Everyone is talking about baby wraps. Baby wraps, slings, and carriers are everywhere nowadays because it allows busy moms to keep their hands free while still providing a little extra snuggle to the little ones they love. However, there are still people who are skeptical about them. A lot of them appear to be a slip of cloth that dangles from the parent’s neck. Some parents worry that they will be uncomfortable and others worry that there is no support for the child inside of them. To show you whether they are a good option for you or not, here are some of the main reasons people choose baby wraps.
What Are Baby Wraps?
Baby wraps or baby slings are often simple pieces of cloth that are in essence a long sling. Often they will be held up by the parent’s neck or shoulders. The baby inside of it will be wrapped and held tightly against your body. A lot of parents like this option because they can nurse their infant while doing other things, such as dealing with an older child.
Carriers are slightly different because they do offer support and many can be worn in other positions. Some can hold infants and toddlers. They may allow you to position an older baby so that he is able to face out into the world and see all that he wants to. Others are designed specifically for use facing the parent’s back or chest. It will spread out the baby’s weight around the parent’s back, shoulders, and waist.
Is It Safe to Use?
There is a little debate about some of the front facing baby carriers. Many parents and pediatricians do not feel that having a small baby face outward is a good idea. Some of the front facing baby carrier reviews indicate that a baby may become over stimulated and perhaps not have the support that other positions may provide. This is because the child will have to lean forward or spend all of their time arching back to rest against you.
For parents, the main concern may be having to hold the weight of a sleeping infant or toddler comfortably. Most parents would not want 25 pounds hanging from their neck, especially if they already have back issues. For most parents, this is not a major concern, but if you purchase a wrap or a sling, you may find that you would rather have a carrier instead if the weight needs to be spread out further.
The good news is, regardless of which type you choose, they are safe for parents and infants as long as you follow a few simple things. One of the main things to consider is the weight average for the carrier you plan to use. If you have a 30 pound child and the weight rating for your wrap is only 15 pounds, you may be in danger of hurting your little one. On this same note, if you choose a carrier that is for older toddler aged kids and you have an infant, you could also be putting your child at risk. It is always best to make sure that your child will fit inside of it and have room to grow.
Another issue for some parents is that they do not know how to use it properly. According to even the best baby sling reviews on the internet, learning how to put them on can be a challenge. If you are not sure how to put it on, you could be putting your child at risk for falling. Therefore, practice is sometimes a good thing to do until you get the hang of putting your child into a wrap. Some parents may also recommend that you keep a close watch to see if the child is slipping down further than they should be.
Overall Health Implications
In most cases, a baby wrap is completely safe for parents and their child. You just need to do a little research and find the best baby sling for you. Often, the best one will be the one that makes you and your infant the most comfortable. It may also depend on what you want to do while baby wearing.