20 December 2022
With the arrival of a baby we want to buy everything, we make a huge list, we don't want anything to be missing for the big day!
We involve grandparents, uncles and friends in our moment, we receive the best opinions, advice and everyone wants to be part of the best gifts.
There are accessories that are essential and others that are not… just in case we need them.
Strollers, baby carriers and slings are some of the accessories that still give us something to think about today... some because they have several options to choose from and others because there is not enough information about the benefits for our baby.
Baby carriage
The stroller is one of the options that still gives us parents “headaches”. In addition to having to consider the characteristics of each one... yes, because we have city strollers, which combine functionality with our style, strollers with hard and thick wheels to face any terrain, and also, and not least, the space in the trunk Of car.
The criteria of safety, comfort, ergonomics, sturdiness, flexibility, space occupied, are very important when buying this extremely useful object that will go with you everywhere. According to some professionals, there are 4 important items to take into account that can help when choosing the stroller for your baby:
- Security – confirm that the stroller is approved according to European safety standards, for the different stages of development of our baby.
- Lightness - that is easy to maneuver and store.
- Resistance – As it is an expensive and essential accessory in the trousseau, the important thing is to make the investment profitable. It is recommended that you accompany our baby from birth until the age of 3/4.
- Comfort - Checking the backrest and internal padding is important, as it allows you to accommodate your baby in a more pleasant and comfortable way.
Baby carrier
The marsupium is a subject that generates some discord. It is recommended by some pediatricians and physiotherapists, but not recommended by babywearing consultants. One of the points of contention is the idea that baby carriers cause Hip Dysplasia, which for some health professionals the treatment of this pathology is to place the baby with the legs open at 180º.
People who study baby development and the different types of baby carriers (such as composition, raw materials), babywearing consultants, consider baby carriers to be highly harmful in 3 points:
- Hip development and genital inflammations – Babies having their legs hanging can cause hip dislocations and pressure in the genital area.
- They are not ergonomic – The back tissue is too rigid, especially during the first months of life (2-3 months). The baby, after 9 months in the fetal position, there is no “reason” to place the spine in a straight position in the first few months. We must allow the maturation of the vertical column to continue naturally.
- Too much tension for those who cross it – It does not distribute the weight in a balanced way, eliminating possible pain located in us parents.
Slings
The sling is made of fabric, usually 5 meters long by 60 cm wide, which, through rings or in the form of a roll around the waist, attaches the baby to whoever is using it.
The sling is the one that least causes discord, since due to its characteristics, in addition to strengthening the bond between the wearer and the baby, it offers freedom and prevents pain in the back and arms.
After some research, and not from my own experience, below I highlight the advantages of using the sling (I don't think I've forgotten any):
The heat from the body and the position the baby is in relieve colic and reflux.
- By correctly distributing the baby's weight across the sling, you avoid back pain.
- After feeding, baby food or a bottle, allow him to remain in an upright position.
- While we hold our baby, it gives us more freedom in our hands.
- Strengthen the bond.
- Ideal for the first months of your baby's life.
- It avoids the worry of pushing the stroller through potholed streets.
- With proximity, it is possible to understand and solve any problems the baby may have.
My personal experience
The marsupium and the sling are usually accessories that we buy for when we need them. They don't take up space, and make traveling with our son easier, keeping him in contact with us, without having to support him in his arms, leaving them free to carry out other activities.
Personally, I didn't buy it, they lent me a baby carrier when I was pregnant with my youngest daughter, Maria Leonor.
I confess that I am a mother who “spoils” with her lap, I love touching, pampering and feeling, but I only used the baby carrier once…
I can't explain why I didn't use this accessory, but I tried it at home, and then I couldn't put Maria Leonor on when I went out, but I always had it in the car, in case I ever needed it.
That day, Maria Leonor was 9 months old, I was alone with my three children, and I needed some “uniques” for the house, and I had to go to the nearest hypermarket.
In addition to the rush, taking the trolley out of the trunk of the car seemed like a lot of work… I put the baby carrier on and with all my insecurity, I managed to take Maria Leonor and give the little ones a hand, and even bring the “nicas” in my bag. schoolbag.
I remember that I felt observed, either because they thought it was fun to take the three on each side or because they disagreed with what I was doing…
I don't consider myself a fanatic around certain topics, I think we should reconcile what's best for our children, simplifying the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The ideal is to give freedom to experiment and never impose it as if it were one of the seven wonders of motherhood.
And if nowadays, we have accessories that allow us to combine freedom of movement of the hands, arms, while we are holding our baby, why not use them?
Is there anything better in the world than feeling our baby's heart, smell and soft skin?
By: Ana / Carmen
