Babesta Beat SS17

CARRIED AWAY FIND YOUR MOBILITY MATCH. THE NEWEST CARRIER OPTIONS FIT EVERY AGE AND EVERY NEED.

A ny city mama knows that the easiest way to get from point A to point B with baby is with her carrier. Whether a wrap, sling or soft structured, the accessory acts as an extra pair of arms to hold baby tight as you navigate the urban terrain. Not only convenient, a carrier offers important close bonding time with your little babesta. What one will be the perfect fit? Well, that’s not an exact science. “Think function over brand,” says Joanna McNeilly, founder of the Center for Babywearing Studies, noting that as needs change the optimal carrier for you may also change. Also body type, style, goals and even any injuries you might have—a bad back or neck or shoulder issues—come into play when choosing. “For the first three months, you want something comfy that you can get them in and out of quickly, like a sling or wrap. After 3 months, soft structured carriers really shine,” she says. Using a carrier is easy but you want to watch videos or better yet be coached in person the first time, so you feel confident that you’re doing it right. If baby is close enough to kiss, her knees are

higher than her bottom (sometimes called frog position), and there is no space between baby and you (if you sway back and forth it’s as if you are one), you should be in a good place. As for wearing your little one facing you, facing front or on your hip or back, it’s about ages, stages and personal (and baby’s) preference. But don’t let the 4 month push-up fool you notes McNeilly. “At 4 months often babies learn to push against you--they’re getting the strength to sit up and turn over,” she says. Some parents think all that pushing means the baby wants to turn around. “I suggest giving them an additional 2-3 weeks of facing you before you decide whether they want to face out,” she says. The eye to eye contact is essential for non-verbal communication, and it’s harder to address baby’s needs when you’re looking at the back of her head. The biggest takeaway, says McNeilly, is that you want to be comfortable. “Movement is important for an infant, and essential for the parent.” We agree! There’s nothing like hitting the city with no muss or fuss, footloose and hands free.

30

babesta beat spring/summer 2017