The use of a baby carrier
The convenience of a baby carrier
As a parent, you often literally and figuratively have your hands full. There are numerous moments when a baby carrier comes in handy. Does your little one want to cling to you all day, but you still have a lot to do? Use a baby carrier. Do you want to keep your child close to you, but don't want to be stuck on the couch? A baby carrier is perfect for that too. With a baby carrier, you can keep an eye on your child continuously while you go about your business. If you buy a baby carrier with a storage compartment, you can easily take your phone, keys, and wallet with you while walking.
What to pay attention to when using a baby carrier
Pull the straps tight and secure them:
Ensure that your child is always firmly against you by pulling the straps tight and securing them. This way, you prevent your child from slumping or sagging, and your child remains in an ergonomically correct position (Kuijstermans, 2023).
Head at chest height:
When the baby carrier is used correctly, the head is at chest height. In this way, your baby's belly 'lies' on yours. This provides a natural posture that reduces pressure on the spine.
The face towards you:
If you carry your child with his or her head towards you, the hips stay in the right place.Carrying your baby with his or her face towards you has another advantage. In this way, your baby has to process fewer stimuli. However, make sure your baby gets enough fresh air by not completely covering the face with fabric. In addition, it is important that your baby's head comes out above your coat or that you wear your coat open. This prevents it from getting too warm (Admin, 2021).
Use the right size baby carrier:
Your baby can sink into a carrier that is too large. This poses a risk of suffocation (Grotenhuis, 2022). A carrier that is too small is not comfortable for your little one. If you need to use the carrier differently because your baby is growing out of it, your baby will let you know.A guideline you can use is to support ¾ of the upper thighs and not let the shoulder blades come out above the baby carrier.
When not to use the baby carrier:
Never carry your child in a baby carrier while cycling, driving or doing sports. If you fall off the bike, the baby carrier does not provide support. You could also fall on your child (DPG Media Privacy Gate, n.d.-b). According to the law, children under the age of 10 must be transported in a suitable and approved child seat in the car (Boosters allowed for children of 110 cm?, n.d.). Be careful of splashes while cooking and be careful with hot food and drinks (DPG Media Privacy Gate, n.d.-b).
Admin. (2021). Carrying your baby; the how and why. Chiropractic Physiotherapy. https://www.chiro-fysio.nl/uncategorized/je-baby-dragen-het-hoe-en-waarom/
DPG Media Privacy Gate. (n.d.-a).https://www.oudersvannu.nl/baby/baby-dragen-in-een-draagdoek-of-draagzak~9967d41https://www.oudersvannu.nl/baby/baby-dragen-in-een-draagdoek-of-draagzak~9967d41
DPG Media Privacy Gate. (n.d.-b). https://www.oudersvannu.nl/baby/met-je-baby-in-een-draagzak-op-de-fiets-doen-of-niet~b1e2a5a
Grotenhuis, L. T. (2022). Carrying your baby in a baby carrier. Consumer Association. https://www.consumentenbond.nl/kind-en-veiligheid/draagzak
Kuijstermans, A. (2023, September 17). 5 Tips for safely carrying your baby. ikbenmama.nl. https://www.ikbenmama.nl/blog/5-tips-om-je-kindje-veilig-te-dragen#:~:text=Wanneer%20je%20een%20draagzak%20of,meer%20kan%20scheefzakken%20of%20inzakken.
Boosters allowed for children of 110 cm? (n.d.). ANWB. https://www.anwb.nl/experts/juridisch/26/verhogers-toegestaan-voor-kinderen-van-110-cm
