Baby Wearing & Wrap Tutorial
Babywearing has so many benefits for both mother and baby here are just a few.
Your baby may cry less! Wearing your infant in the first few months can result in 43% less crying during the day and 51% less crying in those tough evening hours. You can read the study on it here.
Prevents a flat head also known as Plagiocephaly. Too much time spent in cribs, swings, playmats, etc. can lead to an unwanted flattening on the back of your baby’s head which in severe cases can require a helmet to correct.
Helps baby learn to regulate their heart rate and body temperature.
Baby will get better sleeps when. Your touch and presence will help to calm and soothe them. This leads to less stress from crying and is good for both mom and baby.
Free hands! This needs no explanation - every mom can benefit from the chance to get more done during the day.
Research shows it can reduce your risk of postpartum depression.
Helps to increase your milk supply. More time spent bonding with your baby equals higher levels of oxytocin and can lead to more milk supply, quicker response to feeding cues, and may help you achieve faster let down.
Carrier Options
There are so many different brands and styles of carriers which I will save for a later more in-depth blog post. But here are some styles you may come across; soft structure, ring slings, wraps, Meh Dai, or backpacks. Today I’ll be sharing a step-by-step tutorial for my preferred carrier and brand which is the wrap by Tuck & Bundle so that you can safely and confidently carry your little one hands-free. Watch the video below for visual demonstration and follow along with the written steps if needed for clarification.
Putting on you wrap
Step 1: Locate center point (Tag) of wrap and gather
Step 2: Place just beneath your breast
Step 3: Wrap around the back and cross over
Step 4: Pull over shoulders. try not to let it twist at this stage.
Step 5: Gather both ends and place them behind the center point being careful to keep fabric taught.
Step 6: Cross over in X pattern just at or below center point/tag
Step 7: Bring around back and cross again
Step 8: Bring back to front and tie in two knots. (bow optional)
Putting baby in wrap
Step 1: Bring baby to a high position on your shoulder facing you.
Step 2: Insert one leg than the other into the crossed fabric.
Step 3: Starting with fabric closest to their body pull over your baby's bum and back until it reaches their opposite knee .
Step 4: Repeat with the second piece of crossed fabric.
Step 5: Settle baby into a deep seat creating an "M" shape with their legs and bum.
Step 6: Grab the highest portion of fabric on your side and slip baby's foot and leg behind it. Repeat on the other side.
Step 7: From top of fabric pull up over baby's back to their neckline.
For newborns or sleeping infants, you can pull the crossed fabric over their head for additional support. Additionally, for newborns, you can tuck their knees higher up into a “frog” position and pull the fabric down to enclose their feet.
Safety
You should always be able to see your baby’s face by simply glancing down. Your baby’s head should be as close enough to your chin to kiss them.A baby should never be curled so their chin is forced onto their chest as this can restrict their breathing. Your wrap should be tight enough to hug your baby close to you as this will be most comfortable for you both. Any slack/loose fabric will allow your baby to slump down in the carrier which can hinder their breathing and pull on your back. In an upright carry a baby should be held comfortably close to the wearer so their back is supported in its natural position and their tummy and chest are against you. (sourced from Tuck and bundle website)