Choosing a Baby Carrier

Lots of parents swear by babywearing as a way of coping with life as a new parent. Newborns aren’t keen on being put down. They will scream every time you try to make a cup of tea, and will want to feed as soon as you need to leave the house. Babywearing allows you to keep your baby close (even breastfeeding), while still having your hands free to get on with other things.

If you have other children, you may find that babywearing allows you extra time to spend with your older children. You can feed your baby in the carrier, and play with other children at the same time. That way no-one needs to feel left out, and you avoid the situation of a crying baby and tantruming toddler both vying for your attention.

So, you’ve decided to invest in a baby carrier, but a quick glimpse at the products available sends you into a panic. There are just so many choices available, and you have no idea which one will be right for you. Here’s a quick guide to choosing a baby carrier to help you out:

Stretchy wraps

These are often described as the best way to carry newborn babies. The carrier consists of a long strip of stretchy fabric which you tie round yourself. It might sound scary, but there are loads of instructional videos online showing you how to do it correctly. The wrap is tied first, and then you just pop your baby in. Once in the wrap, the baby will be carried almost weightlessly on your front, and you’ll have your hands free to do other things. You will be able to breastfeed discreetly in a stretchy wrap, and your newborn will likely find it a comfortable place to nap.

Ring slings

Ring slings are adjustable and worn over one shoulder. The ring allows you to adjust and tighten the carrier to suit your child. These carriers can be used from birth to toddler. There are a number of different styles available, and you can choose from padded and unpadded carriers. You can breastfeed in a ring sling. There are plenty of instructional videos online that show how to tighten and adjust ring slings.

Woven wraps

These are long-lasting and versatile carriers that can be used from birth to toddler. There are lots of different ties and carries to try, and although this may make it seem complicated, it does give you greater control. There are plenty of instructional videos online showing the different ties and carries. Woven wraps come in different lengths, and the required length will depend upon your size, and the carries you intend to use it for. Breastfeeding and napping are both popular activities for babies in woven wraps.

Pouch slings

Many people consider pouch slings to be the easiest type of carrier to use. There’s no tying involved, you simply pop the carrier over one shoulder and then place the baby inside. For newborns, the baby will be held across your body by the carrier, but as the baby grows and becomes stronger, he will be able to sit in an upright position. You can breastfeed in a pouch sling, and your little one will easily fall asleep snuggled into your front. Pouch slings do come in different sizes, though, and you want to be sure you get the right one for your baby. Pouch slings can be dangerous for newborns if they’re used or sized incorrectly.

Soft structured carriers

These are sometimes also referred to as “Asian style carriers” because they are based on traditional Asian carriers. These are available with buckles and as tie on carriers. The buckled carriers are arguably easier to use, although some would argue they are more difficult to adjust than a tie on carrier. These carriers can be used from birth to toddler, although many require a newborn insert to provide head support to young babies. Your baby will be able to breastfeed in the carrier, and will be fully supported if he chooses to have a nap.

With any carrier, be sure your newborn is held “close enough to kiss” – meaning high and tight against your body. Be sure baby’s chin isn’t pressed down onto his chest, so that he can breathe freely. Never allow the baby’s face to be covered by the sling fabric.

Babywearing is very popular, and there are new sling libraries popping up across the USA and UK all the time, so do contact your local sling library for more information. They will be able to show you the different types of slings available, as well as teaching you how to get the most out of your sling. Most libraries will allow you to borrow a sling for a short time to decide if it is the one for you. Baby carriers are an investment, so it’s worth doing your researching and making sure you buy the right carrier for your needs.

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

How to Bond with Your Baby

For some parents, bonding begins in utero, and for some it happens instantly at birth. For others, it can take a few days for things to settle down enough for the bonding process to really begin, and some parents may find it takes a bit longer.

