Assalamualaikum~~~

17th January, 2015.

We had the chance in helping out to spread the love and awareness of babywearing. This time *yes, u here me, coz prev in WHI, lol* we came complete in a family, Abah, Ibu, Syakir and Sofia. It was all about 'Cara Menggendong Yang Betul'.

So, we had participated in the 1st part of the slot, introduction of type of carriers. What more need to say, This is the only pictures I've got, courtesy to all mamas who managed to snap it...

I am wearing a mei-tai, a carrier inspired by Asian carrier. It has a body panel with 4 long tail to be tied together. While Wan, wearing Syakir in a Soft-Structured Carrier or SSC.

Can't thank enough Dr Izam Suziani and fellows ladies Oja, Zubaidah Suhaimi, Siti Sohailah and last but not least, the hosts Amie Sofia and Fara Deeba. Thank you AlHijrah program Assalamualaikum for having us...

17 Januari 2015 - Assalamualaikum Program

Ok, hari ni 17hb Januari 2015. To all who has yet to plan their Saturday, wake up early and switch on your TV to TV9 AlHijrah from 8am to 10am..

Sofia and Syakir will be featuring there!! Stay tuned ya'll

Glam Mama Bazaar

A long overdue post...

 Last September 28th, we attended #glammamabazaar in Ruang@Subang. It's a bazaar for mummy n babies in conjunction of Babywearing Made Simple book launching. What book is that? It's about babywearing, written by a well-known blogger Adriana Thani. You can get it from here.

So, the event was a blast! It's in ruamg@Subang, quite a convenient place to hang-out or throw a party. It's located as below.

It's a great bazaar as so many great vendors were there available. We shopped, ate and talked, met friends and made new one..

So, what the fuss? Coz I am in there with Syakir and Sofea *in the oven* hihihi...

Babywearing - FB Status #5

PSA on Babywearing:

I had a simple conversation with few friends, whom have been wearing their baby and those who are about to, about what's best carrier to own. Is there any carrier that fit from newborn till toddler? It's simple, would you let you baby wear their newborn clothes as them approaching toddlerhood? If yes, then come back to me to discuss 'the' carrier.

And, the convo went on for an affordable carrier. Which to choose? Few come to me to discuss, will Batik be a good, affordable carrier?

My point:

1. Batik used by our domestic helper and even our ancestor during early days. It's heritage, yes. And it could never be wrong to appreciate our heritage. BUT, quoting from few dear friend in babywearing world, will you be using a Beca or Sampan, for daily use to work? Every single day, wherever you are living, real life. What's your answer, it's your choice.

2. Batik is being made to be a clothing fabric, which mean, it's created not to hold a weight or tension from weight. There will always be a wear-and-tear sign of Batik when you are using it frequently. Hence, the risk of unfortunate event increasing when using Batik as your baby carrier compared to a simple piece of cloth made especially to hold weight of a baby. It's total different in the weaving pattern, the thread used, the dyes and whatnot.

3. The Batik is considered a thin piece of cloth (even a thin baby carrier or known as wrap is thicker) so it may resulting saggy when using and the need to un-tie and re-tie. Giving the digginess effect? What the big deal with it? It contributes to the backache of the wearer, muscle pain and discomfort for shoulder. Don't ever blame on babywearing or the heavy toddler when you choose the most non-recommended carrier that is Batik, when you suffering backpain, lower backache or shoulder pain etc. The cloth is not made to uphold weight. Fullstop.

4. Keep on researching, reading and asking. I read from a discuss with the old timers (I called them Otais Babywearer) that if, and only IF, you ever needed to use Batik (emergency, last resort option), get a Batik Cap or Batik Lukis 100% cotton. Why? This type of batik is made to withstand heat of the wax so it won't easily destroyed. Batik silk is definitely NO NO. And no to machine woven Batik. Why? They can be slippery and causing safety hazard. AND, only for smaller/lighter baby. Because batik can easily ripped off and risking towards unfortunate events.
Disclaimer : I am never suggesting Batik for a normal, relax day of wearing. ONLY EMERGENCY. EMERGENCY. MAYDAY. MAYDAY

5. A Batik can be easily bought everywhere and it won't cost you a bomb. But, if a Batik that can cost you more than RM100, I would suggest you to save that same amount of money for a couple of months (4 months is quite good) and get a decent, safer woven wrap carrier from our local vendor which are easily accessible.

