In the ocean of information that is the world of babywearing it is often difficult to extricate oneself all the more when the notions are collected via the web or social channels and therefore without the possibility of touching or, better still, try different mounts. Among the most popular and controversial supports we find the ergonomic baby carrier which most of the time is not "ergonomic", either because it is not produced according to the basic rules of ergonomics or because it is marketed to be used improperly. We sincerely hope that by the end of this article your ideas will be much clearer than before!

In general

The ergonomic baby carrier is a structured support. This means that it has a well-defined structure as opposed to a band, for example, which is a long rectangular piece of fabric to be tied and "structured" each time and according to the anatomical characteristics of the baby and the bearer. Basically it has a panel (a square of fabric) where the child will sit, a padded belly band that closes with a snap buckle and two padded shoulder straps which also close with a snap buckle and can be adjusted. The pouch is a quality, easy, fast and versatile support. By unloading the weight of the carried both on the shoulders and on the hips of the bearer, it can be used for carrying even when the child reaches a important weight (20 or more kg).

Hybrid fanny packs or half buckles

The normal fanny pack is defined as full buckle having two buckles to fasten. Today on the market we also find fanny packs half buckle which have only one buckle, at the level of the ventral band and the shoulder straps typical of the mei tai . This gives it the innovative feature of unloading the weight on the lumbar area and on the hips of the bearer in an optimal way but also having the personalized and homogeneously distributed unloading through the wide and enveloping shoulder straps of the mei tai.

The materials

The fabric of the pouch can be plain canvas or made using a diagonal weave weave, like that used in the rigid sling. The latter turns out to be much more comfortable because, despite being very supportive, the diagonal weave tends to adapt to the weight, welcoming it rather than responding to it with rigidity. We tend to prefer organic fabrics and certified materials.

Adjustability

In the space of a few years baby carriers have made a leap in quality and while before we could find 2-3 brands of non-adjustable supports, today almost all baby carriers have the adjustable panel both in height and in width through drawstring, Velcro or small buttons. The adjustability allows the child to always be comfortably supported along the entire back and from crook to crook of the knees.

The sizes

In terms of sizes too, over the years we have gone from one to as many as five different sizes:

1. Baby carrier suitable from approximately 4 to 12 months.
2. Standard baby carrier suitable from approximately 4 to 18-24 months.
3. Toddler carrier (also known as XL in Buzzidil) suitable from 8 months to 2. 5-3 years approximately.
4. Preschooler pouch suitable from 2 to 5 years.
5. One-size pouch. Here is a new type of baby carrier that accommodates all these measures put together, the one-size of the Isara The One, useful from 3 months to 5 years!

Ergonomic features

To be not only considered ergonomic but also to be used in an ergonomic way, the baby carrier should respect some essential parameters:

• It should have a seat wide enough to go from crook to crook of the knees of the carrier which allows the child to maintain his physiological position at “M.
• A soft panel will be a panel that respects the natural kyphosis of the baby, the “C” back characteristic of newborns. Rigid, padded and straight panels are not the best!
• The child should only be carried tummy to tummy or on the back. Some baby carriers allow you to carry on your side, even if, by discharging all the weight asymmetrically, they can be uncomfortable after a few minutes. Why not face the world? In summary, the position is not recommended for various reasons: it is not a physiological position for the hips, for the posture and for the neck; affects thermoregulation, communication between the wearer and the patient and postural stability by shifting the center of gravity of the wearer.

Carry safely

As with all supports, there are some rules drawn up by the Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers which, if followed, allow you to practice babywearing in complete safety:

• The baby carrier should be tied tightly to be comfortable and to prevent the baby from collapsing inside it with the risk of affecting the air passage.
• You should always be able to see your baby simply by taking a look without having to move the fabric of the support.
• The head of your baby should be as close as possible to your chin and you should be able to kiss it, the so-called "at kiss height".
• At least one finger should be passed between the baby chin and his chest to ensure that the passage of air is free.
• Adherent body and supported back in its physiological position it helps to keep the air passage open.

Nastasia Morin

Babywearing School consultant

I hope my article was helpful to you. If you have any questions, concerns or would like to offer feedback you can write to us! The Millemamme association primarily cares about the well-being of babies and those who carry them and is keen to disseminate the right information. For this reason we have activated a purchase consultancy service.