Category Archives: Babycare

Breastfeeding, babywearing and cosleeping

Types of baby carrier

Babywearing, Parenting,

There are many different baby carriers and slings available, with something suitable for every parent’s style. This guide will help you find a carrier to suit you. 

Babywearing is a new skill that may require a little time, practice and often a little help to master, but other parents are always available online and locally to assist. See Slingmeet.co.uk  

Most of the carriers listed here can do a range of different positions and ages – front, back, hip and newborn to 3 or 4 years. 

Success with using them comes down to personal preference, body shape and a little perseverance or help. 

Pouch

A pouch is a tube of material worn over one shoulder to create a pocket for baby to lie or sit in. Great for new parents and newborns because of their simplicity, but less adjustable. 

  • easy to use
  • limited adjustability
  • custom fit – pouch needs to fit you, so probably won’t fit both parents
  • less comfortable for longer periods or with a heavier child

Some pouches are non-adjustable, others have zips or poppers to give more adjustability. 

Ring sling

A ring sling is a rectangle of material with rings sewn in at one end. Worn over one shoulder it forms a pouch in which baby lies or sits and is adjusted using the rings. 

  • versatile
  • very adjustable for exact fit so can be used by different sized adults
  • some learning curve for adjusting using the rings
  • may be less comfortable for longer periods or with a heavier child

Padded ring slings may be easier to learn, but an unpadded ring sling allows for greater adjustability and more versatility.  

Wrap

A wrap is a rectangle of material, wrapped around you and baby and tied. Wraps come in a variety of widths and lengths, and are usually worn over both shoulders 

  • versatile – front, back and hip carries
  • comfortable for long periods and heavier babies or toddlers
  •  very adjustable for exact fit and can be used by different sized adults
  •  more of a learning curve than some carriers

 Stretchy wraps are easier with a newborn, whereas woven wraps are more supportive for a heavier child. 

 

Asian baby carrier and soft structured carrier

An asian baby carrier (ABC) is a soft carrier with a rectangular body and straps, fastened by tying or buckles. A structured soft carriers has buckles and more padding.  

  • easy to learn
  • comfortable for long periods or with a heavier child
  •  one size can be used by different sized adults
  •  great for back carries
  •  more suitable for babies with good head control

The mei-tai  is the most common ABC, with four straps and ties around the waist. 

Framed carriers

A framed carrier has a structured metal or padded frame like a rucksack, padded shoulder straps and a waist belt.

  • suitable for 6 months+
  • back carries only
  • may incorporate storage space
  • needs to fit well to carry weight evenly

A framed carrier needs to fit well in the same way as a well-fitted rucksack. Some models hold baby away from your body, making child seem heavier and affecting your balance. But a well fitted one can be very comfortable for long periods, with a heavy baby.

What do you really need for your new baby?

Babycare, Eco-Living, Parenting, Shopping,

Although most of us spend a lot of money on things for our new babies, having a baby need not be expensive. Babies actually need very little, and what you do need doesn’t have to be cost a lot.

Every family finds they value different things and their baby wish list will be different.

A useful approach is to get the absolute minimum before baby is born, and then only get things if and when you find you need them. Ask yourself – is this essential?

Less stuff

There are many reasons to buy less – it saves money, has less impact on the environment and less clutter makes for a simpler life.

Buy 2nd hand

Go along to our local Nearly New Sale where you will be able to pick up things up at very reasonable prices. For safety reasons there are some things like car seats and mattresses which you are advised to buy new.

Beg and borrow and freecycle

Many parents want to get rid of stuff they no longer, or maybe never used. So ask around. Find out about your local Freecycle or Freegle.

Gifts

If you write a gift list then friends and family can get you something that you actually want.

Feeding

Breastfeeding is the cheapest option and most environmentally friendly option. You’ll almost certainly need nursing bras. Some women need breastpads. Nursing tops can be a good investment, but aren’t necessary.

Bottle feeding expressed milk and formula feeding both need much more equipment – bottles, teats, steriliser. Powdered formula is cheaper. For expressing you’ll need storage bottles/bags and although some mums express successfully by hand, most use a pump.

