Baby carrying for newborns

How does the start of babywearing succeed?

A guest article by Herzenseltern.de

How to make a successful start to babywearing

A baby carrier or sling is a great support after birth. Newborns can be with mum and dad in it from the start and at the same time experience everything in a protected environment. In addition, mum and dad can cope with the challenges of everyday life. In order to be able to do this unhindered, we will show you which carriers are particularly suitable if you want to be carried immediately from birth. We also go into the background and dispel persistent myths and questions!

Let's start with the most important facts in the first place:

• Babies are born to be carried and usually love to be carried.
• With a few exceptions - such as the Onbu - the choice of carrying system for carrying from birth is ultimately a matter of taste. This also applies to the decision: Baby carrier or sling.
• The baby should be carried in an M-position and always facing the parent - heart to heart, belly to belly - is the motto.

Baby carriers for newborns by Hoppediz

Suitable carrying systems

There is now a wide range of carrying systems available. However, not every system is suitable for carrying a newborn baby, so in the following we will show which systems are basically suitable for carrying from birth and give concrete examples using Hoppediz models:

• Full-Buckle: Baby carrier that is closed exclusively with buckles. The Primeo is ideal for this.
• Half-Buckle: Baby carrier whose hip belt is closed with buckles and whose straps are tied. The Hop-Tye Buckle or Nabaca are ideal for this.
• Mei Tai: Baby carrier whose hip belt and straps are tied. The Hop-Tye Conversion is ideal for this.
• Sling: A single firm or elastic sling that can be tied in different ways. Ideal for this is the classic woven sling, the elastic sling or the special premature sling for premature babies.
• Ring Sling: A sling that is put on with a ring mechanism. The Ring-Sling is ideal for this.

As already mentioned, the systems and models mentioned are basically suitable for carrying from birth. However, as this is not an exhaustive list and there is more to discover in the carrying cosmos, you can find more information about baby carriers and carrying systems at Herzenseltern.

Once you have decided on your favourite baby carrier, nothing stands in the way of enjoying the following benefits.

Advantages of carrying:

1.  Safe and secure: Especially after birth, closeness to mum and dad is very important - keyword bonding. The closeness conveys security and trust and it has been proven that babies who are carried cry less.
2. Strengthened father-child relationship: Following on from point 1, carrying the newborn gives dads the opportunity to build up a firm relationship with their child right from the start.
3. Quick response: Due to the direct closeness to mum or dad, the baby's needs can be recognised immediately and nursed more quickly.
4. Developmentally supportive: The constant movement in combination with the vertical position supports the baby's sense of balance and the development of motor skills. In addition, the maturation of the hips and the natural rounding of the child's spine are supported.
5. Less colic: The upright position helps prevent colic by easing burping and aiding digestion.
6. Free and flexible: The carrier's hands are free and everyday life can be managed almost unhindered.

That sounds good, doesn't it? We think so too. But there's more to it than that, and it becomes clear when we broaden our focus a little.

Why it makes absolute sense to carry babies in a baby carrier or baby sling

One important piece of information that gives this article, and the topic as a whole, a meaningful framework is due to our evolution. Because in evolutionary terms, babies are baby carriers. Incidentally, we can easily see this if we take a closer look at our biological ancestors.

But what do we do with the information?

First of all, it simply means that carrying is a completely natural thing for parents as well as for babies and that it is therefore in our nature to carry our children from an early age. The conditions could not be better!

Unfortunately, carrying immediately after birth does not always work right away. However, this is no reason to despair. In the article - My child does not want to be carried - this circumstance is discussed in more detail and it is explained what could be behind it and how it can be dealt with.

Very important: early carrying does not mean pampering!

In order to give you the confidence to carry your baby in a baby carrier or sling as early as possible, we break the misconception that we are spoiling our children.