I could take a horse to a pond but I can never forced it to drink the water from the pond. I have tried and this writing is solely based on my experienced wearing my 8 months baby weighing approx. 9-10 kg in a long 4m Batik with double layer carrier (as per my picture). I am not following any suits but to my least experience in wearing. Ciao!!

            

Link here

Babywearing - FB Status #4

PSA on Babywearing.

Anyone came to me asking about babywearing, I will normally ask this 3 question:
1. How old is your baby?
2. What is your baby weight?
3. Do you ever tried/own a carrier?

Why do I have to know your baby age and weight? Everyone knows that the carrier can be use from newborn till toddler, it's stated on the box right?
Yes, they did but I am not selling anything to anyone hence I feel the urge to advice as well as recommending accordingly.

With a newborn, I will always recommend a non-structured carrier which is either a simple piece of cloth, named wrap, or a ring-sling (rs). But I might be bias as I am a wrap mama hence I would go to wrap first, bhahahaha...

Why would I suggest those wrap and rs? I've wrote about it before: https://www.facebook.com/sharh/posts/10152497489023751

So, straight to the third question. Why would I wanna know whether you have own or tried any type of carrier? Because I will make use of what you have. If you have a narrow-based carrier (NBC) which known as a non-ergonomic carrier, I won't simply suggest you to get another one (I will if I knew you could afford one! again, *evil laugh*) but we would make use of the existence. With NBC, all you need is another pashmina or shawl to be tie under your baby bum to provide the optimum knee-to-knee support and making a seat to your baby with M positioning. But, please oh please, don't come again to me or keep complaining the backache you having. This is due to MOST NBC does not have the waistband as a support for you. See, we will make both, wearer and the wearee, happy and comfort.

And, if your baby is under a special needs baby, please do let me know it first thing. Yes, I need to know because the advice or suggestions might be differ. Because I won't do it due to my non-existence knowledge of it. I won't and I don't wanna take the liability of recommending things I am not sure or don't know. Surely, you could ask me but I will redirect you to the better person. I promise you'll never feel left out or dismissed just because of that. Your baby is more fragile than other baby but they have the right to be carry as well, let's not stop us and them to enjoy every moment of our life. They surely can be wear but with advices from the expert.

But, if you have the fake one, you will need to get new, safer one. Or if you have a batik-sling. Why? Am I not proud of my own heritage? Is batik a lower / downgraded sling? NO and NO again. It's not about me not appreciating my heritage, I am. In fact, I kept mentioning Malaysia while I was in Minnesota and most of them not really aware of the existence of Malaysia. They know Singapore better. I quoted from my dear friend in babywearing world; having to promote or advocate the use of Batik as a sling is like you, promoting Becha (trishaw) to be use to and fro to work daily. It's uplifting the heritage, tradition but it is not practical unluckily.

Batik is another issue. Do I have to explain it? Will there be a reader? I am not against Batik-sling but I won't recommend it to be use as daily carrier for your baby due to many reasons. InsyaAllah, I will. We are the babywearing parent.

Link here.

Babywearing - FB Status #3

PSA

I started my babywearing journey with my first baby quite late, at the age of 7 months. After a thorough research, asked around, joined gathering and participated in few groups; I started with a simple piece of cloth or SPOC a.k.a wrap. Due to the weight of my baby, I go for a linen blend and somewhat middle thick wrap.

As baby's shoes and clothes, baby carriers do have sizes and age limit. Always I've been asked, which carrier can be use from newborn till toddlerhood. Before I answer it, I have a question. Will your baby wear their newborn cloth till toddler?

And with my second baby, I went all out wearing her from newborn. My preferences would be the wrap. Is wrap difficult to wear? Too long and it's hassle? I might be bias but practice makes perfect.

To wear your baby from newborn, the best bet is wrap or a ringsling. It's the skill you need to master. Why wrap is the best bet for me? Because of it's mouldability, stretchiness and how it could snug your baby and you just how you need it. The wrap will provide your baby's optimum c-shape curve and this will help them in spine development. Emotionally, as the baby near to the mom, they will grow up as an independent baby, as much as they could feel the warmth of the mother's body. Socially, they will well-exposed to the world with the mother very near to them.

As they grow up, you might change your carrier preferences. Some might venture into ringsling as an easy option for a quick ups and downs; especially when the baby started walking. Or a structured carrier called SSC. Or still a wrap but shorter length.

