Infant Carriers Keep Your Baby Close
Babies thrive in the presence of their mom and dad. Premature babies benefit from something called Kangaroo Care while in the hospital setting, even when baby can not be fed by bottle. Just two sessions a week of skin to skin contact with mom or dad can have a huge positive impact on such a tiny baby. Premature and full term babies both benefit from being kept close to their parents long after they have been discharged from the hospital. You do not have to have baby next to you ever second of the day, but the use of some infant carriers can help strengthen that bond and help baby thrive if used at least once a day for a few hours.
There are many types of infant carriers that you can use. You can get them all or you can get just one that you think is going to be the one that you want to use all of the time. These keep baby close to you and close to their food source, if you are breastfeeding, and also offers them the natural rhythm of walking and swinging that make them feel comfortable and soothed. You can use swings and rocking chairs for this, but you can also accomplish everything at once with infant carriers that hold them close to you.
The first type of infant carriers that you may want to consider are the ones that look like a small backpack that is worn on the front of mom or dad. These come with straps that securely wrap around your body and then hold the baby next to you. These are not the best before an infant has some head control if you buy the wrong one, so make sure you are looking at true infant carriers if you choose this model or design. These can allow baby to be next to you and feel you breath while your hands are free to do other things that you have to get done. Both of you win with this type of infant or baby carrier.
A second type of infant carriers that you may not have seen much of are probably the best for premature babies, but can be used for full term babies as well. The sling can be used to carry baby next to your stomach and breast area while they are naturally cradled in the sling. This feels very natural to them and also keeps them safe, warm, and happy next to you. You can find these in all types of designer colors and patterns, and some come with a DVD or video to show you how to safely wear your baby with these slings.
Other infant carriers are a play on the above two things. There are new types that may come onto the market every so often, so you should look around and see what you can find. Everyone is going to have their own preference and their own idea of what works best for them, their baby, and their lifestyle. There is no bad choice as long as your baby is safe and next to you for at least a few hours a day on top of normal feedings and cuddle time. You will both feel more connected, and dads can also feel close to their babies using the same infant carriers that moms may buy.
