To wrap or not to wrap...

After Baby number three was born (aka Munk) I knew right away it was going to be a challenge getting anything done. Before Munk was born I had purchased a Moby wrap. Why a Moby? After doing lots of research I found that your more conventional baby carriers are so horrible ergonomically for the mother and baby. The baby Bjorn and similar carriers are known as the “crotch danglers” in the baby wearing community. Let me explain why…..

                The baby Bjorn or similar carrier does not support babies hips.  The babies legs should be pulled up to hip level or higher. This happens when the fabric of the carrier extends to the back of the thigh to the back of the knee. When your baby is facing forwards with legs unsupported it isn't that his legs are simply dangling,  his spine and hips are unsupported to and there is simply nowhere for baby to sit. Here is a study done on hip dysplasia. A must read. When wearing your baby forward facing it creates a arched or hollow back position. Extending the back (like arching after waking from a nap), is not injurious or “bad” in and of itself.  The problem happens when you compress a “hollow back” under a load.  Placing an infant in a front facing carrier stretches the naturally convex rounded curve of his spine into a hollow back position.   With nothing to cling to, weak abdominal muscles, and retracted shoulders, the infant’s pelvis tilts backwards and is forced to not only carry weight of his own body but also to absorb the force of every step that the carrying individual takes- all on his little compromised spine. It may also over stimulate your baby, does not support babies head or neck, makes it difficult for your baby to thermoregulate, and also respond to your baby’s natural ques.

After reading all of this information I knew right away I had to stay away from these types of baby carriers. I am so glad I stayed away from these carriers and purchased a woven wrap. There are so many benefits to wearing your babe! Some of the benefits are, babies who are worn cry less, learn more, grow up to be more organized, humanized earlier, be more independent,  and smarter. It is also an excellent way to bond with your baby and make them more aware of their surroundings. I encourage everyone to do their own research and pick an ergonomically friendly carrier! I have linked a few websites where these woven wraps and Ergo’s can be purchased!