Won't my shoulder be in pain? I will get backache/muscle pain for carrying my heavy baby. -Listen to your body while carrying you baby-

This is why it's important to use the correct and safe carrier. It will not only for the safety of the baby but for the parent as well. A wrap wasn't just any simple piece of cloth. I would NEVER recommend you a BATIK for a frequent and long-term usage due to it's wear-and-tear issue, the weave of it and the colour plus the wax used.

This is going to be extra long entry but for more information, you are just a PM a way from. Happy babywearing.

Picture: My husband wearing our 41 months boy in a SSC and I am with our almost 3 months old girl in SPOC.

 Click here to read

Babywearing - FB Status

I woke up this morning with a news a dear friend told me about a kid in coma for 3 days after the carrier used to carry the babu ripped and apparently the baby fell off. Don't ask me whereabouts the kids, how is it happen etc. Let's just doa for the best of the child and the parent. Sad enough, the carrier used is a fake ergo a.k.a fergo. Ya, kalau benda nak jadi, ketentuan Ilahi, ajal jodoh semuanya. But Islam do teach us to prevent rather than to cure.

I love to wear my baby but I won't ever ever recommend or advice this 3 things:

1. Fake carrier or FERGO.

True, you can get those carrier way cheapee than other but bear in mind, you are carrying a child of your own. The material used won't be the same as the authentic hence the price. If you can have or change into newer better gadget, it's true sad for not investing the good safe carrier for your child.

2. Batik-slinger or DIY.

Do research, unlearn and relearn, read a lot & seek opinion or advice, then make an informed decision. Those fabrics sold in most fabric store was not made to hold weight, tension and force of a baby. It's totally different compared to the simple piece of cloth called wrap. The main thing is the weave. Cloth fabric are made to be wear, as u put a tension plus force & weight of the baby, it could easily ripped/tear. You want to see the different, I can show you.

3. SSC for a newborn.

Eventhough it is stated the carrier is safe from newborn but it is not highly recommended or encouraged to use. A newborn is still in a developing the spine hence the need to be in the optimal position of c-shape; the curved position like they were in the womb. Being a structured carrier, SSC can't provide that.

To add more, using narrow-based carrier even worsening the situation. The child is in dangling or hanging position, unlike in SSC as they mimicking the sitting position. This could even risking the baby towards hips dyslexia. To top it of, you put them in forward facing. This could overstimulating the baby. Snuggle and cuddle are always the best things to do with newborn.

So, do take your time and do more research and reading. Afterall, they are your children.

you can read it here

Video Tutorial Cara Menggendong Bayi

Starting on my new venture, trying my level best. Video tutorial untuk menggendong anak dalam bahasa Melayu telah dimuatnaik di saluran youtube saya. Will update and add more

Linknya: Front Wrap Cross Carry (FWCCC)

Babywearing gear - Pouch & Ringsling

Baby carrier or babywearing gear comes in a wide range of options as well as alternatives. They are in a form of one-shouldered carrier; ring sling and pouch while for two-shouldered carrier; meitai, soft-structured carrier (SSC) and wrap.

The most basic carrier being use for newborn or for an easy pop-in and pop-out are ring slings and pouch. But, to be bear in mind, with one-shouldered carrier, as the weight of your little one increasing, the wearer (parent or care-giver) had to bear the weight of a baby with one shoulder only.

POUCH

A single piece of fabric sewn into a sash-like circle seam in middle to creates a deep seat for baby. They are worn over one shoulder for front, back and hip carries. Pouches have no rings, snaps, buckles or ties. Pouches come in sizes to be fitted to the wearer and it is made from variety of fabrics such as stretch cottons or fleece as well as size. The baby should be carry near your center of gravity, neither too low nor too tight. The curve of the sling should reach just below your naval when the baby is in it.  The sling should be spread out flat across your back and over your shoulder to prevent from dig into your neck or slide off of your shoulder.

It's very easy for a quick ‘ups and downs’ phase - baby can be taken in and out quickly, for those practising elimination communications, running errands or toddler that wants up & down every 5 seconds. Pouches are also come in a compact size that will fit in your bag easily.

The downside of a pouch is it’s not as comfortable as a two-shouldered carrier for wearing heavier babies for longer periods as the weight bare by only one shoulder and the waist. They came in size thus they are less in versatility as well as adjust-ability.

