Lots of parents swear by babywearing as a way of coping with life as a new parent. Newborns aren’t keen on being put down. They will scream every time you try to make a cup of tea, and will want to feed as soon as you need to leave the house. Babywearing allows you to keep your baby close (even breastfeeding), while still having your hands free to get on with other things.

If you have other children, you may find that babywearing allows you extra time to spend with your older children. You can feed your baby in the carrier, and play with other children at the same time. That way no-one needs to feel left out, and you avoid the situation of a crying baby and tantruming toddler both vying for your attention.

So, you’ve decided to invest in a baby carrier, but a quick glimpse at the products available sends you into a panic. There are just so many choices available, and you have no idea which one will be right for you. Here’s a quick guide to choosing a baby carrier to help you out:

Stretchy wraps

These are often described as the best way to carry newborn babies. The carrier consists of a long strip of stretchy fabric which you tie round yourself. It might sound scary, but there are loads of instructional videos online showing you how to do it correctly. The wrap is tied first, and then you just pop your baby in. Once in the wrap, the baby will be carried almost weightlessly on your front, and you’ll have your hands free to do other things. You will be able to breastfeed discreetly in a stretchy wrap, and your newborn will likely find it a comfortable place to nap.

Ring slings

Ring slings are adjustable and worn over one shoulder. The ring allows you to adjust and tighten the carrier to suit your child. These carriers can be used from birth to toddler. There are a number of different styles available, and you can choose from padded and unpadded carriers. You can breastfeed in a ring sling. There are plenty of instructional videos online that show how to tighten and adjust ring slings.

Woven wraps

These are long-lasting and versatile carriers that can be used from birth to toddler. There are lots of different ties and carries to try, and although this may make it seem complicated, it does give you greater control. There are plenty of instructional videos online showing the different ties and carries. Woven wraps come in different lengths, and the required length will depend upon your size, and the carries you intend to use it for. Breastfeeding and napping are both popular activities for babies in woven wraps.

Pouch slings

Many people consider pouch slings to be the easiest type of carrier to use. There’s no tying involved, you simply pop the carrier over one shoulder and then place the baby inside. For newborns, the baby will be held across your body by the carrier, but as the baby grows and becomes stronger, he will be able to sit in an upright position. You can breastfeed in a pouch sling, and your little one will easily fall asleep snuggled into your front. Pouch slings do come in different sizes, though, and you want to be sure you get the right one for your baby. Pouch slings can be dangerous for newborns if they’re used or sized incorrectly.

Soft structured carriers

These are sometimes also referred to as “Asian style carriers” because they are based on traditional Asian carriers. These are available with buckles and as tie on carriers. The buckled carriers are arguably easier to use, although some would argue they are more difficult to adjust than a tie on carrier. These carriers can be used from birth to toddler, although many require a newborn insert to provide head support to young babies. Your baby will be able to breastfeed in the carrier, and will be fully supported if he chooses to have a nap.

With any carrier, be sure your newborn is held “close enough to kiss” – meaning high and tight against your body. Be sure baby’s chin isn’t pressed down onto his chest, so that he can breathe freely. Never allow the baby’s face to be covered by the sling fabric.

Babywearing is very popular, and there are new sling libraries popping up across the USA and UK all the time, so do contact your local sling library for more information. They will be able to show you the different types of slings available, as well as teaching you how to get the most out of your sling. Most libraries will allow you to borrow a sling for a short time to decide if it is the one for you. Baby carriers are an investment, so it’s worth doing your researching and making sure you buy the right carrier for your needs.

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Babywearing is nothing new, women have been wearing their babies for generations the world over. Long before prams were invented, women were carrying their babies using lengths of fabric as makeshift carriers. Far from being the new craze the media would have you believe, babywearing is a tried and tested  parenting method to make life a little bit easier once the baby arrives. There are plenty of reasons to try babywearing, here are just five of them:

1. You won’t have to leave your baby crying – listening to your newborn baby scream because he needs you is awful. If you have a clingy baby (they all are, at times) and you need a bathroom, you have two choices. You can either leave your baby to cry while you feel guilty on the toilet, or you can cross your legs tightly until your partner gets home to help out. Or, secret option number three, you can stick your baby in the carrier, and go about your daily business as usual.

