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Baby Carriers

Baby Carriers

Back Pain

  • Most common reason to seek care after pregnancy is due to persisting low back pain
  • Second most common reason for pain that is due to labor, usually due to pushing process - mal-alignment of pelvis and spine
  • Third reason is what some term "new mommy syndrome" -
    • Poor posture with nursing/bottle feeding
    • Carrying infant car seats
    • Extra body weight from carrying our growing babies
    • Lack of sleep
    • Lack of exercise - strength training
    • Lack of time to prepare healthy meals
    • Lifting older children out of car seat, bath, stroller, etc.
    • Utilizing infant carriers - tough on tired and weak muscles and joints
  • Most people don't do repetitive lifting at work
  • Many women don't realize that activities of daily living may be the main cause of their low back pain, especially the easy tasks of carrying an infant and lifting something

Carriers

1. Traditional Front-Pack Baby Carriers

Pros:

  • adjust easily for either parent's size/height
  • baby faces in or out - baby may like less than the curled up position of sling
  • hands free
  • some allow for nursing
  • can hold baby snugly against your chest
  • can go where strollers can't
  • good if you have another child in a stroller

    Cons:

  • can usually be used only one way
  • some soft carriers can also be worn as hip saddles and backpacks, though the infant usually rides so low on your back that it's not very comfortable
  • wt. limit usually 20-25 lbs.
  • can put a strain on low back once baby more than 20 lbs.
  • if want to walk for more than half an hour with an older baby, this can get heavy
  • models with waist belt can better support the baby's weight and help prevent this
  • if taller than 5ft.9 or shorter than 5ft 4, you may have hard time centering the back straps and preventing chafing on your neck
  • heavier parents may need longer straps
  • must have: shoulder straps that are padded, non-slip and easily adjustable - distribute wt. evenly and not dig in to shoulder
  • centre the crisscross back straps between shoulder blades

    2. Back pack Baby Carriers

    Pros:

  • outdoorsy parents who want a rugged baby carrier for outdoor fun
  • often have sturdy metal frames, extra-padded straps, sunshades, cushy seats for babe
  • free standing carrier makes lifting the baby in and out much easier
  • adjustable chest and hip belts on larger models
  • good for long trips, but less convenient if need to get baby in/out a lot
  • best weight distribution
  • can use them even with a heavier toddler
  • wt. limit usually 40 lbs

    Cons:

  • can't be used for newborns - need to be sitting
  • if it hurts your back to pick up baby off the floor then you may have difficulty putting the pack on with the baby in it
  • must have - padded shoulder straps
  • support belts should rest on the hips and not on the waist
  • adjust the straps after you have put the baby in the pack

    3. Unpadded Sling Baby Carriers

    Pros:

  • fit a wide range of people
  • great for nursing - baby supported and fabric gives privacy
  • small and can take anywhere
  • can be used on hip, to cradle baby, to hold baby face to face, can wear on your back
  • sling mimics the way you'd naturally carry your baby, but frees up your arms
  • soothe a fussy baby
  • get around easily in tight spaces where strollers can't
  • less expensive

    Cons:

  • takes some practice to use
  • wt. limit 30-40 lbs.
  • having your baby's weight in the diagonally frontal position may be uncomfortable, especially if you are petite and your baby is large
  • slings are not secure enough for activity more rigorous then walking
  • slings do not adequately support infants during activity
  • be sure to fan out the fabric on your shoulder and back - be sure the material is not digging in to your neck

    4. Padded Sling Baby Carriers

    Pros:

  • more comfy due to padding along edges and shoulder portions
  • baby can be carried on hip, at the chest, cradle hold or on back

    Cons:

  • adjusting and using these can be more difficult
  • bigger, therefore take up more space
  • may be too bulky or hot

    Features to Consider

    • Will you be sharing your carrier with someone much larger/smaller than you?
    • Are you willing to invest a little learning time?
    • Is it easily adjustable?
    • Can you wash the carrier?
    • Will you be breastfeeding the baby in the sling?
    • Will you be doing housework while wearing your baby?
    • Do you want a sling to carry with you at all times?
    • How long will you be carrying your baby?
    • Don't rule out a carrier because of the price - try on several brands to determine which is most comfortable for you
    • Low-priced may be fine for quick jaunts, but if you foresee long treks and lots of use, consider a higher-end model
    • Price isn't always a reliable indicator of quality
    • If you plan longer or more frequent outings, consider models that will have more storage and better padding and more comfortable fit
    • Take your baby and do test runs in the store

    Points to consider

    • a baby carrier or sling is only a worthwhile piece of equipment if it is comfortable for you and your baby
    • a comfortable carrier is one that holds the baby high up and tucked close against your body - carriers which hang from your shoulders can be very uncomfortable when worn for any length of time, even with a newborn
    • well made carriers have a special padded waist strap that helps distribute baby's weight from your neck and shoulders to your hips and pelvis - make sure belt is long enough and neither too high nor too low when wearing carrier
    • for maximum comfort with a sling, a baby should ride about your waist and below your bust line
    • shoulder strap padding should be firm and wide and should be adjustable even while you're carrying baby
    • after you buy the carrier, start slowly with it - it may take a week or more to build up the back, shoulder and leg strength needed to carry the child around for a good portion of the day - gradually increase the duration as your muscles adjust
    • when using the sling/carrier remember to bend your knees rather than your back when you go to lift something to protect from unnecessary strain
    • studies show it better to manually hold an infant and lift an object than to perform a lift while the baby is in an infant carrier.
    • if your back or neck hurts from carrying most of the baby's weight on one side, give that shoulder a break and put the sling on with the strap on the other shoulder
    • both slings and soft carriers pull your body weight forward which isn't a natural carrying position - may need to graduate to backpack model once baby too heavy
    • always adhere to weight/age restrictions
    • Stop when child outgrows the carrier
    • Stop using a carrier when you sense you are approaching your own physical limits

    When in doubt see your physiotherapist!