Three Ways to Stay Safe While Babywearing

Doulas and Physical Therapists go together like PB&J. Looking for an easier transition to postpartum? You want us both on your team. Our services compliment each other perfectly, which is why I'm so excited that Dr. Katherine Uttech, a physical therapist from New Journey Physical Therapy, who specializes in perinatal care is sharing tips. If you are considering baby wearing or are worried about safety, this article is for you! Dr. Kate writes:

Babywearing is incredible for keeping baby close, bonding with baby, and helping you free up your hands. Read more about the benefits here. There is good reason that babywearing has been utilized worldwide for as long as we know, but it is important to always wear your baby in a way that is safe for both of you.

As a physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor and perinatal care, I am uniquely qualified to speak to the physical safety of the adult who is babywearing. In the postpartum period, your body is healing from pregnancy and delivery, your muscles do not work the way they did prior to pregnancy (until you fully recover), and you are taking care of a baby while healing. 

Here are 3 important factors to consider when baby wearing to keep YOU safe: 

1. Choose the right carrier for you: One of the physical benefits of babywearing for the adult is that the carrier helps to redistribute baby’s weight. At New Journey Physical Therapy, we see many clients with upper or lower back pain due to being pulled forward when holding their growing baby in their arms. Using a well fitting baby carrier can redistribute the weight, so that you are able to stand tall and protect your back. Babywearing affects your balance so you want to ensure that you feel sturdy and supported to avoid trips and falls. Some carriers do this better than others. Wearing a carrier made for your bigger baby that does a good job of redistributing weight to the hips will help protect you and your baby. 

2. Mind those weight limits: Modern baby carriers come with clear weight limits to guide us in safe practices, but weight limits are about baby’s safety, not yours. Those weight limits are based on how much stress the fabric can handle while keeping your baby safe. Weight limits do not take your physical strength, fitness, healing stage, or baby’s development into consideration. Stretchy wraps are amazing in the newborn period, but most people cannot comfortably use them once baby is increases in size and is moving around more. With increased weight the stretchy fabric accommodates too much and does not provide you with the support.

For this reason, we typically recommend transitioning to a non stretchy carrier by the time your baby is 17 lbs. This is an approximation and based on your strength, how quickly baby increases in weight compared to your stage of recovery, and how quickly your baby develops physically then you may be able to wear a little longer or need to switch to a different carrier a little sooner. Either way, that 35lb weight limit in the manual is not likely to be good for your physical health. Instead, make sure you have a soft structured carrier to transition to. 

3. Get expert help: Babywearing can seem intimidating, and there is a steep learning curve. Using a carrier the right way, how it was designed to be used makes sure you and baby are comfortable and safe. If you try a carrier that does not seem right at first, then keep trying. You might find that the carrier is uncomfortable because it is being worn incorrectly. Most commonly, new parents tend to leave the carrier too loose and too low. Having someone who can help you troubleshoot will boost your confidence quickly. Ways to learn more:

• Talk to other experienced babywearers

• Take a class with Mel to be sure you are using your carrier correctly

• Consult a educated physical therapist to be sure it is a good carrier for your body at it’s current stage of healing, and do not give up.

Trust me, the benefits of babywearing are worth it once you figure it out.

Want to learn more about wearing your baby safely? Check out Mel's babywearing classes at New Journey PT!