There are plenty of ways you can encourage the bonding process between yourself and your baby, here are a few tried and tested techniques:

  1. Skin to skin – touch is a great way to bond with your baby. Research has found that skin to skin contact helps babies by regulating breathing, stimulating digestion, regulating body temperature, and stimulating feeding behaviour. It has been found to help mothers relax, and to trigger the hormones of breastfeeding. Make sure you spend some time enjoying skin to skin contact.
  2. Alone time – there’s probably a line of friends and family queuing up outside your door, but try to postpone them by a few days. Spend a some time bonding as a new family, and getting used to each other before you invite other people to meet your newborn.
  3. Use your voice – your baby recognises your voice from his time in the womb. You may have noticed that, even at just a few hours old, he will turn his head to you whenever he hears you talk. The sound of your voice might even be enough to soothe him when he cries, so make the most of this ability and chat away throughout the day.
  4. And your ears – talking is great, but listen, too. Your baby might not be able to talk just yet, but that doesn’t mean he’s not communicating. He may smile when happy, shy away when he doesn’t want a massage, or suck his thumb when he’s hungry. Through these actions, he is communicating with you. By learning to interpret your baby’s early attempts at communication, you can help him to learn the value of communicating – something you’ll be thankful of in the future. You may also learn to pick up on his early feeding cues, and be able to feed him before he starts to cry from hunger.
  5. Feeding time – mealtimes are the perfect time to bond with your baby. If you’re breastfeeding, feed as often as your baby indicates he would like to. Feed frequently, and make eye contact with and talk to him as you do. The hormones associated with breastfeeding are said to encourage the bonding process too. If you’re bottle feeding, you can still use feeds as valuable bonding time. Talk to and make eye contact with your baby throughout the feed. Some parents decide that only they will feed their baby, to stop visitors from stealing that valuable bonding opportunity.
  6. Close enough to kiss – you may have noticed that your newborn cries whenever he is put down, that’s because he wants to be close to you. Using a sling is a great way of keeping everyone happy. You’re happy because you have your hands free to get on with other things, and the baby is happy because he knows he’s safe with you. Dad can get in on the babywearing action too – it’s a great way for him to bond with the baby.
  7. Massage – massaging your baby is a great way to promote bonding and closeness. You can incorporate a massage into your daily routine. Baby massage may also help to improve your confidence in your mothering abilities as you learn to communicate with your newborn. Massage is also said to help with colic, sleep and wind (gas) in babies. There are baby massage courses across the country that will equip you with the skills and confidence to massage your baby.

How do you plan to bond with your baby?

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Postpartum Backache: How to Hold Your Baby

Now that your baby is getting older (and heavier), you may be wondering how to carry your baby without breaking your back. That once tiny lightweight newborn is now a strong and hefty almost one year old and your back is probably paying the price. Don’t worry, this isn’t the end of your baby-carrying days, you just need to be mindful of how you carry your baby now that he’s growing bigger. Here are something tips to help you hold your baby without getting backache:

  1. Alternate hips

Many moms have a favorite side for carrying their baby on. Whilst this allows you to become an expert in all kinds of one-handed tasks with your remaining hand, it can put undue stress on one side of your body. Alternating sides could help to relieve some of the strain simply by splitting the weight throughout the day. Plus, you’ll end up with two muscled arms instead of that one telltale mom arm.

  1. Use a carrier

If the weight of your growing baby is causing your problems, a carrier may help. There are many different styles available, so you should be able to find one you love. A carrier will help to spread the weight whilst also leaving you with your arms free. From wraps and slings to soft structured carriers, there are plenty of different types of carriers to choose from. Ask babywearing friends for recommendations or visit your local sling library to try out a few carriers.

  1. Lift carefully

Though most of us have been taught how to lift properly in the workplace, not many parents apply this logic to their family life. When you reach down to lift your baby from the floor or car seat, you should keep your back straight and lift with your legs.

  1. Build your core strength

Pregnancy puts a lot of strain on your core and abdominal muscles and it will take time (and work) to repair them. Regular exercise can help to improve your core strength and reduce backache. Yoga and pilates are both good exercises for building core strength, speak to your instructor for advice regarding building your core strength.

  1. Rest and recover

If you’re back is aching, make sure you allow your body time to rest. Easier said than done with a baby, of course, but it’s important you don’t overdo it. Give your body time to heal, rest when you feel you need to and be sure to take plenty of baths to ease your aching muscles.

