Thread: New? ***read me first!*** FAQs

Why babywear?
Read about the benefits of babywearing!

New to babywearing?
First check out our babywearing safety information. Please read through the entire thread since there's lots of important information on proper positioning, positional asphyxiation, testing carriers to ensure they're safe, identifying safe carriers, and more.

Nine Reasons Not to Carry Your Baby Facing Out

Why does my baby carrier say to not use until 8 pounds? Can I not babywear my newborn?

Having trouble choosing a carrier or don't know where to start?
Check out our several All About threads that describe each type of carrier, how to use it, what brands there are, and more! There's no one "perfect" carrier that works for everyone, so I always recommend to start with one that appeals to you and that you have an interest in using.
All About Pouches
All About Ring Slings
All About Soft Structured Carriers
All About Wraps
All About Mei Tai Carriers

Need to wear more than one baby?
It is very possible to wear multiple kids!

Welcome to the board!

Be sure and snag a blinkie if you want. Anna said she'd make us more if we want them!

Benefits of babywearing from Babywearing International: (link to page)
1) Babies who are worn cry less ? as much as 54%!
2) Helps babies regulate their breathing, regulate their body temperature, and gain weight, similar to kangaroo care.
3) Parents are able to be more in tune to baby?s needs and cues.
4) Helps caregivers (fathers, grandparents, adoptive parents, babysitters, and more) bond.
5) Allows parent to care for older kids while still being there for the baby.
6) It?s convenient since you can go where strollers can?t ? stairs, hiking, airports, and more!

More resources about the benefits of BWing:
http://www.llli.org/nb/nbnovdec04p204.html
http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/fus...eans-our-story
http://www.naturalchild.org/guest/laura_simeon.html
http://heavenlyhold.com/pages/Babywearing101.htm
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pre...f-babywearing/

I won't claim that all the information provided in the websites contain the most up to date and correct information for positioning and use of carriers, but I hope this does encourage people to realize that you can babywear twins or even an older and younger child at the same time!

http://www.thebabywearer.com/articles/HowToO/Twins.htm

http://babywearingtwins.com/

http://www.fullhousemoms.com/2011/03...-baby-wearing/

http://www.intrepidmurmurings.com/20...wearing_twins/

http://blog.babesinarms.com.au/2011/...s-an-overview/

http://www.bobafamily.com/blog/2012/...g-babywearing/

For up to date information and help with BWing multiples I recommend TBW Wearing More than One sub forum. You do need to register for the free site before you're able to view, but there are lots of pictures and moms willing to help.

Have you worn more than one child? If so, please share with us here!

Does this mean you have to wait until 8 pounds to use the carrier and you can't use it from birth?

You can certainly use NEWBORN safe carriers and carries with a baby under 8 pounds. I wouldn't use a soft structured carrier before the recommended size, but wraps and ring slings are safe to use. Even low weight babies or premies can be worn as long as vigilant care is used to ensure proper positioning (chin away from chest, close enough to kiss, etc).

Jan from Sleeping Baby Productions explains:
"This is a result of the latest CPSC/ASTM regulations. Most of the deaths that occurred in carriers were in babies with existing respiratory conditions, and in pre-term or under-8-lb babies. The CPSC people were really adamant that labeling state that carriers are not to be used under 8 lbs because of their perception of an increased risk of death. It doesn't matter to them that low birthweight babies are just as likely to die in a crib or another conveyance; their focus was on baby carriers because they're not seen as a "normal" part of parenting. Please understand, no manufacturer believes that little babies shouldn't be worn in a carrier -- just the opposite, since we're well aware of kangaroo care and the benefits it provides -- but our hands are tied by regulations...I'm not speaking officially or as a representative of anyone-- just my personal self."
(Do note the deaths in carriers were from bag slings which did not support babies in correct, safe positioning.)