How do you carry your baby?

Bearing in mind that your infant’s spine is not yet fully developed, are you completely aware of how well you support their neck?

Whether holding your child in your arms or in any type of carrier, it is imperative to ensure that their head and neck are fully supported. Holding in your arm/hand is fairly simple – the baby is held along the length of the arm with the head supported in the hand.

But what about a backpack type carrier? First, you cannot see your child. Second, how do you know their positioning is what you would choose? They may have slipped down, or twisted. You don’t know.

A chest type carrier is preferable. You can monitor any change in position and also continue with that all important bonding. You can ensure that the neck is properly supported. Also, it’s better for YOU to carry anything close to your chest – the weight is well distributed and does not place undue stress on YOUR spine. And you are not hip-carrying, which completely unbalances the pelvis and leads to all sorts of problems.

Similarly with strollers, baby trailers and the like. Ensure that your baby is positioned so that their neck is fully supported at all times. Preferably horizontal, or nearly so. Junior is not yet ready for a full sitting-up position! Baby’s neck is not yet strong enough to support the head.

When your baby is ready to support his own head, he will do so. All by himself. When he is ready. So, in the meantime, give him or her all the support you can.

Reference: Guidelines for Pushing Strollers