Picture credits to Babywearing Mamas Malaysia member

Most common size of a pouch are measured from shoulder to hip with 23” to 26” as regular size while 27” to 30” for large size but some maker produced it with wider options of sizes and variety of patterns as well material used. The size determined by measuring the length from your shoulder to the opposite side of hip with considering your height, torso length as well as size of the bra. It's important that you wear the correct size which is important to a comfortable pouch sling experience.

As carrying your baby in an upward position (or tummy-to-tummy carry) as the optimum and most recommended, using pouch for an on-the-go breastfeeding carrier could be a great help but it is a skill that need practices to make it perfect. This is due to the pouch being a non-adjustable carrier, contacting a babywearer educator whom is also a lactation peer or counsellor is a great idea to start with. On top of it, please always check the rules of thumb while babywearing which is T.I.C.K.S.

Picture credits to Babywearing Mamas Malaysia member

RING SLING

A ring sling is a piece of fabric (2-3m long) that is adjustable to fit over one shoulder by pulling the material through two rings made from either metal or nylon. They can be padded in shoulder area for added comfort, usually used for front, hip carries or sometimes back carry. The adjust-ability factor of a ring sling makes it suitable for sharing between different sized wearers. The extra fabric left in front is useful for very discreet breastfeeding in public.

Ring Slings are an ideal newborn carrier and are also fantastic for the up-and-down toddler phase. The size can be adjusted according to the size of the wearer and the wearee to get excellent support as well as comfort for both the baby and you. This made it more versatile in usage.

Picture credits to Babywearing Mamas Malaysia member

 

The ring slings might be come as a readily sew with the ring or loose rings. Today, there are also few options available in market which might be hazard for usage with baby. For instance, an adjustable pocket sling, known as bag sling, is widely available for purchase. From the box, stated it is designed to carry babies and toddlers aged 0 until 2 years and beyond weighing 2kg to 15kg. It is made from 100% cotton that is durable and breathable with a padded at shoulder strap for the wearer for the comfort of the wearer. It is also made padded at the top and bottom for baby’s comfort and come readily with adjustable buckle to accommodate different size wearers. You can carry the baby with five (5) different positions.

However, to make it meet the safety requirement as per T.I.C.K.S. during carrying your baby need some skills. Get more information and guidance by joining Babywearing Mamas support group  in Facebook.

Pouch	Suppori	Bagsling
·         A piece of fabric one-piece design with no need for adjustments; rings, buckles or straps. ·         Used as a carrier to hold baby and wearers are able to be hands-free ·         Non-adjustable, comes with size thus need the exact measurement ·         Made with few types of material; cotton, cotton/lycra mix or fleece. ·         The fabric is sufficient to cover baby’s back hence enhancing the safety while wearing. ·         Provides safety when wear the correct size as it is tight enough to hold the baby.	·         A piece of fabric one-piece design with no need for adjustments; rings, buckles or straps. ·         Used only as a tool to help parents or caregivers to carry the baby. Definitely not able for hands-free carrying. ·         Non-adjustable, comes with size thus need the exact measurement. ·         Made from a mesh. ·         The fabric NOT sufficient to cover baby’s back. It could be hazard as the baby tends to lean back. ·         As it is made from a mesh fabric, it tends to stretch if with even a little pressure such as baby wiggling or straightening	·         A carrying system that said can be used directly from birth as the baby is cradled in a reclined position. ·          Made of 100% cotton & machine washable, Instruction manual included ·         Comes with buckle and strap for adjustment. ·         Made with 100% cotton and machine washable. ·         Few brands of this type of carrier had been recalled by Consumer Product Safety Commission United States of America (www.cpsc.gov), New Zealand (www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz) and also in Canada.

Disclaimer : Picture credits to Babywearing Mamas Malaysia member

Safety in Babywearing

First simple basic rules of babywearing is T.I.C.K.S.

