When is the best time to start carrying?

You can carry a healthy baby from day one. If you start early enough, your muscles can get used to the additional light weight and gradually become accustomed to the increasing weight. After five months a greater weight must be mastered. The important thing is that neither you nor your baby has any illnesses or disabilities. In this case,
please speak to your doctor or midwife. Fathers, too, can also carry their baby from the beginning. Carrying supports and intensifies the close attachment between father and child.

Is there a maximum age up to which the baby can be carried?

You can carry your baby for as long as you are both happy with it. The more independent your baby becomes, it is to be expected that they will want to be carried less. Normally children enjoy being carried up to the age of 3 years and beyond in certain situations. If carrying is a lot of effort, you should only carry your baby for a short time at the beginning and then increase this steadily, since the pelvis and caesarean scar need to be protected after the birth! The important consideration is that both sides feel good.

Can a baby breathe properly in the baby carrier?

It is important to ensure that breathing is not restricted by too much cloth or a blocked nose. Air circulates in the cloth through your movements and ensures the necessary exchange of fresh air. 

Is it difficult to start carrying when my baby is older?

This is absolutely no problem. The many advantages of carrying naturally also benefit older babies. It may well be that they enjoy it straight away. But it is possible that problems could also occur when carrying starts later, since both parties are unaccustomed to it. Your baby might need to get used to the closeness and your muscles first have to get used to the additional weight. With patience, the right technique and gradual increase in carrying time, the initial difficulties should soon be overcome.

Will my child be spoiled by being carried too often?

This worry is unfounded. Proximity and bodily contact are some of the basic needs of every infant. Carrying accommodates this need in a sensible way – and almost casually. Comparative studies have shown that children who are often carried mostly bond securely. And children, who have bonded well, move away more quickly from their mothers and show independent behaviour sooner.

Can I also carry my child in winter?

Carrying in winter is particularly pleasant since you and your baby do not sweat as easily. It is well known that it is easier to protect against cold than against heat. To this end, you should always carry your baby under the outer layer of clothing on your body. The requirement is a long jacket or a long coat that reaches over your child’s feet, as these will quickly pose a problem since they do not lie directly against your warm body. If you are not sure, check from time to time whether the feet and calves are still nice and warm. Make sure that your baby does not have too many clothes, or they can get warm very quickly. In the shops, special carrying coats and carrier covers are available ensuring that your baby is optimally protected even when you carry them on your back.

Which technique is suitable for which age?

Because every baby develops differently, a different technique may be advisable in individual cases. Normally, midwives and carrier advisers recommend carrying in front of the stomach for the fi rst few weeks. But carrying on the hip and on the back may also be completely suitable. The decisive factor for all techniques is that the back and neck are well protected.

Can I do anything wrong when carrying?

There are a couple of simple and important basic rules for carrying:

• The cloth must be correctly tied and fit firmly.

• The back and neck area (for older children at least when sleeping) must be well protected.

• Make sure the baby’s legs are in the spread-out, tuckedup position so that the hips are correctly positioned and the spine is supported in its slightly rounded position. The legs must not hang down straight. The bottom should be just below the knees.

• Your baby should not be tied so high that your chin collides with their head.

• When carrying on your back, from time to time you should check in the mirror (car windows or special Sling View Mirror) that everything is in the right place.

• Your baby should never be placed in the baby carrier looking forwards away from the body. The back and leg
position are not correct in this position and this causes stretching of legs and spine which is not good for healthy development. Your baby is also not able to withdraw from stimuli they encounter; unlike in the reverse position
where they can bury their head in the body of the person carrying them at any time.

What effect does carrying have on the child’s back?

Scientific studies show that carrying the child in no way risks healthy development. Before the so-called “sitting age” mothers can carry their babies without worrying; there are no adverse effects on breathing either. For children who were carried during the first few weeks of life, there tend to be fewer back and postural abnormalities. This is demonstrated by studies conducted on infants and older children. (*)

(*) Kirkilionis, E. (1999), Ein Baby will getragen sein., Kösel-Verlag.
Stening W., Nitsch P., Kribs A., Weiß R., Fricke L., Wassmer G., Roth B. (1999), Beobachtung
der Vitalparameter früh- und reifgeborener Kinder während des Tragens in Tragehilfen.
Poster – Kinderärztekongress 1999, München.