Are you suffering from postpartum backache?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

5 Tips to Encourage Development in Premature Babies

Many parents of babies born prematurely worry about their child’s development. You may worry about whether he will be able to catch up with his peers, and may even find yourself comparing him to other babies. Babies born prematurely face enormous challenges at the very beginning of their life. They have amazing strength and determination. Many babies born prematurely have caught up with their peers by the time they are two years old. You may be wondering whether there are any steps you can take to encourage development in premature babies. Here are five easy things you can do to help your baby develop:

  1. Build a strong bond

Many premature babies spend time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This environment can be noisy, bright and, at times, chaotic. Though you spent plenty of time by your baby’s side, you may not have been able to hold him as often as you’d have liked. Once your baby has been discharged from the hospital, it’s time for you to focus on building a strong bond with your little fighter. Carve out time each day to spend enjoying skin-to-skin contact, invest in a sling or wrap so you can carry your baby easily and give baby massage a try. Touch is important for building a strong bond, so make sure you spend lots of time cuddling and interacting with your baby.

  1. Talk to your baby

Babies learn a lot from listening to you speak. They learn language skills and communications skills as well as developing a greater understanding of social interactions. The more you speak to your baby, the more words he’ll hear and the more opportunity he has for learning. If you’re struggling to find the words to say, read children’s books aloud to your baby at bedtime. Wearing your baby in a sling when out and about provides plenty of opportunities to talk to your baby. Point out things you see on your travels. From the safety of your chest, he’ll also have a front row seat to your conversations with other adults, allowing him to learn more about social interactions.

  1. Play

The best thing you can give your baby is time. He doesn’t care about fancy toys or expensive classes, he just wants to hang out with his mama. Life can get pretty hectic, so make sure you set aside some time each day to truly focus on your child. Sing songs, play games and explore objects of interest together. Try to engage him in activities that will stimulate all of his senses. Babies use their sense to learn about the world around them, so engaging your child in play will aid his development.

  1. Work with the doctor

One of the most important things you can do as a parent to a baby born prematurely is to continue to work with your baby’s doctors. Report any concerns and always listen to their feedback. Some premature babies need speech, physical or occupational therapy to help them development as they grow older. If your baby needs this additional help, the sooner it is provided, the better it will be. That’s why it’s important to keep communication open with your healthcare provider, be upfront and listen to their advice.

  1. Don’t compare

Pretty much all parents are guilty of comparing their offspring to other children. When you’re surrounded by babies, it’s only natural to notice who is crawling and who isn’t. It’s important to remember though, your baby had a more challenging start in life. Your baby is older than he should be, he was busy impressing you with his strength and courage when those other babies were still tucked up safely in their mama’s wombs. Don’t compare your baby to other babies. Remember, all babies are different.

What things do you do to encourage development in your premature baby?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

7 Ways to Help Dad Bond with the Baby

For some dads, bonding starts as soon as they first see a beating heart on the ultrasound scan. For others, it can take until the baby is born before they really feel bonded to their child. And for others, bonding is a process that can take a little longer. There is no ‘right time’ to feel bonded with your child. Though it’s not something many dads talk about, bonding can be a slow process that takes places over the first few months of a baby’s life.

Many dads take on the role of carer after the birth. Caring for their partner as she recovers from the birth, and enabling her to care for the baby. Of course, he’ll probably get put in charge of diaper changes, but he may find that the bulk of the caring is done by the new mom. If the mom is breastfeeding, that can take up a large chunk of time each day, so it’s no wonder that bonding takes dads a little longer.

Here are seven easy ways you can help your partner to bond with the new baby:

  1. Get him involved

You don’t have to stop breastfeeding to enable dad to bond with the baby. If you want to, you could express milk so dad can take over one feed each day, but there’s no need to if you don’t want to pump. Your partner can build a strong relationship with your baby without ever having to feed her, so don’t fall into the trap of blaming breastfeeding. Many dads take on the role of chief diaper changer instead. It’s not as glamorous, perhaps, but at least they don’t end up with cracked nipples. Leave the diaper changing things in another room so that each diaper change gives your partner some time alone with the baby.

  1. Bathtime

The evening bath is another favorite of dads. It gives them the chance to have fun and play with their baby, whilst also being an important part of the evening routine. While your baby may be breastfed to sleep, bathtime allows dad to be involved in this important bedtime tradition. Enjoy some time to yourself whilst they bond at bathtime.

  1. Baby massage

Baby massage is another great activity for helping your baby to unwind before bed. It’s also a great way for your partner to unwind after a long day at work. Sign your partner up to a baby massage course so he can master the techniques. Massaging the baby each day will give dad a chance to bond with the baby whilst also building his parenting confidence.

