Parent-shaming and babywearing

Baby wearing is an incredible practice that has been done by families for centuries. Not only has it been proven to make the child happier but gives the parent improved mobility and two free hands while keeping their little one close. Despite that, it’s extremely common to shame parents for how they choose to carry their children. 

Parent-shaming and forward-facing

Choosing to carry a child forward-facing is something that often leads to ridicule for parents. With many stating that it’s not a good position for the baby. They claim this is a result of overstimulation and insufficient support for the neck and back. Now this can, of course, be the case. But is not the rule for all children of all ages. 

We at Najell do not recommend forward-facing before the age of 5-6 months, depending on the size of the baby. A newborn baby needs to be able to rest on the parent’s chest to make sure there is a good amount of support for the neck and back. Meaning they shouldn't be carried forward-facing. But what about overstimulation? Well parents should be aware of the risk of overstimulation, especially in crowded places. However, more often than not, this won't happen. When the baby has turned 6 months old and is maturing, they ar likely to want to experience and explore. This is forward-facing might be the preferred position. 

Us at Najell believe that parents know their children best and are able to decide what is best for them. If your baby is irritated and unhappy in the baby carrier then you might want to change position and make sure they are comfortable. But if your child is happy, you are probably doing it the right way. At the end of the day you should be able to parent your way.

Mom-shaming and the right carrying position

Wearing your baby in the correct position is another common discussion, especially within babywearing communities. Celebrities and parents, in general, are often criticised for their way of carrying their baby, on public social platforms. But what is an ergonomic position?

"The term “ergonomic” is not protected and does not have its own definition. Ergonomics is related to the study of a work environment and equipment adapted to human needs and conditions. Depending on what you compare with, we can carry in different ergonomic ways. It is an open concept and can, therefore, vary from person to person but also from different situations, and what is ergonomic for someone may not be the same for another. An ergonomic babywearing takes into account the child's position and comfort for the wearer."

Zarah Stolt, Swedish carrying consultant 

The ergonomic position is often used when discussing baby carriers and babywearing. But there is not one position that is the best for everyone. So don't worry too much.

A Newborn Baby & Ergonomics

An ergonomic position for a newborn baby is what usually is referred to the natural fetal position, a frog legged position or M-shaped position. The baby’s bottom is positioned lower than the knees, and the hips are spread open. The thighs are supported and spread around the caregivers’ torso. When an infant is carried in this position, the ball of the hip joint is pressed evenly into the centre of the hip socket. This is both a natural position for a newborn and can help prevent/ease the risk of hip dysplasia and encourages healthy hip development.

A baby that is younger than 3 months of age, requires much support as they can not hold their head steadily. The baby has a natural spine curvature and the muscles are still undeveloped. This position is often described as a c-shaped back and it’s important that carriers and wraps have a soft panel allowing the baby to rest towards a parent in its natural position. 

The baby achieves the c-shaped position while resting. An awake, active baby will often move, straighten out and look around to later relax in the c-shape again.

Older than 6 months & Ergonomics

What is ergonomic for a 2-month-old is usually not the same position as is considered ergonomic for an 8-month-old baby. The child develops and the muscles become stronger. When the child is able to hold the head upright, the neck and back should be straight, when in an active awake position. The possibility of a C-shaped back in a resting position (facing the parent) should also be possible, as this is recommended if the baby needs to sleep. This is especially important when the child is carried for a longer period of time, the baby should be able to switch between positions instead of being forced in one specific position.

When the child is placed towards the parents, with the legs spread out around the carrier's body, can also be an ergonomic position for the carrier, as the baby’s weight is distributed on the parent's body. If the baby carrier provides the weight distribution in a different way, the M-position is maybe not the most ergonomic or comfortable position for a bigger baby. 

Ulrika Myhr is a physical therapist, specialized in paediatrics, in this article she explains thoroughly what to think about regarding ergonomics and babywearing. 

The most important thing is that you feel comfortable 

Mom-shaming or not, parents always want what is best for their children. Shaming other parents for carrying forward-facing or with the legs spread around the parent's body, is sometimes not even relevant as the child that is being carried is not an infant at the time. A happy baby is usually comfortable and a carried baby is (according to research) happier and cries less. 

Follow your instinct and do what you believe is best for your child. In Sweden, so do many other countries, we have a number of consultants that can help you when in doubt. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable in your parenting style with your happy baby.

At Najell we encourage all types of carrying. We work with both health care professionals and carrying consultants and other specialists when developing our products.