Ergonomic Babywearing and the Importance of Ergonomics in Baby Carriers
You may have heard the phrase ergonomic babywearing, but... what does the phrase "ergonomic baby carrier" really mean, and how important is it when choosing your carrier?
Good ergonomics in your baby carrier are extremely important. In fact, you need to make sure it's comfortable for both you and your baby.
For this reason, the carrier must distribute the baby's weight evenly and not put unnecessary pressure on your own back and shoulders. At Somomu, the cross-back design is precisely for this purpose: to distribute the weight between both shoulders and hips, preventing any pressure or discomfort for parents.
But more importantly, it should properly and securely hold your little one and help promote their healthy development.
And this means that it has to properly support your little ones' spine, pelvis, and hips.
What is an ergonomic baby carrier?
An ergonomic baby carrier supports babies' natural posture while promoting healthy hip development.
You should support their legs up to the back of their knees, so that their entire legs don't dangle, but can move freely as they grow.
An ergonomic baby carrier must have a wide and comfortable base that properly supports the weight and should support the baby's hips and legs in a frog-leg or M shape.
In this ergonomic position, your baby's bottom is lower than their knees, while their knees and hips are level with each other and their hips are open. This ensures that their hips remain firmly within the birth canal and that their weight is evenly distributed.
It is also essential that the backpack grows with the children, as shown in the following photograph:
Ergonomic babywearing: fundamental rules for safe babywearing
These are the rules for safe babywearing:
Position the baby in the physiological position described. Ideally, upright, since lying down makes it difficult to keep the knees apart. Furthermore, babies with reflux are uncomfortable lying down.
For correct back and hip positioning, the baby's hips should be tilted forward, with their perineum partially supported by the adult, not supporting the entire pubis.
The baby carrier must be properly tightened, providing support to all points of the back (if the baby falls to one side or rounds excessively, it will be necessary to tighten it again).
The head of a newborn or a sleeping baby should be held firmly but gently against the adult's body.
The chin must be kept away from the sternum to avoid the risk of suffocation due to airway obstruction. There must be enough space around the baby's nose for air to circulate, even if the baby's forehead is resting against the adult.
The baby's abdomen should be in contact with the adult's body, never their side or back. This way, the adult's body prevents the baby's head from flexing towards their chest, avoiding the risk of suffocation.
The baby's face must always be visible.
The adult must be very careful that the mouth and nose do not touch the adult's body and that the baby's breathing is rhythmic.
* SOURCE: SEPEAP (Spanish Society of Outpatient Pediatrics and Primary Care)
Requirements for baby carriers to be ergonomic
https://sepeap.org/el-porteo-ergonomico-una-opcion-segura-para-transportar-a-los-recien-nacidos/ Respect the rules of safe babywearing (physiological position of the baby, correct tension and adjustment, the abdominal region should be against the body of the adult, head correctly supported, airways clear).
The baby is at the correct height (the baby's buttocks should never be below the adult's umbilical region and, in small babies, you should be able to comfortably kiss them on the head but not with your chin).
The back support is adjustable, allowing a baby with greater mobility more freedom of movement. However, it must always be able to support the baby's entire back, including the head, if they fall asleep.
It adapts to the baby's growth.
It needs to be comfortable for the wearer and easy to use.
*SOURCE: SEPEAP (Spanish Society of Outpatient Pediatrics and Primary Care)