  1. Get a sling

Babies love to be carried. You’ve probably noticed your baby is happier in your arms than in a crib or pram. It’s not practical to carry your baby at all times, after all, you need to use your hands for other things occasionally. A sling or wrap can solve this problem for you. It allows you to carry your baby whilst keeping your hands free. A sling or wrap is a lovely way for dad to bond with the new baby. They can go for an evening stroll together, or he can wear the baby around the house for comfort. It also provides you with the benefit of a little bit of touch-free time.

  1. Special little things

If you see someone having fun with your baby, it’s almost impossible not to mimic this fun at a later date. Everyone plays differently, and if you see dad having fun in a new way with the baby, it’s only natural that you’d want to get in on the action too. Leaving the new game to them, however, allows them to have a special activity that the two of them can share. This is a great way to encourage bonding, help dad feel irreplaceable and help them start building special memories.

  1. Think before you speak

If you’re home all day with the baby, it can be frustrating when dad gets home from work and starts doing things ‘wrong’. Think carefully before you criticize, because you could knock his already fragile parenting confidence. Does it really matter whether he does things a little differently to you? You’re both individuals and, of course, will have different ways of doing things. As long as your baby is safe, loved and happy, is it really worth mentioning that he’s put the baby’s clothes on backward?

  1. Make time for him

Since the baby came along, you probably haven’t been able to spend much quality time with your partner. You’re both exhausted by the end of the day, perhaps even irritable, and it’s hard to find the time to invest in your relationship. Remember, your partner is a new parent too. He’s just as tired, emotional and unsure as you are. Try to make time for him. Ask him how he’s feeling, show him that you care and tell him you love him. Don’t forget to tell him what an amazing father you think he is.

How does your partner bond with the baby?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Top 10 Benefits of Babywearing

Maybe you received a sling as a baby gift, or you’ve just heard that a wrap is a great parenting tool. But you’re wondering what’s so wonderful about holding your baby all the time. Here are our top 10 reasons why babywearing is great for you and your baby.

1. Babywearing is like a womb on the outside: Newborns transition to the outside world more easily when you create a womb-like environment for them. And what easier way than wearing them close to you. Your baby can feel your motion, hear your voice and heartbeat, and keep warm from your body heat.
2. You’ll have both hands free: this can be very helpful in the early days with your newborn especially when you’d like to eat a meal or take care of your older child.
3. Your baby will cry less: In a study about crying and carrying, babies who were carried an extra 3 hours each day had nearly half as much crying at 6 weeks as those who weren’t exposed to the extra holding.
4. You will learn your baby’s cues: Your basic task in the early weeks of parenting is trying to figure out what baby’s different cries and coos mean. Having your baby close to you will give you greater opportunity to catch early cues and keep your baby calmer (and this will improve your confidence in your parenting.)
5. Your baby can interact with the world better: Your baby will be seeing the same sights at you, and can interact with the world you are interacting with. This teaches baby sociability and can give baby a safe haven from which to observe the big world.
6. A baby carrier takes up less space than a stroller: whether trying to navigate the aisles in a department store, or just to get into your car and go, the sling or wrap is an easier, less bulky choice. And it’s much easier to carry baby in a sling or wrap than in a car seat!
7. You can keep your baby safe: People like to touch babies. When you’re out and about, they’re less likely to touch a baby attached to you – particularly important during cold and flu season. As your baby gets older, the carrier provides a place to keep baby secure while your attention is focused on other tasks.
8. You can breastfeed easily: because you’re catching early feeding cues, your baby can eat as soon as he signals his hunger. And your breasts are right there next to him. Nursing in public is easier (or at least more covered), too.
9. Your baby will feel emotionally secure: because you can respond quickly, your baby will grow feeling that his needs are being met consistently. And this helps baby feel strongly bonded to his caregiver.
10. Your baby’s brain will develop better: Your baby’s brain is growing so fast during the early years – making connects between nerves and pruning connections that aren’t used. Being involved in the world affords greater environmental stimulation to the developing brain, while at the same time, allowing baby to be protected from overstimulation.

And one last bonus reason – it’s nice for the person doing the baby wearing, too. Who doesn’t want to cuddle a baby? Positive touch releases endorphins and oxytocin – relaxing you and connecting you to your baby.

If you use a baby carrier, what’s your favorite thing about babywearing?

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Babywearing: Choosing a Sling

Babywearing is growing in popularity in the Western world. After decades of relying on prams, many parents are now enjoying more traditional ways of transporting their babies. When babywearing, your baby is snuggled happily against your body and you have your hands free to get on with life.

