Vancouver Mom: What are the benefits of baby wearing?

Alison Cross: Personally, I had tendonitis in both wrists and a high needs baby; a baby that needed all sorts of bouncing, swaddling and “cooing” to make her stop crying. The only way I could carry her was in a baby sling and in the baby sling she was happier, secure, fell asleep easily, and I could nurse without pain in my wrists. There is a lot of research to suggest that babies carried in a baby sling grow faster and develop more quickly intellectually because they feel secure. And of course baby wearing gives Dad a great opportunity to bond with his new baby too.

VM: What are the pros and cons between a baby sling and the other types of baby carriers?

AC: When you remember your baby has been curled up in the womb for nine months the last thing you want to do is dangle your baby from her crotch in a rigid carrier – it can lead to hip and spinal problems. Select a baby carrier that can be used in different ways, which allows you to choose the best position for your baby’s developmental stage.  Some parents have a range of baby slings or carriers – personal preference does play a role – usually as the baby gets older and heavier.  Heavier toddlers do well in something like the Ergo.

VM: What should moms be aware of with the different baby sling and carrier options?

AC: Ring slings are made in non-stretchy fabrics that don’t move with you. Rings may ride on your shoulder, which can be uncomfortable and difficult to adjust with baby in the ring sling.

Baby wrap carriers are great but the long lengths of fabric can be unmanageable and often unnerve women from wearing their baby.  You don’t need a PhD but you do need a lot of practice.

Rigid carriers are carriers where baby hangs from crotch, which can lead to hip and spinal problems. Some may be appropriate for older, heavier toddlers. Many however are uncomfortable for parents to wear and cause back pain.

Pouch slings are convenient for short periods of time. Since the weight of the baby is supported by one shoulder, your chiropractor may notice a difference in your shoulder blades after extended use.  Smaller babies get lost in the deep pocket of the pouch. It’s important that the pouch is the right size for the babywearer. If it’s too big baby will be bouncing against your leg as you walk.

VM: What should people look for when buying a sling?

AC: You know a sling works for you if:

• Is it easy to use?
• Are you and baby comfortable?
• Does the fabric stretch and move with you or does it dig into your shoulders?
• Can you carry baby close to your body? That way you avoid back pain.
• Is it the right size?  If it’s too big, baby will be knocking against your knees, too small and you’ll feel constrained. You want a snug, comfortable fit.
• And of course is your baby happy?

Be sure to try it for the first time when baby isn’t fussy so she can get used to it.  You may have to try it a few times – don’t give up!

Alison Cross is co-owner of Baby Buddha Gear Ltd., makers of the Baby Buddha Stretchy Carrier and based in Vancouver, BC.

Related posts:

1. Baby Buddha Stretchy Carrier: Ergonomics Meet Style (Giveaway alert!)
2. Baby Carriers for Everyday Use: A Guide
3. Baby Backpack Carriers: Active Baby Names Its Favourites

When her daughter Coco was born five years ago, Alison Cross loved how “babywearing” created a beautiful mother-daughter bond. But she saw other benefits of wearing a sling.

“I had tendonitis in both wrists and a high needs baby; a baby that needed all sorts of bouncing, swaddling and ‘cooing’ to make her stop crying,” recalls Alison. “The only way I could carry her was in a sling and in the sling she was happier, secure, fell asleep easily and I could nurse without pain in my wrists.”

But Alison couldn’t find a sling that was comfortable, easy to use and stylish – so she made her own. She’d often meet Vancouver women who admired her slings and she realized she was on to something.

Paula Violi was plotting her next move and looking to create something innovative, ergonomic and sustainable. When her path crossed with Alison’s, the duo realized that Alison’s parent-led design crossed with Paula’s industrial design background would ensure that parents would receive a baby-tested, safe, comfortable and stylish product.

And so Baby Buddha was born.

The Baby Buddha Stretchy Baby Carrier is comfortable and liberating for moms, allowing them to bond with their baby getting things done. Its versatile three-piece sling/wrap combination gives moms the choice to carry the baby in all kinds of ways – facing in, face out, on the hip – and is excellent for nursing.

“Our most popular fabric is viscose from bamboo because it’s extremely soft and lovely against baby’s skin,” says Alison. The carrier also comes in its original fabric Breathetech is a Canadian-milled technical durable sports fabric that’s breathable and stretchy similar to yoga wear, as well as a hemp/organic cotton blend. All of the carriers are stretchy, allowing for unrestricted movement.

“Buddha Baby is a company that is very much part of the local community that feels a responsibility to people and the planet,” says Alison. The carrier comes in a reusable bag instead of disposable packaging. It’s also locally made. “We’re really proud that it’s made in Vancouver.”

The Buddha Baby Stretchy Baby Carrier retails between $117 and $127.

Giveaway alert! Baby Buddha Gear Ltd. will be giving away a super-comfy stretchy baby carrier in ’natural’ coloured bamboo viscose/ organic cotton. To enter, please sign up for our newsletter or tweet about this post. Be sure to include the words “@vancouver_mom“, “@BabyBuddhaGear” and a shortened version of a link to this article in your tweet. Giveaway will be open until Tuesday, November 10, 11:59pm.

Baby Buddha Baby Gear Ltd.

www.babybuddha.ca | Twitter: @babybuddhagear

Available at the following locations in Metro Vancouver:

Vancouver

• Beansprouts, 4305 Main St. (604.871.9782 )
• Bobbits For Kids, 2935 West 4th Ave (604 738 0333 )
• Crocodile Baby, 2156 West 4th (604-742-CROC (2762) )
• Dandelion Kids, 1206 Commercial Dr ( 604.676.1862 )
• Yaletown Chiropractic (Organic Products only), 3-1238 Homer St. ( 604.688.KIDS (5437) )

North Vancouver

• Boomers and Echoes, 1985 Lonsdale Avenue ( 604.984.6163 )
• Jack & Lola, 135 West 1st Street ( 778-340-JACK )
• www.lussobaby.ca, 1037 Marine Drive [Vancouver Mom reviewed]

Coquitlam

• Baby’s World, Suite 6-1300 Woolridge St. ( 604 515 0888 )

Port Moody

• dandelion KIDS, #1-101 Morrissey Road (604.949.1862 )

Richmond

• Westcoast Kids, 12411 Bridgeport Road ( 604 288-1168 )

Related posts:

1. All About Baby Slings and Carriers
2. Baby Carriers for Everyday Use: A Guide
3. Active Baby Backpack Carrier Clinic