Backpacks for children and babies - which one to choose?

The backpack is useful for parents during walks and hikes with small children, as well as at home, when you want to unload your hands and at the same time do not want to move away from the baby. The market offers many types and models of carriers, but which ones to choose? And what to consider when buying?

What is a baby carrier?

The carrier is put on special straps that allow. Distribute the baby's weight evenly on the back and do not overload the user's spine. The infant is carried facing the parent (on the stomach and chest or, in the case of older children, on the back). Most models are designed for children who can sit. However, there are special types for newborns (0+), as they contain a special insert that allows you to carry your baby in a safe position.

The easiest way is to distinguish between two types slings: wide seat and narrow seat. Only the former are a good choice: the hips are properly supported and the femoral head is in a natural position. These are important factors for the proper development of the baby's joints - for this reason, it is recommended that babies be worn with their legs extended to the sides and bent at the hips. The posture adopted in this way allows the bones of the pelvis and spine to be correctly positioned.

Types of baby carriers

The design of the carrier depends on the position in which the baby will be worn. The baby's weight is distributed slightly differently in each type. We distinguish:

• soft carriers - the most popular because of the possibility of bearing a child in a natural healthy position. This is called the frog position, when the spine forms the letter C and the legs form the letter M. They can be worn in front (from 1 month of age) and behind (from 4 months of age). This category includes: wearing mei tai - a tethered carrier, the prototype of which is a traditional Asian carrier and an ergonomic carrier - the most convenient for both the child and the parent, and also recommended by orthopedic doctors.
• baby carrier-seats - are mainly used for transporting a child in a car, although they can also be used at home. Rear-facing infant carriers are designed for children from 0 to 13 kg.
• hard mediaonly recommended for older children who can sit up on their own. The child's spine is naturally C-shaped, so a rigid sling can damage it. Hard lines include travel slings with a frame, designed for mountain hiking, etc. hanged - but discouraged by the fact that the child takes the wrong position in them.

What to look for when choosing a baby carrier?

Backpacks are most often bought for older children, and in the case of infants, their use is considered somewhat controversial. Parents often wonder if this is really a safe solution. On the other hand, the prospect of a spring walk without a stroller is very attractive. Your hands can be free, and your baby can calmly watch the world from the back. When buying, please note that:

• the baby should sit on his own or at least hold his head on his own so that the vertical position is not unnatural for him;
• the support panel should not be too narrow or too wide. The lower knee of both legs should be flush with the panel. An adjustable bar that can be adjusted to your child's developmental level is a great choice;
• the panel should reach the child's neck and be soft enough so that the child can sleep peacefully, supported in an upright position;
• the child should only be carried facing the body, in the “facing the world” position, his spine is unhealthy curved. Some ergonomic baby carriers such as BabyBjorn you can deviate from this rule, but only when the baby's muscles and spine are sufficiently developed to support the head.

If you are interested which carrier to buyalso note:

• the ability to adjust the waist belt, harnesses, cutouts for the legs. Adjustable waist belt and straps allow you to adjust the carrier to the height of the parents, and adjustable leg holes allow you to use the carrier for longer and help the baby to keep the legs in the correct position;
• can be washed in a washing machine;
• the width of the hip belt and harness - the wider and softer, the more comfortable for the baby, and its weight is better distributed;
• accessories, such as a canopy that protects from wind and sun (relevant for tourist strollers), or a stiffener to support the child's head.

What would be the best carrier?

Doctors and orthopedists recommend choice ergonomic baby carrierbecause it does not put a load on the child's spine. The baby can take the correct position in it (C-shaped back, frog legs), due to which it develops correctly. His crotch is not overloaded, as is the case with hangers. A convenient solution for the parent, because, like in a backpack, the waist belt and harness are wide.

The offer includes many interesting designs of ergonomic baby carriers, such as, for example, one Company BabyBjorn. Developed in collaboration with pediatricians, this carrier is made from soft, breathable materials. It has an integrated baby insert so it can be worn at two different heights. The wide, comfortable straps are thickly padded, meaning the parent doesn't feel as much pressure on their shoulders. The width of the front panel is adjustable with sliders. The backpack "grows" with the child thanks to the adjustable width of the seat and all straps. Model One BabyBjorn it comes in multiple color options.

Also check out company offers. Tula i kids power: Differ in original design and a wide selection of different media models. If you like them scarves, baby carrier Infantino meet your expectations. Soft drawstrings allow mom and baby to feel closer to each other, while wide shoulder straps distribute baby's weight evenly across the wearer's body.

Ergonomic carrying allows the child to develop properly both physically and emotionally. The child is laid so that the spine and hip joints correspond to the anatomy of the body. At the same time, he feels close to the parent and hears his heartbeat. Whichever model you choose, you will strengthen the bond with your baby when using the carrier.