T	Tight The carrier must be tight enough to hug the baby close to the wearer. It will provide the most comfortable position for both parties. Any loose carrier could lead towards a hazard to the baby when they sank inside the carrier or the pressure of weight being put incorrectly to the wearer. By wearing them tight, it could help in holding the baby in the best position and not risking the baby’s spine development.
I	In View At All Time The baby must be visible to the wearer at all time while being carry. It is essential to be able to see (even just by a simple glancing) the baby’s reaction or any changes while they are in the carrier. A simple glance to make sure the baby is breathing well and in their optimal position or not having any struggle to stay put in the carrier.
C	Close Enough To Kiss Your baby’s head is always as close enough for you to kiss on the forehead. Therefore, you will always aware and alert of the baby restless or being discomfort in the carrier. Having a baby sank in carrier will not only make the baby comfortless but the weight will strained the muscles of the wearer.
K	Keep Chin Off The Chest It is strictly prohibited to let your baby in the carrier to be curled as this could lead the chin forced to the chest and resulting in difficulties in breathing. Just like any adult whom slept with the chin forcing toward chest which could lead to snoring.
S	Supported Back Whenever carrying and wearing your baby in the carrier; be it in front, at the back or at the hips, the baby’s back must be well-supported naturally. This is due the spine of a baby is still developing thus ensuring the c-position of baby in the carrier will provides the best in baby needs.

By wearing your baby, you’ll have the benefits of both hands are free for you to juggle with chores or other activity including shopping, attending guests at the party or your other child or walking hand-in-hand with your husband. Although you could be multitasking while having your baby securely with you, there are few other guidelines on safety while wearing your baby.

A Few Absolute Rules

1.               Make sure baby can breathe. It is true to have your both hands-free to do other things when you wear your baby in a carrier but remain active in caring a child. One thing for sure, there’s no any baby carrier can ensure that your baby always has an open airway; that’s your absolute job.

                

Figure 1 : Credits to Babywearing Mamas group member

2.        Choose and use carriers that appropriate with your baby’s age as well as weight. Soft structured-carrier can be useful for older babies and toddlers but aren’t suitable for babies who haven’t yet to sit unassisted for extended periods. Front packs usually have a weight range of 8-20 lbs; smaller babies may slip out and larger babies will almost certainly cause back discomfort for the person using the carrier. Choosing a baby carrier is similar to using your child’s shoes, not any single carrier that could long lasting from newborn till toddler. It’s best to get the carrier suits your baby’s needs.

3.                 A baby carried, held or placed with his/her chin curled against his chest is a BIG NO at any time, with any carrier. This rule applies whether the baby held in arms, carriers, infant car seats or any kind of seat/situation. This position can restrict the baby’s ability to breathe. They need good back support in carriers so that they don’t slump into the chin-to-chest position.

               

Figure 2 : Picture Credit to Onyababy

4.                Avoid from covering your baby’s head & face with fabric that might lead to “rebreathe” the same air, which is hazardous. It is also refrains you from being able to check on her/him. Always make sure your baby has plenty of airflow. Check frequently.

5.         Never jog, run, jump on a trampoline or any activity that subjects baby to similar shaking or bouncing motion that can do damage to the baby’s neck, spine and/or brain. Carrying a baby while cooking subjects the baby to an enhanced risk of burns. Babies in arms or in a carrier are exposed to the risk of burns. The same goes while reaching into a hot oven while carrying a baby.

6.                 A baby carrier is not a substitute to a car seat hence, never use a carrier as a car seat when riding in a car. Soft baby carriers provide none of the protection that car seats provide.

7.              Inspect carrier regularly to ensure it is sound; fabric, seams & buckles/fasteners. Do this to avoid complacency. Don’t use a carrier unless it is structurally sound.

8.                   When using carriers out & about, check baby his secure by using reflective surfaces such as car, store windows or mirrors, to double checking your baby’s position, or by enlisting the help of another set of eyes especially when you are carrying your baby at the your back.

9.                 If you were advised on not doing something while pregnant because of an enhanced risk of falls, thus you shouldn’t do it during carrying your baby. For instance, climb a ladder, ride a horse, skating or spelunking. The risk of falling increases due to the slippery surfaces as you encounter when you go bowling, sailing, or spelunking. When a baby is in the mother’s womb, he has built-in protection, but a baby in arms or in a carrier does not have that protection. The same applies if you are doing activities that need you to wear protective gear. Baby carriers do not provide hearing/eye protection or protection from rocks flung from a lawn mower or fumes/ dust as household cleaning tasks. While it might seem more secure to use baby carrier to board a small boat than carry a baby in arms, the safer practice is to have the baby wear a personal flotation device. Personal flotation devices are generally not compatible with baby carriers.

10.         Avoid from overdress or dress your baby too warmly in the summer, and avoid using a baby carrier that could cause the baby to suffer heat stress. Don’t let your baby get too cold in the winter. (There are some excellent coats and ponchos designed especially for use with baby carriers, and you can also improvise or make your own.)

11.            Beware of what your baby can reach. In particular, be aware that a baby on your back can reach things you can’t see.

