Baby Carrier or Baby Wrap?
Which One to Choose?
A baby carrier or baby wrap has many advantages. You can keep your baby close to you while having your hands free. It’s also beneficial for your baby’s development, both motorically and socio-emotionally. And when you’re out shopping or using public transport, a baby carrier or wrap is much more practical than a stroller. If you also want to carry your baby but are unsure whether to choose a carrier or a wrap, read on.
Constant Contact with Your Newborn Baby
It’s probably no surprise that babies enjoy being carried. Many babies become calm when they are carried. By having your baby in a carrier or wrap close to you, they feel enveloped, similar to during pregnancy. They are very close to you, feeling your movements and warmth, hearing your voice and heartbeat, and smelling you. This constant contact is especially comforting for newborns.
Less Crying, Earlier Talking
Did you know that babies who are carried a lot tend to be calmer and cry less? It also stimulates their social development because they are much closer to your face and therefore see much more how you interact with others. And children who are carried a lot often learn to talk earlier. They continuously see your face and your moving mouth when you speak. This helps them to quickly associate mouth movements and facial expressions with different sounds.
Good for Physical Development
Carrying a baby is also good for physical development. It already reduces the risk of reflux and colic. Your baby can lie in a wrap or be carried in the ‘frog position’. This is a very natural position that they also adopt when you lay your baby on your chest. They curl up, lifting their legs, opening them outwards with a nice, rounded back. This position is good for the development of their back and neck muscles. However, it’s essential that the carrier or wrap you use properly supports your baby’s head, at least until their neck muscles are strong enough to hold their head up on their own. Of course, your baby must also be able to breathe well in the carrier or wrap. And when they are very small, it’s essential to carry them facing towards you so that their back can form that natural curve and your baby is optimally supported.
Various Types of Baby Wraps
A baby wrap, as the name suggests, is a piece of fabric that you wrap around yourself and your baby. It’s often a long piece of cloth. There are stretchy and woven wraps and a ring sling wrap. You can use them all from day one, but there are differences.
Stretchy Baby Wrap
A stretchy baby wrap is made of jersey and is used to carry your baby on your front. Because the fabric stretches a bit, you can use it until your baby weighs about 7 kilograms. Not every stretchy baby wrap is suitable for summer. This is because you need to wrap the fabric around yourself and your baby in multiple layers. On hot days, this is only possible if the wrap is made of a breathable material. The convenience of this wrap is mainly that you can keep it on when you want to take your baby out for a moment. For example, for changing or feeding. After that, you don’t need to tie the wrap again; you can simply put your baby back in.
Woven Baby Wrap
The woven baby wrap is a bit sturdier and can therefore be used longer than the stretchy baby wrap. You can also carry your baby on your front, back, or hip with this wrap. It’s usually made of natural materials such as cotton, linen, wool, or bamboo, making it very comfortable on both warm and cold days. However, you need to tie it again each time you take your baby out. And you need to practice tying it, but once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll usually enjoy it for a long time.
Ring Sling Baby Wrap
A ring sling baby wrap is the easiest to use. It’s a short piece of fabric with 2 rings. You only need to thread the fabric through those rings and adjust the straps. You carry your baby on your hip with this wrap, and you can use it from birth. It’s especially useful for short trips, but parents with back problems are advised against using this wrap.
The Baby Carrier
A baby carrier is very different from a baby wrap. For example, the carrier is often already pre-shaped with padded shoulder straps and a (partially) padded back panel. You can’t use this right from birth because your baby needs to be able to sit with their legs spread for this. Usually, this is only possible from around 3 months old. Depending on the brand and type of carrier you choose, you can carry your baby on your front, back, and/or hip. The great advantage of a baby carrier is mainly that it’s very easy to use. You don’t need to learn complicated knots. It closes with Velcro or clips, making it very simple.
When You Can’t Immediately Use a Baby Carrier or Wrap
Carrying your baby in a carrier or wrap is very beneficial for your baby, but it’s also very comfortable for you. Just be aware if you’ve had a cesarean section, suffer from pelvic instability, or are very weakened by childbirth. In that case, you can’t immediately carry your baby with a carrier or wrap after childbirth. Your doctor or midwife will advise you from when this will be possible for you.
More Tips from Other Young Mothers, at Midwives Amsterdam South
There are several practical reasons to choose a baby carrier or wrap. But the most important thing is that you simply find it comfortable to wear. So try it out and go to a store to try it on. You can do this with your baby, but it’s not necessary. Or ask other young mothers about their experiences with a baby carrier or wrap. At Midwives Amsterdam South, we have app groups for our clients where they often exchange these kinds of experiences after childbirth. Does that seem useful to you too? Then come and meet us before or during your pregnancy; we’d love to meet you!