Clothes

All a young baby really needs are a few baby suits. And depending on the time of year a few more layers for warmth – a hat, gloves and a jacket. Don’t get too many – they’ll grow out of them quick!

Nappies

The cheapest long-term option is reusable nappies. Although you’ll have a bigger initial outlay you save over £600 for a single baby. Your council may have a scheme where you can claim money back for using reusable nappies. To cut costs and be as environmentally friendly as possible wash your nappies at a lower temperature, and line dry, or use a nappy laundry service.

You’ll need: Changing mat, nappies, nappy bucket, reusable wipes, waterproof nappy bag.
The Real Nappy Information Service Helpline: 08458 500606 www.goreal.org.uk

Another option is elimination communication or natural infant hygiene which cuts out or reduces nappies altogether. http://www.diaperfreebaby.org/ or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ecuk/

Toys

A new baby doesn’t need any toys. Though you’ll be hard pressed to stop people buying cuddly toys!

Baths

Babies only really need a quick wipe with warm water and cotton wool, or a washable cloth. Bath with your baby, or as baby needs to be held the sink or a little water in the adult bath will do.

Sleep

The simplest option is bed-sharing – no equipment needed.
www.babyfriendly.org.uk/pdfs/sharingbedleaflet.pdf

Alternatively start with a Moses basket, crib or carry cot, then skip the cot and go for a cot bed. Or skip the Moses basket and go straight to the cot, or bedside cot/cosleeper which adjusts to the same height as your bed for easier night feeds. No pillows, cot bumpers, quilts or duvets – they are a suffocation risk.

Out and about

You’ll need a car seat unless you never travel anywhere by car.

A sling is a cheap, versatile option. Find out more at slingmeet.co.uk and thebabywearer.com.

A light weight reclining pushchair suitable for newborns will last longest. Expensive travel systems or prams may not be useful for long, so maybe borrow, buy 2nd hand or do without! There is a bewildering range of pushchairs and travel systems. What suits you will depend on whether you use a car, public transport and other factors. www.which.co.uk/reviews/baby-and-child/

Kangaroo care reduces newborn deaths by more than 50 percent

Babycare, Birth, ,

New Research Shows “Kangaroo Mother Care” Reduces Newborn Deaths More than 50 Percent, Proven to be More Effective than Incubators for Stable Preterm Babies.

A new meta-analysis led by Dr. Joy Lawn of Save the Children, and published in International Journal of Epidemiology found a 51 percent reduction in newborn mortality when stabilized babies weighing less than four pounds (2,000 gm) received warmth and breast milk through continuous skin-to-skin contact on the chest of their mothers – kangaroo care.

This makes it one of the most highly effective ways to give more babies the chance to survive and thrive. Not only is it simple and low cost, vital in less affluent counties but it also it is incredibly empowering for new parents making it equally important in more affluent countries too.

A recent documentary Invisible Lives show its benefits in Malawi where it is widely practiced.

Save the Children Press Release

Benefits of Babywearing

Babywearing,

Benefits

Bonding

The closeness between carer and child in a sling helps bonding. You get to know each other and learn to communicate.
Grandparents, dads, and other family and carers can all carry the baby, developing their own special relationship.

For baby and toddler …

Less stress

Babies are soothed by movement and personal contact. From the safety of the sling they can determine their own levels of interaction with the world.

Regulates systems

Contact with an adult helps newborns regulate their temperature, breathing, and heartbeat.

Breastfeeding

You can breastfeed discretely in a carrier.

Physical development

The movement associated with being carried develops babies’ balance and muscles.

Communication

A carried newborn can see your face, and gets more experience of language, facial expressions and body language.

Cry less

Babies who are carried and responded to quicker have been found to cry less.

Stimulates learning

Carried babies spend more time in the quiet alert state required for learning. A babe-in-arms can observe the
world. Touch, has been found to stimulate the growth of brain cells.

For you …

Freedom of movement

A baby carrier gives you greater freedom to move around than a pram or pushchair. Easy to move up stairs and through small spaces, making shopping, public toilets, and public transport easier.