2. You’ll be hands free – babies just love being carried, and cuddled and played with. Your baby may not be overly keen on being put down, so you’ll probably find yourself carrying him around the house with you anyway. You will learn to do pretty much everything with just one hand, for example, make cups of tea, open jars and pack the nappy bag. Or, you could stick your baby in the carrier, and have the luxury of two hands.

3. Your baby is nearer to the action – babies in prams and pushchairs are a little out of the way. If he is parent-facing, he will enjoy listening to you, but probably won’t be able to see much of what you see. If he is forward-facing, he will miss out on the conversation (and opportunities for language skills development) and will see a knee-height view of the world. In a sling, he would be able to hear what you’re saying, engage with the same people as you, and be able to see the same things.

4. Your baby will have his creature comforts to hand – after nine long months in the womb, your baby likes the sound of your heartbeat, the rhythm of your voice, the smell of your skin, and the warmth of your body. Your baby wants to be with you as much as possible to help him feel safe and confident in new environments. If you’re breastfeeding, you may find you can breastfeed him in the carrier, meaning he’s exactly where he needs to be.

5. Why not? – if you’re not sure babywearing is for you, give it a go before discounting it as an option. There are lots of different types of carriers available, so you should be able to find one you feel comfortable using. Get in touch with your local sling library to book a consultation, an advisor will be able to help you try on different slings, and recommend which will be best for you and your baby.

Will you be giving babywearing a try?

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

You probably have plenty of new baby products that you’ve realized over the last few months you didn’t actually need. Sure, the wipes warmer is nice, but your little one doesn’t even really seem to notice the difference when you’re out and about and dare to use un-warmed wipes.

Which begs the question, what products do you need? And what should you be stocking up on as your little one becomes more mobile and nears the solid foods stage?

1. Video Monitor: So technically, a video monitor isn’t a necessity. But ask any mom who has one, and they will tell you how much they love it. It’s just nice to be able to look in on your baby without having to barge into their room. And as your little one gets older, being able to have that eagle eye view will come in even more handy!
2. Quality Stroller: You’ve gotten passed the no-sleep early months, and now it’s time to start using some of that energy you’re regaining to get outside and take care of yourself! Regular walks for you and baby will do you wonders.
3. Baby Carrier: Still, you can’t always bring a stroller with you everywhere you go. Investing in a quality baby carrier will give you a hands free way to keep your baby with you, even if you’re just doing chores around the house.
4. Books: If you haven’t started reading to your baby yet, now is the time to begin working that into your nightly routine. They say one of the best predictors for future literacy is being read to regularly as a child.
5. Convertible Car Seat: You may still be using your bucket seat, but in the months to come, your baby will be outgrowing the height and weight requirements for that. Now is the time to start looking into convertible seat options.
6. Lovie: Your baby is right at the age that he or she will begin developing attachments to toys and blankets. And you want them to have that attachment—a connection with a lovie can mean your baby is more likely to self-soothe at night.
7. Teething toys: Those teeth are coming in, and your baby is going to be looking for options to gnaw on.
8. Bucket Bib: Solid foods are just around the corner. A bucket bib will help to catch what doesn’t make it into your baby’s mouth, which can make cleanup so much easier for you.
9. Fresh Food Feeder: These little mesh feeders are perfect for killing two birds with one stone! Put some frozen berries in the feeder, and your baby will get a solid foods introduction and a teething pain soother!
10. Hand Sanitizer: Because… duh. You’re changing diapers and wiping noses all the time. Hand sanitizer should be with you always.

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general informational basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.