12.               Don’t put loose items in carrier with baby that can be choking hazards, poke your baby or cover baby’s face.

Please do find support group of babywearing community in Facebook in Babywearing Mamas for more information, gathering and also classes for those whom interested!!

Asas Menggendong Bayi - versi Bahasa Melayu

Apakah Ia?

Babywearing atau menggendong anak; pada asasnya suatu tindakan memegang atau membawa bayi, kanak-kanak mahupun prasekolah menggunakan sehelai kain atau baby carrier. Memegang atau mendukung bayi adalah tindakan semulajadi; baby carrier membuatkan perbuatan/tindakan mendukung anak itu lebih mudah & lebih selesa. Penggunaan baby carrier juga membolehkan ibu bapa dan penjaga membawa anak-anak dalam melunaskan rutin harian. Mendukung bayi atau anak; sama ada di belakang anda, pinggang atau di hadapan anda dan dalam masa yang sama kedua-dua tangan bebas untuk membuat kerja tanpa mengabaikan keselamatan anak yang dikendong adalah suatu yang sangat membantu. Anda boleh melakukan rutin harian, membeli-belah, menguruskan anak-anakyang lain dan solat. Apabila mengendong si ​​manja anda di hadapan, kedua-dua ibu bapa dan bayi boleh sentiasa berpelukan; membolehkan anak anda berinteraksi dengan dunia luar di samping dapat memastikan anak sentiasa selamat.

Menggendong bayi telah diamalkan selama berabad-abad. Dalam era terdahulu, ibu-ibu memilih untuk sentiasa menggendong anak mereka ketika menguruskan rutin harian. Pada zaman ini, menggendong bayi semakin menjadi pilihan ibubapa, sebahagiannya di bawah pengaruh attachment parenting. Walau bagaimanapun, tidak semua ibu bapa yang mengamalkan babywearing menganggap diri mereka mengamalkan attachment parenting.

Malangnya perbuatan menggendong anak dianggap sebagai kolot, pelik atau tidak selamat. Ternyata ia adalah sebaliknya dan sebahagian besar ibu bapa di seantero dunia terus menggendong anak manakala  ramai yang lain baru mengetahui kebaikan dan kelebihan menggendong anak. Babywearing baik untuk kesihatan bayi kerana ia mengurangkan kadar bayi menangis, bayi menjadi lebih tenang dan selesa, memudahkan penyusuan susu ibu, kurang masalah pencernaan / kembung perut dan membantu perkembangan leher dan otot belakang yang lebih baik.

Adakah ianya selamat?

Apabila dilakukan dengan betul, mendukung bayi menggunakan alat penggendong yang sesuai dan betul adakalanya lebih selamat serta selesa daripada mendukung bayi dengan tangan anda. Walau bagaimanapun, ciri-ciri atau langkah-langkah keselamatan perlu sentiasa dipatuhi serta di beri perhatian ketika menggendong anak; sepertimana perkara lain yang melibatkan bayi. Terdapat beberapa aspek yang perlu diamil perhatian ketika menggendong bayi termasuklah jenis carrier, bahan (material used for fabric, material used  for ring, sewing technic in ssc etc), ia mestilah diuji dan terbukti selamat.

Terkini, terdapat banyak syarikat yang mengeluarkan alat menggendong bayi; samada SSC, wrap or RS. Terdapat segelintir yang memilih untuk menggunakan sekeping kain yang terbukti selamat dan selesa untuk menggendong anak atau lebih dikenali sebagai wrap. Pemakaian setiap alat menggendong itu mempunyai keluk pembelajaran (learning curve) jadi bagi ibu bapa yang berminat untuk menggendong anak mereka seharusnya mendapatkan khidmat nasihat dan tunjuk ajar dari mereka yang bertauliah ataupun berpengalaman luas dalam menggendong bayi. Banyak teknik babywearing boleh dipelajari dalam hanya beberapa minit.

Untuk mencapai babywearing yang selamat, menggunakan baby carrier yang sesuai dengan umur bayi, berat dan ketinggian bayi anda perlu dititikberatkan. Ironinya, kita akan mula menukar atau membeli pakaian bayi, kasut dan juga saiz lampin mengikut tumbesaran anak. Begitu juga dengan penggunaan alat menggendong bayi ini. Penggunaan baby carrier dengan saiz yang lebih besar berbanding umur bayi atau saiz fizikal bayi akan meletakkan bayi berisiko dalam pembangunan tulang belakang mereka dan keselesaan bayi. 

