Baby carriers and wraps

Small babies like being close and being carried. From being inside a person, it’s a big step to being outside – so being held really close is something most babies appreciate. Holding a baby in your arms is very cosy, but can be a bit heavy – and awkward if you need your arms for other things, so carrying your newborn in a sling or wrap can be a really good alternative for both of you.
Even if it’s not always skin to skin, a baby carrier, wrap or ring sling can envelope your baby and provide security. The baby is rocked by your movements and feels your body heat, hears your heartbeat and experiences your special scent – which is all part of bonding. You also get a level of mobility that is difficult to achieve without it.

When can you start using a baby carrier?

Most people enjoy the wonderful feeling of carrying their newborn baby and it’s good to know that you can use either a baby carrier or a wrap. There are a few different models of baby carriers, some of which are suitable for small babies. A wrap can be tied in different ways to suit different ages. What you choose is a matter of taste – if you think tying a wrap while your baby cries is stressful, a carrier might be better, but if you like the way a wrap can be customised, that might be a better choice. No matter what you end up choosing, it’s important to carefully read the instructions for how you decide to carry your baby, so that the little one stays safe and secure.
It is important for newborn babies to face you, the parent, as it provides security through eye contact and you being what they see when they look up. Being able to kiss your baby on the forehead by simply lowering your head slightly is a wonderful bonus.

Time for a new view – when can your child face forward?

Once your child reaches 5–6 months, he or she is ready to face the world. Placing your baby in a front-facing carrier gives your baby a whole new perspective on the world around them. However, pay attention to signs of distress and start with short periods at the beginning to familiarise your baby. All these new impressions and the general hustle and bustle can quickly make your little one tired and overwhelmed. Of course, you can also have your baby forward facing in a wrap – you need to keep the same thing in mind – just remember that it’s a lot for a small brain to take in. You can also carry your baby on your back in a baby carrier, wrap or ring sling. There is no age limit for when your baby can no longer be put in a wrap or sling – what matters is how long your back can carry the baby or when the maximum weight of the sling or wrap is reached.

Wraps

Most wraps are made from a simple piece of knitted fabric, but some are made from wool or a piece of woven cotton fabric. Ring slings are also available, which are tied using a ring. Whichever type of wrap you choose, read the instructions carefully before putting your baby in the wrap. If you’re expecting twins and want to be able to use a baby wrap, double check to make sure you find one that can handle two babies at the same time.

In many cultures, baby wraps are used so that the child either lies or sits on the mother’s back for much of the day. They can be used for newborns and can also be worn on the belly. In this case, the baby is lying down, curled up like in its mother’s womb. It is important to ensure that the baby is carried in a safe position so that it can breathe freely. It’s good to know that breastfeeding in a wrap is usually possible if you want to do it – but it takes some practice (just like breastfeeding in general).

When the baby is carried in a wrap, you can usually feel its little body easily. Make sure your baby doesn’t get too hot though, when they get a bit bigger they can move around and change position if they need to – but when they’re small and tiny it’s more difficult. So listen to your baby’s signals as carefully as ever. It is good to remember that the wrap should be adapted to the baby and not the other way round.

How do you tie a wrap?

Tying a wrap can be a little tricky at first, but as with anything you do frequently, you’ll soon get the hang of it. If you buy a wrap new, it comes with clear instructions on how to use it. However, if you buy second-hand wrap and it doesn’t come with an instruction manual, check whether someone like a health visitor or nurse can show you how to use it – they can often help, otherwise you can find good guides online with clear instructional films. There are also workshops on how to carry a baby in a wrap, which go even deeper into ergonomics and safety.

Baby carriers

There is a wide range of baby carriers, and it can be difficult to know which one to choose. It is important to choose one that provides good support for the baby’s back and neck, and where the legs and arms have full freedom of movement. Choosing a baby carrier that can be adjusted as your child grows is also a good idea.
Just like with wraps, there are baby carriers for twins, and breastfeeding in a carrier is usually possible too. At least after a bit of practice.

For the first six months, your baby should always be positioned facing you and at a height where you can kiss their head. This is because newborn babies have a very heavy head and very few neck muscles, so it is important that their head is properly supported.
In the beginning, it is also a good idea to keep the time spent in the carrier short, as babies cannot change position without help. Long periods in the carrier can be hard on a newborn’s back, legs and hips. You should also look out for any signs of discomfort such as increased agitation, grimacing, crying, making unhappy noises or trying to change position. If that happens, it’s usually time to get out of the carrier.

Please note that all information above is based on Swedish recommendations.