Baby carrier or wrap?

Besides strollers and buggies, you see many parents out and about with their baby in a carrier or a tied sling. Maybe you are also wondering whether carrying your little explorer is an option for you. In this article, you will find everything about the advantages and disadvantages of carrying and choosing the right carrier. Additionally, we have put together a step-by-step tutorial of one of the most common tying techniques for the wrap in the video.

What should you consider when wearing it?

For carrying your little explorer, you have the choice between a pre-set baby carrier that you can still customize and a wrap that is tied yourself. Which one you choose is a matter of personal preference. In any case, it is important to always carry your baby belly to belly with you and to ensure that your chosen carrier supports their natural Anhock-Spreading Position supports. The legs of your little explorer are bent, his knees are approximately at your navel level, and his thighs are slightly spread apart. In the squat-abducted position, your child's hips automatically move forward, and his back is slightly rounded. This supports his natural anatomy and prevents unnecessary strain on the hips, joints, and spine. Contrary to some claims, you don't need to worry that your baby will develop postural damage from being carried — on the contrary, as you will read in the next paragraph. The concern that he might not get enough air at your breast is also unfounded if you carry him upright against your body. Once your child is a bit bigger, you can also carry him on your back. However, you should never carry him facing forward: this position is bad for his posture in the long run, as his body cannot conform to yours but hangs straight down. Additionally, your baby, especially when still very small, needs the security of constantly being within sight of you.

What are the benefits of wearing it?

Parents pick up their baby many times a day and carry it around. If you hold it close to your body in a cloth or a carrying aid instead of holding it with your arms or on your hip, you prevent postural damage and relieve your back and pelvic floor. The back and neck muscles of your child are also strengthened through carrying and the rocking motion. Additionally, it can greatly simplify your daily routine if you have your hands free while carrying and can carry out other activities at the same time. Your little explorer is always with you while cooking, tidying up, or doing other activities. Even on the go, you can move easily with your child without much effort and without a lot of accessories.

Especially at the very beginning, your newborn's need for closeness is particularly great, and you will have them with you for many hours a day. When you carry your baby, your body warmth and the closeness in the sling remind your child of the confinement in the womb, so they will feel protected and well cared for. Your breathing and heartbeat soothe your baby, and being shielded against your chest protects them from too many external stimuli. Another advantage is that the gentle movement while carrying stimulates your baby's digestion, which can be especially helpful if they are experiencing stomach pain. But it is also surely a wonderful feeling for you to feel your baby so close to you.

What are the disadvantages of wearing?

As many advantages as it may have, in some situations carrying your baby on your body can restrict your movement and sometimes be impractical. In summer, for example, the constant body contact and the additional weight can quickly become very hot for both of you. A quick shopping trip, where you are not only carrying your baby but also heavy bags, can also become cumbersome. Additionally, the and other items must be transported separately when you are out with a baby wrap or carrier.

How do I find the right option for me and my baby?

Once you have decided to carry your baby during the first months of life, the question still remains: sling or baby carrier? Both options have their advantages. A sling is a true all-rounder. It not only serves as a means of transport but can also be transformed into a mobile changing pad or a sunshade. Additionally, the flexibility of the sling allows you to carry your child in various positions into toddlerhood – not only on your chest but also on your back or hip.

Properly tying a wrap carrier

In a clear step-by-step guide, our LILLYDOO midwife Sissi demonstrates in the following video with the Wickelkreuztrage a way for you to correctly tie your baby carrier:

Some parents find the tying process cumbersome and impractical, and prefer to opt for a baby carrier. This is pre-adjusted and can be put on more quickly with the help of buckles or straps. It distributes your baby's weight evenly and is comfortable to wear for extended periods. However, carriers often have a weight limit, meaning they can only be used up to a certain age before a successor model may become necessary.

Which carrying aid is right for you can usually only be determined after birth. If possible, try out different models together with your baby to find out what is comfortable for both of you. A specialized carrying consultation can also help you find the right model for you – among other factors, depending on your size and build. If you're interested in a carrying consultation, it's best to ask your midwife for advice. She can surely recommend a contact person in your area.

As you can see, carrying not only has numerous advantages, but there are also various carrying aids to choose from. Whether a wrap or a baby carrier, or perhaps a is the right choice for you and your little explorer depends on various factors and isn't always easy to determine. Don't worry if you're not entirely sure yet which option is right for you: often, a combination of both is the answer to the seemingly either-or question. Whatever you decide, we wish you many wonderful hours on outings with your baby and a close bonding time!