Everything you need to know about baby carriers and the benefits of babywearing
Carrying your baby – in a sling, wrap or other carrier – often known as 'babywearing', is more than just a convenient means of transport. In A Baby Wants to be Carried author Evelin Kirkilionis explains in detail why babies expect to be carried and respond so well to it – they have been designed for it over millions of years of human evolution. From our hunter-gather ancestors to the present day, when a vast array of baby carriers can be found in stores and on the internet, in some ways little has changed.
Held close to the body of a familiar caregiver, babies thrive on the sense of security they feel as they interact – on their own terms – with their surroundings. But modern parents must navigate their way through a mass of conflicting information about babywearing. How should a baby be carried, in what, for how long, and will it be safe? The answers can be found in these pages, as the author takes care to ensure that parents understand what to look for – and what to avoid – while making many helpful suggestions that will enable parents to make babywearing work for them. Her practical and informative approach makes the book a readable introduction to the joys of babywearing that will appeal to parents everywhere.
this is a great book which outlines the benefits of baby carryingÉ<br /><br />a babyÕs needs and development<br /><br />myths and facts<br /><br />boosting the parent/child relationship and developing independence<br /><br />choosing the right carrier for you<br /><br />a practical guide to the different uses of a woven wrap with a useful step-by-step picture guide to help you get it right<br /><br />the essentials for carrying your baby<br /><br />and it includes research, which is always important to validate the information<br /><br />I love this book and I am adding it to the library at the Birth & Baby Family Centre Ð it beautifully reinforces our need and desire to carry our babies, to soothe them and to keep them close and, with its step-by-step picture guide, it is also a really practical and useful book for new parents. <br /><br />Rachel Coy from the North East Sling Library has also read the book:<br /><br />A perfect coffee table book which looks at the biological and sociological reason for baby carrying. Evelin Kirkilonis has presented her ideas and findings in an accessible way. Occasionally the translation from original German to English Is a little clunky but overall message is clear. Evelin KirkilonisÕ research into spread squat position and explanation of why babies need to be clinging or carried young provide comfort to parents who find they canÕt put their baby down. A lovely book and have enjoyed reading it.
This book is a welcome addition to my bookshelf. I have worn my daughter for the past 3 years and often receive requests for information and sling loans. Information online can be in various places and itÕs nice to have it all in one book that I can lend out. <br /><br />The book covers the history and benefits of baby wearing and is backed up with references to enable further reading. <br /><br />I liked how it highlighted how baby wearing was beneficial in helping parents respond to a babyÕs needs as well as getting on with daily tasks. It looked at the developmental benefits for the baby which included neuroscience and attachment theory in accessible language. The information on Hip Dysplasia was comprehensive although I found the information on Òangles Ò a little confusing.<br /><br />The layout of the book meant that you could dip in and out of it easily. There is a good mix of text- and pictures. On some pages key points are embolden or put in text circles- good for a tired parent or carer to flick through!<br /><br />The pictures are clear and give the reader a good starting point. I prefer to use You Tube videos yet I found the instructions in the book very clear and easy to follow. IÕd have liked to see a ring sling included in step by step instructions. <br /><br />I was surprised to see the inclusion of the cradle carry which many sling libraries and consultants discourage. However the author is clear that this is only for the first few weeks and should be tied so the face remains free so it can be observed. This could have been explained clearer by the inclusion of the TICKS guidelines and I was disappointed they werenÕt included in the book.<br /><br />Overall this is a good book and would make a wonderful gift for a new parent who is keen to baby wear.
This is a fascinating and insightful read, full of photos and illustrations; the first part explores in depth why babies want to be carried from a variety of angles. Evolutionary humans are now classified as actively clinging infants, demonstrated by the spread and squat position enabling them to grip their mothersÕ hip with their whole legs and stabilise their own posture. Babies have an innate need for closeness and physical contact particularly during the first nine months of life. Thus babywearing provides security, promotes calmness and allows the parent to be extremely receptive to the babyÕsÕ needs. <br /><br />Significantly the anatomical condition of hip dysplasia can be prevented by hip carrying as babies naturally adopt a leg position suitable for normal pelvic development. It is also striking that the cartilage within the hip is gradually replaced by bone by nine months, corresponding to the infants need for close physical contact. Babywearing supports early learning as almost all their senses are activated when carried, particularly advanced motor development and earlier head stabilisation. Regular carrying also promotes bonding and attachment between parent and infant, and has been shown to increase breastfeeding duration and frequency. Premature babies benefit immensely on many levels from kangaroo care and can often leave hospital earlier too. <br /> <br />The second part discusses various carriers, particularly woven wrap tying techniques, with step by step instructions. It explains pros and cons, and also carriers to avoid such as forward facing types due to lack of hip support. Overall I really enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to anyone interested in babywearing. ItÕs also reassuring to read I have a well-designed carrier and babywearing doesnÕt spoil a baby itÕs what theyÕve evolved to do. The only aspect lacking was advice how to breastfeed a baby in a carrier, itÕs one thing I never mastered and would have been so convenient, especially in those early days.
There is a wealth of information on the benefits and techniques of babywearing online now which is great, but it is so lovely to have everything you need to know all in one beautiful book to curl up with and read. At first glance it doesn't look like a huge book, but when you open it you see it is absolutely packed with information and the most gorgeous photographs!<br />The first section of the book tells you all about the theory behind babywearing, its history and benefits, and goes into great detail on the physiology and anatomy of infants but in a highly readable way. It covers such important subjects as attachment theory and bonding, skin to skin contact, hip dysplasia and a lovely chapter on babywearing in special situations for example with babies in special care or with additional needs.<br />The second part of the book focuses on the practicalities of babywearing. This includes chapters on which type of carrier to choose from (there are many!) and which way to carry your child. It tells you about soft structured carriers (SSCs) which are the buckled variety, woven wraps, ring slings, mei tais and more. The section on woven wraps is excellent, showing you exactly how to do different carries using fabulous photographs and instructions which make it crystal clear what you need to do. I've watched many videos and read many things about getting my baby on my back with a woven and it's never quite clicked, but after reading this book it all became clear! It's also helped me master a Robin's hip carry. Each section tells you what length of wrap you're likely to need and what situations it is best used for, as well as the pros and cons of each carry. In short, this is a lovely book for fans of babywearing old and new, written in a gentle and respectful manner with a wealth of knowledge and experience. You'll love it just for the beautiful photographs alone!