Reduced postnatal depression

The physical closeness and a happier baby can also help mothers suffering from postnatal depression.

Hands free

A baby carrier can give you back your hands, allowing you to get on with the things you want to do.

Comfortable

A well chosen baby carrier distributes your child’s weight, allowing you to carry them for longer periods at a time, and as they get heavier. Most carriers are suitable up to 16kgs, 3 or 4 years.

Exercise

A baby carrier makes taking exercise easier. The associated health benefits are numerous and include promoting bone density to protect against osteoporosis, reducing risk of heart disease and boosting the immune system.

Avoid unsafe ‘bag’ slings

Babywearing,

A major US brand of baby carrier or sling – the Infantino SlingRider has been recalled after the US Consumer Product Safety Commission issued an advisory regarding baby sling safety.

The babywearing community have been warning about the inherent dangers of one type of sling – ‘bag slings’ for several years. Bag slings have a deep pocket that forces the baby’s chin onto its chest, blocking breathing and have been linked to 14 deaths by suffocation of very young babies in the US over the last 20 years. Excess fabric envelop the baby in fabric, covering the face. M’Liss Stelzer, a registered nurse and babywearing expert looked at oxygen saturation of infants in SlingRider and was so concerned that she repeatedly warned Infantino.

Other examples of ‘bag ‘slings to be avoided, include Premaxx baby bag, Munchkin cargo sling, Boppy carry in comfort, Lamaze close comfort and Wendy Bellissimo sling.

What to do if you have a ‘bag sling’

If you have or are given a bag-style sling please do not use it, sell it or give it away. Destroy it by cutting it up so that it can never be used.

Safe slings

There are many other slings available - shallow pouches, ring slings, wraps, soft-structured carriers and mei-tais that are safe for use with your baby so long as you follow the guidelines on correct positioning.

Although pouches and ring slings may look similar, ‘bag’ slings have a deeper pocket and the shape of the bag forces the baby into a dangerous chin to chest position. In a true pouch or ring sling the pocket formed by the fabric is far shallower, the sling is positioned high on the user’s body, and the baby’s face should be visible and close to the sling wearer’s face at all times.

Using a sling has many benefits for parents and babies. They are even used skin-to-skin in kangaroo care to help premature babies breathe better and regulate body temperature. They decrease crying, help with breastfeeding and bonding.

Safe positioning:

As with any baby equipment it is important to use your sling correctly. You should keep your baby snug to you, close enough to kiss her head, with her chin clear of her chest to avoid any constriction of her airways, and her back fully supported. Her nose and mouth should be free of any obstruction.

When you’re wearing a sling or carrier, don’t forget the T.I.C.K.S.

  • Tight
  • In view at all times
  • Close enough to kiss
  • Keep chin off the chest
  • Supported back

Illustrated safe positioning guidelines

Other positional asphyxia risks:

Infant car seats, strollers and badly designed chairs all carry the same risk to young babies. Although 14 babies have been reported as dying in slings in US in the last 20 years, a three period saw 16 die in car seats not involved in car accidents, and nine in strollers. Where ever your baby is it is important to ensure that he has a clear airway and is not chin-to-chest.

Other sling safety tips

Although generally safer than carrying your baby in your arms – you won’t drop your baby if your arms are tired or you trip up – it is important to be careful however you carry your baby.

  • Don’t do any activity that shakes your baby
  • Use a car seat in the car
  • Avoid activities with an increased risk of falling as you would when pregnant
  • Be aware of objects that your baby may bump into or be able to reach.
  • Use an appropriate sling for your baby’s age
  • Dress your baby appropriately for the weather bearing in mind that the slings forms a layer.

When learning to use your carrier practice with a doll or teddy first. Try with your baby when you are both happy and relaxed. It is also helpful to get another adult and a mirror to check your baby and sling, and practice over a bed. Take extra care when learning back carries. You can check your baby when out and about using your reflection in windows.

