Carrying your baby in a baby carrier or wrap can be an excellent way to stay physically and mentally healthy once you become a parent. Here is how:
1. Babywearing helps you stay active
Babywearing well done allows you to move around freely while keeping your baby close, breathe fresh air and avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
A reliable carrier or sling can encourage you to be active throughout the day. With one that allows you to keep your hands free, it is simply up to you to decide what you'd like to do: run errands, work around the house, enjoy your hobbies, go for a walk, go out with friends, travel, work out or hike and so much more 🙌
The extra weight and movement can help increase your heart rate and engage your core muscles, which might add to your calorie burn.
2. Babywearing helps you maintain a healthy posture and reduce strain on your arms and pelvic floor
Babywearing well done can help improve your posture by distributing your baby's weight evenly across your upper body. This can help prevent or reduce the back, shoulder or neck pain and improve your overall alignment, compared to carrying your baby in arms or pushing a stroller.
According to a recent medical study, the intra-abdominal pressure is higher during the lifting phases rather than during the carrying phase: regardless of whether you use a baby carrier or not, the act of lifting a child exerts the greatest pressure on your pelvic floor.
During the carrying phase, the child's weight contributes to increased pressure on the pelvic floor no matter how you hold them: in arms or in a carrier. According to a physiotherapist and a fellow babywearing consultant Kato Matthews of Sprout and me, one way to reduce this pressure is a back carry, compared to carrying your baby in front or on your hip.
Finally, wearing your baby correctly helps prevent the repetitive action of lifting frequently and/or holding your baby for extended durations. This reduces strain on your arms, wrists and hands, prevents fatigue, pain or the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.
3. Babywearing helps you feeling relaxed
Compared to other child-rearing tools such as a crib or a stroller that are positioning your baby away from you, potentially reducing the level of physical contact and interaction between you and your baby, the baby carrier is keeping your baby close to you. That helps. Being attuned to your baby's needs and responding promptly gives to your baby a feeling of safety and comfort, which can reduce the likelihood of becoming fussy or upset. Your baby feels more likely calm and content - and so do you 🧘♂️🧘♀️
When done correctly, babywearing enables you to move and continue your daily activities. That means staying active and strong exactly the way you like, maintaining a sense of relaxation and control - with your baby♥️
Try it for yourselves and stay fit!
Yours,
Michaela