A baby carrier helps you comfortably hold your baby close against your body when you’re travelling or working in your office or house. It is a safe way for having your baby with you anytime anywhere. But, however, like every other baby object that is there in the market to choose in, you should always see if you really need a baby carrier. Some mothers who spoke to BabySpace told us that they were asked to buy a carrier saying it will be a handy choice but ended up storing it away or handing it down without even using it.
Why should I buy a baby carrier?
- Baby carriers will help you get on with those outdoor activities, carrying your baby around without stressing your hands, to travel in bikes
- Your infant will have a poor perception of vision but will be able to smell well. By using a baby carrier you can ensure that you baby stay close to you, smell you and feel comforted all day long.
- A baby carrier will help you bond well with your baby
- It will help you look after your baby and his or her elder siblings at the same time
- It will help ease your baby’s discomfort. Specially help your baby to pass gas or burp after he or she is fed
- Most baby carriers have an option where you can carry other baby items you may need. E.g. a pack of baby change, baby food and toys to keep him or her entertained
- There are other tools that can be bought separately such as removable rain and sun hoods and bug netting
- There are different types of baby carriers which will help you choose a perfect one for a special occassion
Drawbacks of getting a baby carrier
- Getting a baby carrier will mean having to deal with heavy work and when your baby is older and heavier it’ll be very tiring
- You’ll have be careful when going near hot surfaces, sharp edges and steep areas since accidents can occur at any given time
- Baby carriers comes in different types and you’ll have to buy one that will suit your purpose and keep your baby securely in
Now that you have decided to go ahead and buy a baby carrier you’ll be left with a number of types to choose in. If your baby is still an infant you’ll have to buy an infant carrier. This will help you snuggle your child into a comfortable pack which you’ll have to carry in front of you.
But for your bigger baby you’ll have to buy a carrier that you can carry in your back. To use this, your baby should be able to sit up without any help and stay up that way.
Tips to remember
- When using a baby carrier always make sure that all the straps are properly fastened
- Always stop to see if air is circulating well and your baby is breathing without any problem
- Make sure that the baby’s legs and hands are moving freely and not blocked by the carrier
- Sri Lankan mothers should always choose a carrier with softfabric that will not heat easily
- Always keep your baby attended for when you leave him or her in the baby carrier
- As babies are most likely to fall asleep in the baby carrier always check his or her position and see if he or she is comfortable
- Never leave your baby in a carrier in and elevated surface. E.g. a table, high chair or bed
- It shouldn’t be used as a chair because it is not made to be stable
- Always check the fasteners. Never use a carrier that has damaged fasteners or frames
- Make sure that your baby is protected from the heating sun and rain
- Keep your hair out of reach of your baby because they will grab the opportunity to play with anything that comes in their way
How can I fit my child safely into a baby carrier?
- Adjust the height of the baby seat of the carrier and loosen the baby’s straps
- See if the kick stand is also fully extended
- Carefully keep your baby in the carrier and make sure that his or her feet are safely out through the leg openings
- Make sure that you securely buckled and tightened all the carrier straps. Look if hip belt, shoulder strap, sternum strap and leg strap adjustments are done properly and if the carrier you have, has these options
- Always make sure that the baby’s shoulder straps are fitted over the baby’s shoulder
- Make sure that your baby is comfortable and not tightened by the straps and other mechanisms
- Check if your baby is breathing well and if the air is moving around when you wear the carrier
What should I check for when fitting the baby carrier to me?
- Make sure that the carrier is adjusted to fit you for your own comfort. Do not wear the carrier if it is too tight or in other words is uncomfortable
- Make sure that the shoulder straps rest on your shoulder and
- See if the hip belts are secured into your hip and not your waist. Tighten it well so that most of the weight will fall on your hip and not your shoulder which can be painful.
- Also tighten the shoulder straps well. This will help the carrier to stay steady
- When adjusting the sternum strap make sure that you can breathe freely and it won’t suffocate you
- Make sure that you carry only the most important baby items in the carrier.