Get help:

Contact your local babywearing group through Sling Meet, www.slingmeet.co.uk, to find out more about different slings and safe positioning. Always remember to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Links:

babyslingsafe.com
slingmeet.co.uk
TheBabywearer.com
babyslingsafety.blogspot.com

Responsibility

Babycare, Cosleeping, Home education, Parenting

As the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Christmas sermon bemoaned children’s lack of childhood Philip Johnston in the telegraph asks why adults are treated like children?
But Mr Johnston – both are true, and are two sides of the same coin – a lack of individual independence and increasing dependence on the state.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/columnists/philipjohnston/6898604/Why-are-todays-adults-treated-like-children.html?state=target#postacomment&postingId=6915144

Children are not allowed to be children anymore – they are rushed into school and away from families. Learning to read and write and formal learning generally happens far too soon. But it isn’t a step towards independence – rather a step towards dependence on schools and being told what to do away from parents. A step towards accepting what others tell them about the world, rather than discovering it for yourself. Children aren’t allowed to play freely and develop in their own personal way – in much the same way that adults are continually bombarded with instructions and fears.
If more children were left to play and spent more time with their families many would end up more independent in the long run, but also more involved in their own family life. The problem for those who see themselves as responsible for us all it that then people are less susceptible to being told what to do and how to live their lives. Those in authority are then perpetually afraid that something will go wrong and they will be blamed.
Those of us who want to take responsibility for our own lives and our families are increasingly pressurised to do things the state way, usually regardless of any scientific evidence for or against any lifestyle choice.
There is a growing body of evidence that bedsharing is as safe as a baby sleeping in a cot given certain safety requirements – but fears of SIDs distorts the evidence and cosleeping is seen by many as unsafe and by some as abusive.
Those of us who take full responsiblity for our children’s education are also seen by some as irresponsible despite decades of evidence from the US that shows above average outcomes for home ecucated children. We wish to provide an education that is personalised for our children, and may use a variety of approaches outside the experience of those educated and working in schools. As a result we have endured a year of accusations of child abuse, mental illness and huge pressures to conform. We face an uncertain future, with legislation pending that will mean that parents are no longer responsible for their own children’s education and require an annual license to maintain responsibility for their own children.

“risks for babies whose parents did not smoke or consume alcohol or drugs but who did sleep with their baby were not different from that for babies in a separate cot”

Babycare, Cosleeping,

OK – another study clearing saying what those of us who ever actually looked at the previous studies that supposedly linked cosleeping in an adult bed with cot death knew already…
Cosleeping is not a risk factor for SIDS – alcohol, drugs, smoking and sofas are.
Researchers say “Firstly, it is not enough to advise against cosleeping on a sofa; health professionals must advise parents to avoid putting themselves in the position where this could happen.”
The important part of this research is that it bedsharing with a sober, non-smoking adult is as safe as sleeping in a cot. Sofas are dangerous. The two must not be mixed up.
Telling parents not to cosleep has resulted in MORE deaths because parents then fall asleep with the baby in unsafe conditions – such as on the sofa.
The research actually found that
1. Baby sharing a bed with a parent who does not smoke, and hasn’t been taking drugs or alcohol has the same risk of SIDS as a baby sleeping in cot.
2. There is a higher risk to babies sharing with an adult who has been drinking more than 2 units of alcohol or been taking drugs.
3. Sofas have a higher risk of SIDS
4. Deaths in cots have declined, because of advice to have feet at bottom of cot, and to sleep on their backs.
Messages about how to cosleep more safely are what is needed.
http://www.babyfriendly.org.uk/pdfs/bfi_sids_statement_151009.pdf

And finally a newspaper produces a cosleeping story that reflects the research they are writing about! Interviewed in the Guardian researcher Peter Fleming says “My view is that the positive message of this study is that it says don’t drink or take drugs and don’t smoke, particularly for breastfeeding mothers. We did not find any increased risk from bedsharing. It is a very different message from the one the media picked up.”
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/oct/16/sudden-infant-death-syndrome-children
I feel sorry for Peter Fleming – why do the papers insist on misunderstanding his research.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/oct/16/cot-death-warning-misinterpreted