Jenis-jenis Baby Carrier

Soft Structure Carrier (SSC) – Carrier berstruktur ini menggantikan mempunyai buckles dan padded di bahagian pinggang dan bahu. Hasilnya ialah pengagihan berat badan yang sekata dan rupa yang berbeza secara keseluruhan dari mei tai. SSC menawarkan kemudahan buckles namun sangat berbeza dari framed backpack kerana ia memegang bayi dengan selamat. Tidak seperti framed backpack, SSC adalah dinasihatkan dan digalakkan untuk bayi yang telah kuat otot di tengkuk (selepas berusia 4 bulan) hingga bertatih dan memberi manfaat body-to-body contact untuk bayi.
Mei Tai / Half Buckle – PSoft pack carrier terdiri daripada carrier tradisional seperti mei tai tanpa struktur yang jelas. Meitai adalah kain segi empat tepat dengan tali di setiap penjuru untuk diikatdi sekitar bahu & pinggang, diperbuat daripada kanvas kukuh & tali yang padded untuk keselesaan bahu.  Secara ergonomik, bayi dengan berat melebihi 20lbs adalah lebih baik dikendong di belakang anda (melainkan anda masih menyusukan dan boleh menyusu menggunakan carrier) untuk lebih keselesaan. Ia akan mengagihkan berat bayi secara serata ke bahagian pinggang & bahu pemakai. Half Buckle mempunyai dua buckles boleh laras di sekitar pinggang.
Ring Sling – Ringsling (RS) adalah sehelai kain (2-3m panjang) dilengkapkan dengan sepasang gelung dan dipakai di sebelah bahu disilang ke pinggang. Mereka boleh menambah padding di kawasan bahu untuk keselesaan pemakai. RS biasanya digunakan untuk menggendong anak di hadapan atau sisi pemakai. Faktor mudah laras menjadikannya sesuai untukdikongsi antara pemakai berbeza saiz. Kain tambahan yang tinggal di depan berguna untuk penyusuan yang tidak menonjol di khalayak ramai.  RS merupakan carrier yang ideal untuk bayi baru lahir dan juga hebat untuk anak kecil di dalam fasa baru mula berjalan. Saiz boleh dilaraskan mengikut saiz pemakai dan yang dikendong untuk memberikan sokongan yang sangat baik dan juga keselesaan untuk kedua-dua bayi dan anda. Ini menjadikan ia lebih versatile dalam penggunaan.
Pouch Sling – Sekeping kain dijahit ke dalam membentuk bulatan di tengah-tengah untuk menempatkan bayi yang dikendong. Ia dipakai pada satu bahu, boleh digunakan di hadapan atau pinggul pembawa. Pouch datang dengan pelbagai saiz dan pemakai perlu mengenalpasti saiz yang betul-betul sesuai dipakai atau pemakai akan merasa tidak selesa. Ia sangat mudah bagi bayi dalam fasa mula berjalan, mudah dan cepat untuk naik dan turun ke dalam carrier.  Kelemahan kantung adalah ia kurang selesa apabila membawa bayi yang lebih berat untuk  tempoh masa lebih lama lerana berat badan bayi ditanggung pada hanya satu bahu dan pinggang. Pouch datang dalam saiz dan tidak boleh laras maka kurang versatiliti.
Wrap Carrier – Sekeping kain (kira-kira 3-6m), diikat dalam pelbagai cara untuk mendukung bayi. Wrap datang dalam pelbagai jenis material seperti stretchy, tenunan mesin dan tenunan tangan. Wrap ini mengagihkan berat bayi secara rata ke atas kedua-dua bahu & pinggang; memberikan keselesaan untuk si pemakai bagi tempoh lebih lama. Wrap boleh digunakan untuk menggendong di hadapan, belakang & di pinggul. Menggendong menggunakan wrap adalah paling baik disarankan untuk bayi yang baru lahir kerana mereka menyokong floppiness dengan baik. Walau bagaimanapun, ia memerlukan keluk pembelajaran (learning curve) untuk mengikat. Ianya versatile dan sesuai untuk banyak saiz pemakai dan wearee itu. Wrap ini juga datang dalam beberapa campuran yang sesuai dengan keperluan si pemakai. Ia juga boleh digunakan sehingga prasekolah dengan cara yang selamat dan betul.

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