Features and benefits of a baby carrier

When you're out together and a stroller is not an option, a baby carrier or a baby wrap is a practical alternative.feels completely comfortable with you. Above all, the baby carrier allows a position in the squat-spread (M) position, in which the legs are widely bent and sit at the level of the navel. This position is comfortable for your little one and promotes healthy physical development.

But for the wearer too, a high level of comfort is ensured through the natural posture a high level of comfort. You also have significantly more freedom of movement and can easily climb stairs or pass through narrower places that would be problematic with a stroller. Adjustable straps allow baby carriers to be individually adapted to the body shape of the wearer. Padded straps make carrying even more comfortable.

Swaddling only as a last resort

In so-called swaddling, the baby is wrapped from the shoulders tightly in a cloth wrapped, so that the arms lie close to the body and there is also little room for the legs to move. The method has proven to calm restless babies, but for orthopedic reasons should only be used as a last resort applied. 'With extended thighs, the socket is stressed at its most sensitive and weakest point. The cartilaginous portion of the immature socket gives way. It becomes deformed and dysplastic', warns Professor Robert Rödl, first chairman of the 'Association for Pediatric Orthopaedics' section in the German Society for Orthopaedics (DGOU).

Because after birth the infant hip is largely formed only of cartilage. In the first six months of life it is therefore very sensitive and, until the start of walking, particularly malleable. Experts therefore recommend swaddling infants only up to the age of three months, that is, wrapping them tightly in a cloth with extended legs.

When the femoral head and socket do not fit together optimally, this is called hip dysplasia. If it is not corrected, the joint wears out prematurely. A new hip joint may then be needed even at a young age.

Early detection to avoid surgery

About two to four out of 100 children are born with maturation disorders of the hip requiring treatment. Using ultrasound, orthopedists and trauma surgeons detect the hip dysplasia immediately after birth and can treat it early on an outpatient basis. Since 1996 the diagnostic procedure has been an integral part of the U2 and U3 examinations. Affected babies usually do not have to undergo surgery. Such an intervention is only necessary if the malformation is recognized after the second year of life.

The three know how it's done

Kathrin Göbel, Carolin Suffa and Daniela Dinkel are the 'Carrying Trio'. The three mothers work as certified babywearing consultants and qualified pediatric nursesadvocate for babywearing. In their courses they demonstrate: Even Nordic walking is great fun with a baby carried close to the body. They give tips on what parents should pay attention to.

Image credits

Mother with child in a baby carrier on the beach © Trendsetter Images - stock.adobe.com

Mother with baby in a yellow baby wrap © Pixel-Shot - stock.adobe.com

Mother with baby in a baby carrier in the kitchen © Halfpoint - stock.adobe.com