Is babywearing safe for newborns?

One question often asked by new parents is whether babywearing is safe for newborns? The quick answer is yes! To carry in a baby carrier or baby wrap can actually be beneficial for both you and your baby. It’s good for the baby’s health and can make life a lot easier for you as a parent. However, it’s important that the baby is in the right position to ensure you are carrying in a safe way. In this article, we get this topic straightened out. 

When can you start babywearing?

You can bring a baby carrier with you to the hospital and start using it from day one. Newborn babies prefer to feel the closeness of the parent as it increases bonding. To carry skin-to-skin, also known as kangaroo care, is a common method to help low birth-weight and preterm babies thrive. The Najell Wrap is a pre-tied baby wrap that is used in neonatal departments in Sweden for this reason. 

Baby carrier safety

Babywearing has several health benefits for both you and your baby. It’s also a safe and cozy way to carry your baby, if you choose a safety-tested and approved baby carrier. Today’s safety standards are strict to assure the safety and health of newborns. There are some safety guidelines to look for to carry properly. We will go through them here.

Hip positioning and hip dysplasia

A common discussion with baby carriers is that if the baby carrier panel is too narrow, there can be a risk that the baby’s legs are hanging down. Increasing the risk of hip-dysplasia. In a hip-healthy baby carrier, the newborn baby’s legs are placed in an m-shape. This squat-like position benefits healthy hip development and even decreases the risk of hip dysplasia. 

Breathing and free airways 

A newborn baby has little control over its head and neck during the first few months of life. Therefore, it is important that your body doesn’t press against the baby’s mouth or nose. Make sure that the baby’s position in the baby wrap is quite high up and that the fabric doesn’t cover the airways.

The baby’s development

In an ergonomic and safety-approved baby carrier, the baby’s back is shaped like a c. The c-shape position, also known as fetal-tuck position, allows your baby to maintain primary curve alignment. It’s the most calming position for a newborn baby, conserves energy, and allows for better regulation of body temperature. Carried babies are also proven to breastfeed more. This results in positive effects on the baby’s growth and development. 

Babies and over-stimulation

When babies are around too much noise or activity they can get easily overstimulated. In these circumstances, it’s a good idea to carry your child in a baby carrier. The child will feel more comfortable, being in the secure arms of their parents, while meeting new people and environments.

Baby carrying and ergonomics 

A lot of parents may be unsure on how to place the baby in the carrier to make sure the position is comfortable, correct, and ergonomic. To avoid this, choose a carrier that is easy to use and has clear instructions on how to carry.

Read more: How to carry in an ergonomic way

The Najell Wrap - a pre-tied baby wrap

A pre-tied baby wrap can help to reduce self-doubt when you are taking your first steps into parenthood. With the Najell Wrap, you don’t have to worry about learning how to tie the baby sling in the correct way. It’s as easy to put on as a t-shirt. Subsequently, there’s no risk that the baby is carried in the wrong position. The Najell Wrap is safety tested and recommended as a hip-healthy baby carrier by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.