Monday, February 18, 2013

What positions can I use for carrying my baby?



Important Note. Adalah diingatkan bahawa cadanagn di sini adalah untuk posisi yang bersesuaian dengan umur anak anda secara asas/general. Anda boleh mencuba pelbagai jenis carry namun diingatkan sekali lagi bahawa carrier yang digunakan MESTI bersesuaian, selamat dan gunakan dengan instruction yang sesuai untuk carrier tersebut. Ini hanyalah contoh dan cadangan untuk digunakan namun masih banyak cara yang boleh digunakan. sesuai dengan umur anak dalam youtube/Google. Do join Babywearing Mamas Facebook group or any other group for more info, tutorial or gathering info (yes, we do have gathering initiated with personal, one-to-one tutorial for FREE!)

Newborns

The most appropriate positions for newborn babies are:

i) Semi-reclining or Nursing Hold on your front. Ring slings, pouches, rebozos, some torso carriers and wraparound carriers are suitable. In a ring sling, pouch or rebozo, the Nursing Hold is when the baby is lying down in the cradle nursing position. It is recommended that after breastfeeding, the baby be moved to an upright position. In Semi-Reclining Position, the baby is upright and the head may be toward the rings or opposite them, with the legs facing the opposite direction. In both positions, make sure there is no fabric covering the baby's face and her airway is clear. The baby's chin should be off of the chest and baby should never be curled tightly into a C-position.


 ii) In the Newborn Snuggle Hold/Tummy to Tummy Carry your baby is upright and facing you, either with knees up (froggy-style) or feet tucked under. Wraparounds, ring slings, pouches, rebozos, some torso carriers, some Asian-style soft carriers and some soft structured carriers can accommodate this position while keeping the baby's back and head well supported and minimizing slouching. For an Asian-style carrier and soft structured carrier to be suitable, it must specifically designed to prevent the baby from sliding sideways, or worse, falling out of the carrier.

iii) The Shoulder Carry or Burp Position. This is a very natural position to use with a young baby, one that we do even without a baby carrier. It is comforting for your baby by putting gentle pressure on her tummy and it prevents reflux. It can be achieved with an unpadded ring sling (with the rings down on your hip) or a rebozo but these options do not provide the most secure "hands free" carry. To be secure, a second sling (or rebozo) on the opposite shoulder can be added (again with rings on your hip). Both slings should be secured very tightly. A wraparound carrier is ideal for this position.


 Young babies with head control

Once past the newborn stage, when your baby can hold his head up well, he will probably enjoy being more upright.
i) The Snuggle Hold (or tummy to tummy) is a very popular position, giving great security and comfort as well as more visibility. The name "tummy to tummy" is misleading as your baby should ride with her legs around your waist, so that her centre of gravity is above your own. Young babies often prefer to have their feet inside the carrier and tucked underneath them. Others are more comfortable with their legs straddling your waist. In a sling, pouch, rebozo, torso carrier or wraparound, it is easy to move from the Snuggle Hold to a reclining position for nursing or sleeping. Structured soft carriers can also be used for the Snuggle Hold; make sure that the seat area is wide enough to support your baby's bottom with her legs straddled around you, so that you are not kicking her legs back as you walk.
 
ii) The Sideways Kangaroo Carry is a variation with the baby sitting sideways and legs outstretched. The baby's head and bottom are at the higher end (in a sling this is the side with the rings) and baby's legs may stick out the other side if they are long. This position is possible with a sling, pouch, rebozo or wraparound carrier. The sideways kangaroo has the advantage that the baby has a great vantage point, but can also retreat to safety and comfort by snuggling into your chest.

 iii) Upright Back Carry. Carrying your baby upright on your back is possible at this age with an Asian-style carrier or wrap.

iv) The High Back Carry. In traditional cultures, it is common to wear a baby on the wearer's back. This is born of necessity for women who must resume manual work while their babies are still quite young. Wearing young babies on the back is not common in our culture, but if you wish to try this position it is possible from birth in an Asian-style carrier or wraparound carrier. The baby's head should be very high - at or near the wearer's neck - so that the wearer can easily look back and monitor the baby. It is recommended that this carry only be attempted by experienced wearers, and is practiced with a spotter or kneeling over a soft surface.
 
The sitting baby

Some new positions are added to the repertoire once your baby can sit well. Positions listed above for young babies are also still appropriate.
i) The Hip Carry is one of the most popular and "natural" carries and can be achieved with a sling, pouch, rebozo, wraparound carrier (one-shoulder carries only), hip carrier, and some soft carriers (the manufacturer will state if this is an option). The term Hip Carry refers to any carry where the baby straddles you, that is not directly on your front or back; it is most often slightly to the front of your hip, or slightly to the back. This is a comfortable position for your baby as she can see out as well as being able to see your face. She can also snuggle into you and retreat when overstimulated. Babies can sleep in this position with the head resting on your shoulder, but naturally this will reduce the mobility of your arm. Some mothers find it convenient to nurse in the Hip Carry.
ii) Upright Back Carries are quite secure with a podaegi, torso carrier, soft carrier or wraparound carrier, once you have learned how to get your baby into this position. An upright back carry is also possible with single shouldered babycarriers: slings, pouches, rebozos and some hip carriers (check the manufacturers specifications), but these are less secure. Babies vary considerably in how much they wriggle, arch and move around; you will need to make a judgement about whether your baby is secure on your back in a single shouldered carrier, especially if you want to carry him there for long periods. If you have your baby on your hip and need him out of the way for a minute, you can temporarily move him to your back (or to a back-Hip carry). If your baby is wriggly and you would like to carry him on your back using your sling, one possible option to increase security would be to add a second sling on your other shoulder; this should also add to your comfort.
iii) Front and hip carries are the most poppable (easy to get your baby into and out of), which is essential during the up-down phase. This will most likely start some time between 6 and 12 months. Older babies often prefer the Hip Carry to the Snuggle Hold as they can see more. Through their straddling action, both carries transfer some weight downwards onto your waist/hips.

Toddlers

Most positions are developmentally appropriate for carrying a toddler; the key factor is that you are both comfortable.
i) Front and hip carries are still recommended for poppability. Most toddlers will prefer the Hip Carry to the Snuggle Hold for visibility. As your child gets older and bigger, you will also find that the Snuggle Hold becomes less convenient.
ii) The Back Carry is the position of choice for many parents of toddlers. Your baby will most likely have outgrown a structured soft carrier by this age, but unstructured ones can still be used, as well as all of the babycarriers mentioned above for back carries. Frame back-packs are also a popular option.

Few types of wrapping:
1) Double hammock
2) Rucksack (tie-under-bum or tie-in-front)
3) Knotless ruck
4) Tibetan tie
5) Jordan 
6) Wriggle-proof Double hammock
7) Norwegian wriglle-proof

and the list goes on.... 

I might be missing few point or whatnot but this is not the only reading you should be having though! More research and reading helps you more..

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