During the first year of baby growth, many changes happen in their body as a result of introducing the child to solid foods, which in turn influences the type of carrier to use and the carrying position. Probably, you’re a first-time parent and looking for tips on how to babywear at different stages of baby growth.
A rule of the thumb is to ensure your baby is comfortable and safe regardless of the carrier or carrying position. So, read on to learn more.
Stages of Baby Growth and the Ideal Carrying Positions
Breastfeeding is vital during the first six months of a newborn, as it helps in boosting the child’s immunity and provides them with essential nutrients for growth. However, after six months, it is advised to introduce the child to solid foods that will enhance growth. These foods influence the child’s weight, what they wear and carrying positions.
The following are stages of baby growth and the ideal carrying positions:
1. 0-3 Months old
At this stage, the baby’s body is mostly undeveloped and can’t hold the head up. The spine is C-shaped, or what’s known as kyphosis, and the muscles around the back area are still developing. Therefore, they aren’t strong enough to straighten the spine.
This stage is delicate. Therefore, the baby needs maximum support as the body develops further. Thus, you’ll need to get a baby wrapper or ring sling carrier that provides adequate body support.
These carriers should be flexible and easy to customize to fit the baby. At this stage, you should wear the baby on the front and facing in for comfort and safety as the body develops.
At this stage, you can try out the Connect Wrap carrier. This carrier is best for 0-6-month-old babies. It has an ergonomic design, comfortable and perfect for the all-day wearing of newborns and up to 11 Kg.
The Connect Plus baby carrier would also be a good fit. This carrier is created for newborns to 20kg toddlers. It offers four comfortable and ergonomic configurations, with adjustable leg positions to support your baby as they grow.
2. 3-6 Months old
At this stage, the spine is beginning to develop around the cervical and pelvic regions. The C-sharped spine slightly straightens, the cervical region strengthens, making it easy for the baby to hold the head up. This is also known as the lordosis stage.
The baby is beginning to gain slight control of the body. However, you still need to provide some support around the middle and lower body areas. At this age, the baby is ready for outward-facing, front carry.
The Connect Plus baby carrier would be a good fit for you and your baby at this stage. This carrier is created for newborns to 20kg toddlers. It offers four comfortable and ergonomic configurations, with adjustable leg positions to support your baby as they grow.
You can also try out the Connect Wrap carrier. This carrier is best for 0-6-month-old babies. It has an ergonomic design, comfortable and perfect for the all-day wearing of newborns and up to 11 Kg.
3. 6-9 Months Plus old
This is the thoracic kyphosis stage and marks the intermediate stage of the baby’s body development. At this point, the thoracic area strengthens further and begins to take the S-shape.
Also, the muscles around this region are developed and can support the spine to allow the baby to sit independently. Besides, the baby is ready for a front carry-facing in, front carry facing out, the hip carry, or the back carry.
The Connect Plus baby carrier would be a good fit for you and your baby at this stage. This carrier is created for newborns to 20kg toddlers. It offers four comfortable and ergonomic configurations, with adjustable leg positions to support your baby as they grow.
4. 9-36 Months
Beyond nine months, the baby is fully grown and transitioning to a toddler. Their activity level increases as they begin to crawl more often, pull up to a standing position, reaching out to objects, and make a few steps. At this age, the baby is ready for all the babywearing positions.
The Connect Plus baby carrier would be a good fit for you and your baby at this stage. This carrier is created for newborns to 20kg toddlers. It offers four comfortable and ergonomic configurations, with adjustable leg positions to support your baby as they grow.
The Connect baby carrier would also be helpful. This carrier is suitable for newborns and up to 15kg. It offers three comfortable front-carry options and can flawlessly transition between positions to adapt as your baby grows.
Final thoughts
Being a new mom or a mom-to-be, you need to give your baby enough comfort during the early stages of growth. As you carry the baby on the front or back, facing in or out, or on the hip, the most critical consideration should be the baby’s comfort and safety.
Between 0 and 6 months, you should wear the baby on the front and facing in since the body is still developing. After six months, you can consider wearing the baby either on the front, back, sideways, facing in, or facing out.