Carrying your baby can be a pain in the back, literally. You may also suffer from neck pain, and various other paints too!
If you’re carrying your baby the same way you carried them before they were born, you might be putting too much pressure on your spine. This is because babies are often too heavy for parents to carry in their arms for too long, so they end up slung on the hip.
The problem is the weight is not evenly distributed, which, according to Spine Health, can cause back pain.
Carrying your baby this way can put a lot of pressure on your spine, which is why it’s important to wear an ergonomic baby carrier or backpack with weight distribution.
I’ve put together a guide that will help you choose the right one and may help to reduce your back pain!
Back Hurts Because You Are Carrying Your Baby? Here Is My Guide
1. The importance of carrying your baby correctly
When you’re carrying your baby, it’s important to do so in a way that doesn’t put too much pressure on your spine.
This can be done by wearing an ergonomic carrier or backpack with weight distribution.
This is practical advice for new moms and experienced moms alike.
2. How to carry your baby using an ergonomic carrier
- Make sure the carrier is comfortable. When choosing an ergonomic carrier, make sure to pick one that is comfortable for you. The carrier should fit well and not be too tight or loose.
- Position the baby correctly. The baby should be positioned in the carrier so that their weight is evenly distributed. You should be able to see their face and they should be able to see you. You can change position as they get older and let them face outwards, but only when your baby’s neck is strong enough.
- Support your child’s head and neck. The baby’s head and neck should be supported at all times.
- Check the carrying position regularly. Make sure to check the carrying position regularly to make sure your child is still in a safe and comfortable position.
3. Benefits of using an ergonomic carrier
There are many benefits to using an ergonomic carrier when carrying your baby. Some of these benefits include:
- The carrier is comfortable.
- The baby is safe.
- The baby’s weight is evenly distributed.
- You can change the carrying position as your baby ages.
- There is a carrying technique for all carrying positions.
There are many benefits to carrying your baby with an ergonomic carrier or backpack.
Carrying your baby this way can put less pressure on your spine and make carrying your baby much more comfortable.
When buying a carrier, make sure to check that it is comfortable for you and fits well. The carrying position also needs to be checked regularly.
Lastly, make sure you know the carrying techniques for all carrying positions.
4. How to choose the right ergonomic carrier for you
When it comes to carrying your baby, you want to make sure you’re using an ergonomic carrier that will be comfortable for both you and your child.
There are a few different types of carriers to choose from, so it’s important to do your research and find the one that’s right for you.
Here are a few tips on how to choose the right ergonomic carrier:
- Decide what type of carrier you want. There are three types of carriers to choose from: Soft-structured carriers, Mei Tais, and wraps. Soft-structured carriers are the most popular type, and they come in a variety of styles and brands. Mei Tais are similar to soft-structured carriers, but they are worn on the front instead of the back. Wraps are all-in-one pieces of fabric that you wear in different ways to create carrying positions.
- Consider how much support your carrier needs to have. If you plan on carrying your baby for long periods of time, then an ergonomic carrier should have adjustable padded straps and a waistband that can be adjusted to fit your body.
- Make sure your carrier is safe and sturdy. If you plan on carrying a heavy child, then a strong carrier with quality stitching is a necessity. Look for double-stitching and reinforcement in the areas where the straps attach to keep them from ripping or tearing away from the carrier.
- Find a carrier that’s easy to put on and take off. You should be able to slip your child into their carrier in seconds flat, so look for carriers with wide openings (such as wrap-style carriers) or carriers with zippers (like soft-structured carriers), which are easily opened up when you’re getting ready to put on the carrier.
- Research different carrying positions. Decide whether you want to use a front carrying position, back carrying position, or both when you’re carrying your child in any type of ergonomic carrier. Knowing this ahead of time can help narrow down your search for carriers that will suit your needs (and keep your baby safe and comfortable).
- Consider your child’s age and weight. When carrying an infant, it’s important to make sure you can create a snug carrying position by tucking their chin in against their chest to ensure they are safely secured in place. If you plan on carrying a baby who is six months or older, then you’ll want to look for a carrier that can hold up to 20 pounds or more.
- Select a carrying position and brand of carrier you like best. There is no right carrying position for all parents and babies, so make sure you find one that’s comfortable for both you and your child. You should also look for carriers with widely available pockets, zippered openings, and carrying positions that are gender-neutral (so it can be used for both boys and girls).
- Decide on price range. Carriers with padded straps, cushioned waistbands, comfortable carrying positions, and ergonomic design tend to cost more than carriers without these features. If you’re on a budget but want an ergonomic carrier, then select a carrier that suits your needs for the budget you have.
- Shop for carriers online and in person. Since carrying your baby is such a personal experience, you should take the time to try on the different carriers available and see how they feel against your skin. You can also read reviews from other parents who own the same types of carriers you’re interested in.
5. Tips for wearing an ergonomic carrier correctly
If you’re carrying your baby around in an ergonomic carrier, it’s important to wear it correctly. Here are a few tips:
- Make sure the carrier is adjusted to fit your body size.
- Make sure the baby is in the correct position, with their feet below their bottom and their head resting on your chest.
- Tighten all the straps to ensure a good fit.
- Make sure you’re carrying the baby close to your body, with their weight evenly distributed.
- Take breaks often, especially if you’re carrying the baby for an extended period of time.
6. Carrying your baby in a carrier vs carrying them in your arms
When it comes to carrying your baby, you have two main options: carrying them in your arms or carrying them in a sling, or carrier.
Carrying your baby in your arms is the traditional way to carry your child, and it’s often the most comfortable option for parents at the start.
However, carrying your baby in your arms can be tiring if you’re going on long walks or hikes, and it can also be difficult to carry multiple children this way.
An alternative to carrying your baby in your arms is carrying them in a carrier.
Carrying your baby in a carrier is becoming increasingly popular as more and more parents discover its benefits.
Carrying your baby in a carrier allows you to distribute the weight of your baby across both shoulders, which can prevent back and shoulder pain.
Conclusion
Carrying your baby correctly is important for both you and your child. Not only can it help prevent back pain, but using an ergonomic carrier can also provide a variety of other benefits.
We’ve outlined some of the key reasons why carrying your baby correctly is so important, as well as some of the best ways to do it.
I am sure you already know these reasons, given that carrying your baby is currently killing your back!
Take a look at ergonomic carriers, they will almost certainly help to relieve your back pain.
Good luck!
