There are many proven benefits of baby-wearing that contribute to the health and well being of your babies, but they also provide ease and convenience for parents; especially if you have more than one. For me, having two children under two years old, baby wearing is a godsend! My very clingy and fussy newborn can snuggle in and sleep for hours. However, with chronic back pain, it can be a struggle and if you’re like me, you might find that the wrong sling or carrier can make the pain worse.
My back problems are made up of a combination of scoliosis and major, extensive surgery, which means I can’t wear my babies in certain types of carriers and slings. I was very lucky that my Dad was an osteopath so he showed me the way to carry the babies that was suitable for my back and shoulders. I would 100% recommend that any mummas and papas out there that are thinking of baby-wearing but are worried about their backs should visit an osteopath who can provide help on which way you should wear your carrier.
He gave me two very useful and valuable tips:
- Where baby as high as you can and as close to you as possible.
- Use your abdominal muscle to hold your upper back up. Do NOT slouch or transfer the weight onto your lower back as this will lead to problems with your sacroiliac joints which have already been loosened by hormones during your pregnancy (the most common cause of lower back pain in women).
My partner trying to look as suave as possible in the Baby Bjorn whilst we were on holiday in Italy
I did a lot of research and for those with bad backs, I do not recommend carriers such as the Baby Bjorn. I found that they tend to distribute the weight of the baby unevenly and the pressure points put a lot of stress on my neck and shoulders. I also found that ring slings put a lot of stress on one shoulder, which isn’t great for me, considering my shoulders are significantly affected by my scoliosis.
The BEST baby carrier I found was a type of soft structured carrier called the Ergo Baby Carrier. I felt it evenly distributed the weight of my baby between my upper back and hips and the padded shoulder straps gave me more support than any other I’ve tried. There are also so many ways you can wear your baby and I find for my very heavy toddler, the back and hip position are the best.
There are many wonderful blogs on here discussing and recommending the different types of baby slings and carriers, but if you’re cautious with your back then I’d definitely advise visiting your osteopath and talking through with him the best positions for your back. Have fun on your baby-wearing journey and enjoy having your little one so close!
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A photography project founded in late 2014 by Alexia Garcia, photographer a Alegares Photography. Breastfeeding World aims to promote breastfeeding and encourage new moms to nurse their babies through the art of photography and story telling.
It’s unfortunate that you didn’t talk about the Lillebaby SSC seeing as they come standard with a lumbar back support panel. I would highly recommend trying one of those if you have not already because that panel is Ah-MAZING!