Features and benefits of a baby carrier

When you're out together and a stroller isn't an option, a baby carrier or a wrap is a practical alternative. This way your baby is transported safely and comfortably and feels completely comfortable with you. Above all, the baby carrier allows a posture in the squat-spread position, in which the legs are widely bent and at the level of the navel. This posture is comfortable for your baby and promotes healthy physical development.

But also for the person carrying, through the natural posture a high level of comfort is ensured. In addition, you have significantly more freedom of movement and can effortlessly climb stairs or pass through narrower spaces that would be problematic with a stroller. Adjustable straps allow baby carriers to be individually adapted to the body shape of the wearer, whether female or male. Padded straps make carrying even more comfortable.

Swaddling only as emergency aid

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 movement for the legs. The method has proven to calm restless babies, but for orthopedic reasons should only be used as an emergency measure be used. „With extended thighs, the acetabulum is loaded at its most sensitive and weakest point. The cartilaginous portion of the immature acetabulum yields. It becomes deformed and dysplastic“, warns Professor Robert Rödl, first chairman of the section „Association for Pediatric Orthopedics“ in the German Society for Orthopedics (DGOU).

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

If the femoral head and acetabulum do not fit together optimally, it is called a hip dysplasia. If it is not corrected, the joint wears out prematurely. A new hip joint may then become necessary already 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 that require 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 a regular 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 diagnosed after the second year of life.

The three know how it's done

Kathrin Göbel, Carolin Suffa and Daniela Dinkel are the 'babywearing trio'. The three mothers work as certified babywearing consultants and qualified pediatric nurseswho advocate babywearing. In courses they show: even Nordic walking is great fun with a baby on your body. They give tips on what parents should watch out for.

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