Babies who are regularly carried cry less. Babywearing can also aid with breastfeeding and encourage bonding between baby and caregiver. Keeping your baby close allows you to respond to early cues, and this may, in turn, help your parenting confidence to grow.

It’s also convenient. Having your baby nestled against your chest frees up your hands for other things. You can prepare a sandwich, send an email or do your weekly shop, all with your baby happily tucked up on your chest. Of course, it also keeps your baby’s head at the perfect height for you to be able to sniff at will, so enjoy that gorgeous newborn smell while it lasts.

If you’re new to babywearing, the variety of slings on offer can seem pretty daunting. How do you know which one is right for you? Here are a few ways to find out:

  1. Find your local sling library

Many towns now have a local sling library which loans out slings and carriers for people to try. You’ll be able to speak to a babywearing expert, learn how to fasten the slings, and even take one home to try it out for a few weeks. This will give you the opportunity to try out a wide range of slings until you find the one that’s right for you. It also means you can save your hard-earned pennies for the real deal. It’s also a great way of meeting other like-minded mamas, so worth popping along even if you already have a sling.

  1. Ask for advice

Thanks to the recent surge in babywearing parents, you may have a few friends experienced in the ways of the wrap. Ask them for advice. They may even be able to lend you a spare sling to try out, or give you a quick lesson in how to use it.

  1. Look online

If you don’t have any babywearing friends and can’t find a sling library nearby, you may need to get your inspiration online. There are plenty of bloggers who review slings, so you should be able to work out which sort of carrier will work best for you. If you’re unsure how to tie a sling, YouTube is a great place to find tutorials.

  1. Go for it

Once you’ve decided upon the type of sling you like best, whether that’s a stretchy wrap, a woven wrap or a structured baby carrier, it’s time to invest. Slings come in all kinds of colors and patterns, so find one you truly love.

Which sling do you use to carry your baby?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Understanding Infant Spine Development

The basics of infant spine development
Adult spines are ‘S’ shaped, and feature four slight curves that assist with balance and flexibility. The curves in our spine also help to absorb stresses placed on our back. For example, when walking down a cobbled street, the curves will take the impact of each step to prevent damage to the spine. Babies are not born with ‘S’ shaped spines, instead they have a long ‘C’ shaped spine. This is why babies appear curled up, because gravity has not yet lengthened and altered their spines.

The ‘S’ shape develops as your baby grows. When he learns to lift and hold his head, he will start to develop the first curve at the top of his spine. It will take until after your child’s first birthday, when he walks away from you unsupported, for him to acquire the ‘S’ shape of a developed spine.

Prams and infant spine development
Newborn babies do not naturally lie flat. They will have their legs pulled up to allow the spine to adopt the natural ‘C’ shape discussed above. Lying your baby down in a horizontal position for long periods, such as in a pram, forces the ‘C’ shape to flatten, putting pressure on the developing spine.

Babies can often be contained in prams for lengthy durations during the day. If the pram is used for the duration of a day trip, the baby could spend a long time lying flat. This would put a lot of pressure on the developing spine, and even prevent it from developing properly.

While this doesn’t mean that you must never lie your baby flat, it does mean you should try to reduce the amount of time your baby spends in this position. This doesn’t mean, however, that you should relocate your baby to the car seat as an alternative.

Car seats and infant spine development
Car seats, while allowing the baby’s spine to stay in its natural ‘C’ shape, are still problematic for infant spine development. Babies who are restricted in car seats for long periods may find that their spinal development is delayed. If sat upright in a car seat, the baby may not strengthen and learn to use the muscles to hold up and control his head. Experts advise that babies should spend no longer than two hours a day in a car seat.

What should I use?
Obviously, a car seat is a legal requirement and should always be used when in a moving vehicle. However, you should try to reduce the amount of time your baby spends in his car seat outside of the car.

To avoid your baby spending a lot of time lying flat in a pram, you could invest in a sling. Slings hold babies in the foetal tuck position which supports the natural ‘C’ shape of your baby’s spine. Being held upright allows your baby to develop and use muscle control to stay upright, get comfortable and look around. Babywearing is a great way to support the natural development of your baby’s spine.

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

Image: http://www.wallaboo.com/baby-carriers.html

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2013. All rights reserved.