You can carry your baby forward, on your hip or on your back. He can be in a cradle, facing forward or in a frog-like position. The cradle position is the same as if you were breastfeeding. The baby is on his back with his legs together. If your child suffers from hip deformities, consult your doctor before trying this position. In such a case, it is not recommended to have the child’s legs together. It is better to choose a frog-like position, especially on the hip which allows for the legs to be spread apart. Furthermore, many babies do not like the rocking position. They prefer to be vertical or in the frog position which most resembles the foetal position (legs apart with rounded back).
The frog position is best, ergonomically speaking. It offers the proper support for the spine with good weight distribution in the legs, not the genitals. The legs are correctly spread apart. Babies also generally prefer it to the cradle position. However, the cradle position is very practical when breastfeeding in which case baby can easily feed without mom always having to be seated.
Tummy
Placing baby on his tummy is comforting for the newborn and offers a reassuring closeness with him. The reply and change of positions is easier for breastfeeding and becomes practical with frequent feedings. The visual contact is comforting for the first 3 months. On the other hand, wearing a baby on your tummy can be cumbersome. Body movement is limited by the presence of the baby. Lifting objects is more difficult and having to work with your arms so far out in front makes the wearer clumsier. It is difficult to bend down; you must always check that the baby’s head is being supported.
Hip
Carrying on your hip is a good compromise for the wearers who are not at ease with a back position, when baby starts to want to turn towards the front or when he becomes a little to big to be placed in front. This is a natural wear and brings the advantage of proximity of the regard and the hugs…and a greater liberty of movement than that of carrying on your tummy. All hip positions, on the other hand, provoke an asymmetrical weight distribution, and are therefore less comfortable for long periods. The kangaroo on the hip is the most adequate position with a long wrap. It allows you to distribute a little more weight over the hips than with a simple ring (short wrap, pocket or adjustable sling) but it is more difficult to adjust. One arm is always more limited in use.
Back
For the maximum liberty of movement and the optimal comfort, the expert wearer would choose to babywear on their back. The muscular build and the structure of the spine permit us to support a weight charge more important than on the side or front. A weight of 35-40 lbs. representing an average weight of a young child 3-4 years old can be supported by the majority of people without being in exceptionally good physical form. There is no doubt that certain activities done with a child on your back will vary in intensity from one person to another according to their physical condition but with a minimum of practice and more frequency, wearing on your back is almost accessible to anyone. The moment to start backwearing is personal for each person. For a first baby, the average is around 6 months before the parent feels at ease installing and giving up eye contact for a more body to body language. Mirrors and store windows are often an essential tool in reassuring the parent on the position of the baby and his well-being. Not as hot in summer particularly with shoulders free like the African position.
Frog
Legs are open, the pelvis is tilted forward so that the knees are higher than the baby’s bottom and the soles of the feet are facing towards the back. The baby must be well supported under his legs. You must open up the wrap from the ears to the knees. Otherwise, baby will be supported by the crotch, which could cause discomfort and even injuries.
The frog position is best, ergonomically speaking. It offers the proper support for the spine with good weight distribution in the legs, not the genitals. The legs are correctly spread apart. (70 to120 degrees).
Cradle
The cradle position is very practical when breastfeeding in which case baby can easily feed without mom always having to be seated. The cradle position is the same as if you were breastfeeding. The baby is on his back with his legs together. If your child suffers from hip deformities, consult your doctor before trying this position. In such a case, it is not recommended to have the child’s legs together. It is better to choose a frog-like position, especially on the hip which allows for the legs to be spread apart. Furthermore, many babies do not like the rocking position outside of breastfeeding moments or sleep and prefer to be placed vertically in the frog position or facing the world. * Always pay particular attention to the position of the head so that there is no suffocation. You must always be able to pass one or two fingers between the baby’s chin and thorax to insure that his airways are clear.
Facing forward
The position facing the world forward can be interesting, but it is not recommended to place the legs of baby astride in the wrap with his legs dangling, the weight of the baby is totally supported by the crotch and the back is unsupported. It is best to use a position where baby has his legs folded like an Indian inside the wrap.
As soon as baby shows an interest in seeing what’s in front of him, he can be turned to face outwards occasionally. This position is less comfortable for the wearer and for baby. Past a certain age, baby will no longer want to have his legs crossed or stuck in the wrap. Also babies’ weight is predominantly towards the front, which makes the total weight heavier for the wearer. Up until the age of 5 or 6 months, baby will appreciate this position especially during a family meal or with friends so he can participate.
Wearing Twins
Being able to carry twins or two children may worry some parents. It is possible, but means more strength and endurance. If you can get someone to carry one of the two, this makes everything a lot easier. When they’re tiny, twins can share the same pocket of the wrap. The cross envelope is often used to place two children next to each other, side by side facing you, cradle style or facing outwards. The simple cross let’s you create two distinct spaces. Each child is placed on a hip as with the short wrap. This method is used with children of similar weights that are beginning to feel too tight in the same pocket.
Another way to wear children of the same weight would be to wear one on your back and one on the tummy. This can be done with the help of another person using the simple cross method. On the downside, the weight on the shoulders is enormous and tolerating the tension for long periods is very difficult. The best answer would be that each child has its own wrap. In this way, each adult has a child to wear. To wear both children at the same time, it is much easier and comfortable to attach each child separately in their wrap. This also allows you to wear children of different ages or weights. With two wraps, you can easily wear the younger one on your tummy with a knot of your choice and the older one on your back kangaroo style uncrossed in the front. Simply install the first child in the front and then the second in the back.
