Baby pouches are related to baby slings in construction in that they are a continuous loop of fabric that allows a parent to “wear” his or her baby close to the body. The pouch, though, is a bit deeper than a sling, allowing for a more comfortable kangaroo type ride for the baby. Baby pouches are ergonomically designed to mold against the mother’s or father’s body and to mold baby to the parent, which again makes them similar to the sling.
Baby pouches offer all the usual benefits of baby slings, including less crying, better sleeping and sleep cycles, and better breathing for the baby.
Wearing baby pouches can take a little bit of practice before it becomes comfortable and natural. But after learning the skill, parents who use the pouch say they can’t imagine using anything else.
In another similarity to baby slings, baby pouches leave the mother’s hands free to tend to other children or to do chores. And whoever is wearing the baby in the baby pouch gets that little bit of extra exercise during the day, which is always helpful!
A major difference between baby pouches and slings is that pouches are not usually adjustable and are not as easily shared between wearers. There are some models which are adjustable, but the majority of pouches do not adjust sizing. And since there are no rings to adjust, there are generally fewer ways to wear baby in baby pouches.
Baby pouches tend to weigh less than other styles of baby carriers. Because of this they are easy to slip into a diaper bag or large pocketbook when not in use holding baby. And dads tend to like the more minimalistic look compared to the more elaborate ring slings or mei tai styles of baby wearing.
Babies from birth to thirty five pounds can safety be carried in baby pouches. Premature babies can also benefit from riding in baby pouches, since the pouch tends to emulate the familiar womb environment. On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are even some models that can handle toddlers weighing up to forty pounds.
Newborns and smaller babies tend to look “lost” or overwhelmed by the pouch since the pouch allows them to assume the traditional curled up fetal position more easily than does a sling or a molded plastic carrier. One thing is certain, both baby pouches and slings are touted by proponents as essential to attachment parenting.
When choosing to wear your baby, it is important to ask yourself what style of carrier would you be most comfortable using? Keep this in mind; a ‘high and tight ride’ for baby will help keep mom or dad most comfortable, with baby’s bottom somewhere between the wearer’s belly button and hip. Once you start wearing baby, you will find which position is best for you and you baby. Some babies prefer the cradling position, while others prefer a more snuggly position. Every baby is different!
Baby pouches come in a variety of patterns and colors, and although we see more mothers using them, dads are also enjoying the benefits of baby wearing using baby pouches.
Learn more about the benefits and convenience of baby pouches: http://www.bustlingbaby.com/baby-slings-carriers-native-baby-pouches.html David Cummings is General Manager of Bustling Baby, a business devoted to providing baby mobility, comfort, and convenience to active families.
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