What does it mean to baby wear?
To carry a baby using a wrap or carrier while keeping hands free
Why do people baby wear?
Baby wearing is done to have the ability to do tasks while holding a child. This skill promotes skin to skin time which in turn supports attachment, bonding, and physical and emotional regulation.
How do you baby wear safely?
While babywearing is a fantastic tool, it is not without safety precautions to ensure a protected airway and proper hip development.
To baby wear safely you will want to pay attention to the TICKS:
Tight: baby should be upright and held securely against their caregivers body
In view at all times: caregiver should be able to see the child’s face to monitor their well being
Close enough to kiss: the top of the child’s head should be close enough for the caregiver to comfortably kiss
Keep chin off chest: the child’s chin should be at least 2 finger widths off of their chest
Supported back: the carrier should be tight enough that there is no gap between caregiver and child but loose enough to slide their hand in
What is the M position?
The M position refers to when the knees of the infant are bent and above the butt with the thighs supported, similar to a deep squat.
Why is the M position the safest?
According to the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, “the M- position is a natural clinging position for infants”. In other words, infants should be worn in the same position they naturally take when being carried. Other positions, like that of the upright adult, are shown to make hip dysplasia—a condition in which the ball and socket of the joint do not fit together properly—more likely. The described positions can be seen in the above images.
For more information:
Benefits of baby wearing: https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/baby-wearing
Preventing Hip Dysplasia: https://hipdysplasia.org/baby-wearing/