Baby Wearing

CTDA doulas hosted their first annual doula share, at Any Baby Can in Austin, Saturday, May 22nd, 2010.

Baby-wearing by Allison Coleman and Gray
Allison and Gray taught baby wearing. They involved their audience from the start, asking them why they were interested in baby-wearing. They talked about safe baby-wearing. They demonstrated and discussed four different slings.

Reasons given included a desire to stay active and productive with a newborn, a way for Dad and baby to bond, giving baby a feeling of safety, and one mother's earliest memory was being held by her mother in a sling. All the slings the doulas talked about can be used for discreet nursing, "hiding" a baby from strangers wanting to touch, and can be converted when baby is older into a back carrier. Some babies prefer being carried in a sling over swaddling.

Questions arose quickly about recent media coverage on safety concerns of baby wearing. The doulas said only a couple brands have been recalled, Infantino was named. But, they said, it is very important that slings are worn correctly and on your chest (not dangling around waist). Also, when placing baby in a sling or taking a baby out, keep a hand on baby at all times. Make sure baby is in good alignment, and elongated, and their mouth and nose are uncovered. Never sleep with a baby in a sling because slings take away their ability to adjust their position.

Four different kinds of slings were discussed: Mei Tai, wraps, ring slings, and pouches. Allison and Gray demonstrated the correct way to wear each, and pros and cons of each.

Mei Tai:
Make a pocket for a newborns legs.
Pros: Grows with your baby. Both parents can use.
Cons: Lots of fabric for Austin's hot summer months!

Pocket/pouch slings:
Form a pocket by bringing fabric up. Seam goes on the outside.
Pros:Some are adjustable. Grows with baby- the seam goes higher for bigger baby, creating a bigger pouch.
Cons: Most of the time, you must be sized for this type of sling. Parents can't use it interchangeably. Fabric needs to be fingers length away. Buy this after you have your baby.

Ring Slings:
The ring should be at "corsage" level, with tail out. Place baby on shoulder (burp position). Frog baby's legs. The inner cloth of pocket should be up high, but not on baby's face. Babies have flat noses for breast feeding, but if you are worried about them breathing, gently turn their head to face the side. Adjust sling for a secure hold, each side of tail tightens part of the pocket. Practice in front of a mirror!
Pros:Adjustable sizes, many different styles (a longer tail is great for breastfeeding).
Cons:

Wraps: Practice in front of a mirror. Cross in back, over the shoulders. Different positions. In the Cradle position, place baby in the fold closest to your body. An older baby can face outwards.
Pros:Great for newborns! Regulates baby's temperature, can wear baby skin-to-skin, and baby may gain weight better. Can be used to carry twins!
Cons: It does take some time to put on so a more ready-to-go carrier can be used in a rush (such as a quick shopping trip, and with a newborn is there any other kind?).

© 2010 Sarah Webb. All rights reserved.