fbpx
Site logo

--- Advertisement ---

Benefits (and Caveats) of Baby Wearing

Q: From a health standpoint, do you recommend using a baby carrier? I have one where the baby faces outwards (she weighs around eight or nine kilos), but it’s killing my back!

A: The use of baby carriers has grown hand-in-hand with the increasing popularity of “baby wearing” among new moms (and new dads, too).

Baby wearing keeps parent and baby physically close, which promotes emotional bonding. Baby wearing can also help new moms affected by post-partum depression to nurture their babies with minimal effort.

A baby carried often by a parent tends to be more calm, cries less and spends more time in a quiet, alert state that’s ideal for learning, socializing and mental development. And baby wearing even helps pre-mature infants grow faster.

When using a baby carrier, be sure to position the baby properly:

  • Some baby carriers and other equipment may position the baby in a way that prevents healthy hip development.
  • While in the carrier, the baby’s hips should be allowed to spread apart naturally, while its thighs are supported and its hips are bent (sometimes referred to as the jockey, straddle or frog position).

For parents using baby carriers, occasional back pain and soreness is quite common:

  • While baby carriers are designed to distribute the baby’s weight evenly to reduce direct pressure on the back and spine, quality varies by brand and model, so you may have to try out several carriers to find the one that fits you best.
  • Baby carriers make it much easier for a parent to be physically active, run errands or do household chores without being separated from their baby. But moving around while carrying the added weight of the baby means more strain on the back and spine, and a greater risk of injury when bending or lifting.
  • In general, a forward-facing baby puts more strain on the back than an inward-facing baby.

Baby wearing shouldn’t cause significant or constant pain. If this is a new kind of pain that radiates to your lower extremities, and/or you’re starting to feel tingling and numbness, it may be the result of an injury or undiagnosed medical condition for which you need to see your doctor.

Editor’s Note: This article is sponsored content from Bumrungrad International Hospital, originally part of the bi-monthly Ask a Doctor column. It is solely intended as general information that may be useful for parents. 

Follow Us!

Upcoming Events

Get The Latest Updates

Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter

Get the latest kid and family-friendly activities and events in your inbox every Thursday! No spam, guaranteed.

More information

Recent Posts

NamKhan Eco lodge Luang Prabang

NamKahn Eco Lodge in Luang Prabang

Join us in the lush tropical gardens of Luang Prabang with your family and experience tranquillity and adventure all in one place. You don’t have to travel very far to

Easter Craft – Natural Egg Dyeing

Nothing says Easter like eggs (besides Spring, new life, fertility… and chocolate). Bangkok has embraced the western traditions of Easter, and the paraphernalia that goes with it, but it can

Easter snacks

Awesome Easter Snacks For Kids

Easter is almost upon us, eggs are getting ready to be painted and hidden and Easter baskets are being dusted off ready for the annual egg hunt. By now, I

Easter crafts for kids

Easy Easter Crafts For Kids

Easter has always been a traditional time for family sharing and caring and let’s face it; kids love Easter. It has to be one of their most favourite times of