Because this is not the case, especially in the early stages of a child's life, instead we are doing good - The need for closeness is one of the basic needs of a baby, which by the way, as we know, is also a baby carrier. If we meet this need within our means, the best conditions are created for the baby to quickly grow into a contented, independent and self-confident child. And who doesn't want that? We think that is a good start for a growing baby. Learn more about the advantages of babywearing.

And to help you get off to an effortless start, here are a few tips that will help you carry your baby with you from birth without hesitation:

Pay special attention to the following aspects when carrying a baby:

The bar: An infinitely adjustable bar that always reaches from the back of the knee to the back of the baby's knee is virtually mandatory. This can be achieved with a good baby carrier as well as any baby sling.

The material: Pay attention to the material. It should be free of harmful substances, as babies like to suck on the fabric. Read more about the quality of Hoppediz products and fabrics.

Carrying close to the body: In general, the baby should be close to the wearer's body. In the case of a baby carrier, this is a matter of adjustment. When using a sling, you should be well practised in tying it, as it should never be tied too loosely.

Clear airways: When putting the baby on tightly, make sure that the airways are always clear.

Supporting the head: Newborns cannot yet hold their heads independently, so it is very important to support and secure the head.

The back: In general, but especially with babies, attention should be paid to the back. This is the baby's natural posture. The baby carrier should adequately support this posture and not work against it.

These are the basic points. If you still have questions, the following answers to frequently asked questions about carrying a newborn baby or carrying after birth will certainly help.

What else is there to know?
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions

Is an elastic or woven sling better for carrying from birth?

You can do this in both a woven and an elastic sling. Both can be adjusted perfectly and fit like a second skin. An elastic sling is particularly suitable for newborns and for the entire first half to three quarters of the baby's life. It can be easily pre-tied and the baby can be put into the already tied sling. Perfect, quick and uncomplicated. There is a specially designed sling for premature babies. On the other hand, a classic woven sling is ideal if you are looking for a sling for the entire carrying time and want more options for tying.

How do I pre-tie an elastic sling?

Take a look at the tying instructions from Hoppediz. There you will find the perfect instructions in video format on how to pre-tie an elastic sling quickly and easily.

What do I have to pay special attention to when I have my baby in the sling? How should my baby sit in the sling?

The most important things you should pay attention to:

• Your baby sits in the M-position.
• Your baby is at head-kissing height.
• The carrier and baby are close to your body.
• Your baby's head and/or neck is well supported.
• Your baby's airway is always clear

Can I breastfeed my baby in the carrier?

Yes! With a little practice, this is possible in both a baby carrier and a sling.

I have only recently given birth. When can I start carrying my baby after the birth?

If you feel fit and well, and your baby is doing well, you can carry your baby immediately after birth without any problems. Pay attention and listen to your body and take short breaks from time to time.

Can I carry my baby facing forward?

No. Please never carry your baby "face out", i.e. with the baby's back against your belly and the baby's face facing away from you. This is completely unphysiological and therefore very bad for your baby's back and hips.

In addition, it can lead to a sensory overload for your baby, as it is defenceless against the sensory impressions and cannot withdraw itself at this moment. Therefore, please always carry your baby facing the person carrying him. If it becomes too much for your baby, it can withdraw by simply cuddling its face against your breast. This way your baby can relax and go to sleep. He feels protected and secure. Learn more about wrong carrying.

What should my baby wear in the baby carrier?

Basically:

• Remember that the baby carrier replaces a layer of clothing and thus provides additional warmth for the baby.
• Your baby gives off a lot of heat and acts like a little heater.

In summer:

• Don't dress too warmly, neither you nor your baby.
• Wool-silk clothes, for example, allow the baby to exchange heat well.
• In strong, direct sun, always cover the head, legs and, if necessary, arms.

In winter:

• The tips for winter babywearing show how to dress baby and carrier in winter.

We hope you were able to take away something valuable for yourself and feel like carrying your baby - close to your heart. We definitely loved dancing our children to sleep and walking through life with them, and overall look back on a great time carrying.