chest is where your baby should rest.
These confirm that your baby is positioned high enough and has sufficient space for their airway.
It Gets Better With Time
It is normal to feel anxious when handling a baby, however, the more you do it, the more at ease you will feel.
Using a baby carrier will help you get comfortable carrying your baby as well as bond with them. With several options available, you may select the one that best suits your needs and those of your child.