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Babywearing your newborn is one of the best (and simplest!) ways to bond with your baby.
Say goodbye to being nap-trapped on the couch with a full bladder, and say YES to fitting in those milky-sweet snuggles while you go about your day. Catch up on housework, bring baby out for errands with ease, and stay connected with the activities and people you love with baby in tow!
The only problem? Brand-new babies can feel like a total mystery - and putting them in a carrier you’re not familiar with can add to the anxiety.
Here’s what you need to keep in mind when you begin wearing your newborn baby:
Safety
As a new parent (or a seasoned parent with a new baby), making sure your baby is safe is at the top of your mind.
Babywearing is a fantastic way to hone your intuition - make sure that as you wear them, you’re continually checking in on how they’re doing. If something feels off, trust your gut!
When you put your child in the carrier, it can help to have a checklist to go through to make sure you’re setting you and your baby up for success.
So, when you think safety, think TICKS:
Tight
In view at all times
Close enough to kiss
Keep off the chest
Supported back
Let’s dive in a bit more (I don’t know about you, but knowing the why behind stuff like this helps it sink in a whole lot better for me).
TIGHT
Ideally, your child should be held tight enough to your body that they don’t move or jostle separately from you as you move - you and baby are now one!
But you also don’t want to go overboard and pancake your child to your body.
Gently tighten your carrier to the point where baby feels secure and cannot slump down into the carrier - bend slightly forward to check to make sure they don’t sag away from you.
IN VIEW AT ALL TIMES
CLOSE ENOUGH TO KISS
KEEP CHIN OFF THE CHEST
SUPPORTED BACK
After you run through this checklist a few times, it will likely become second nature, and you’ll begin to trust yourself to support your child and recognize when their position is problematic.
And as always, if your intuition says something’s up, even if you’ve perfected your TICKS situation - trust yourself.
Newborn babywearing is an opportunity for growth for you and your child.
Babywearing supports their physical, emotional and social development, and can boost feelings of confidence and calm for you during a time when many parents experience self-doubt and anxiety.
Keep practicing, stay consistent, and reach out for help when you need it - but more than anything, enjoy these special moments getting to know this beautiful new member of your family.
While you're at it, download my free babywearing safety checklist below to print and hang on your fridge, in your car, or wherever you tend to put on your carrier!
If all this seems a little overwhelming, don't worry...you're not alone. We cover all this and more in my Womb to World Workshop in a way that's practical and approachable, and I'm always available for private consultations if you prefer 1-1 attention!
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