Ep. 10 Babywearing 101 with Vanessa Shynkaruk

Some benefits of baby-wearing:

Bonding
Simulating the womb
Producing oxytocin
Offering safety for baby
Allowing the adult to get things done (hands-free)
Giving child access and engagement in the outdoors

 

Some baby-wearing safety tips:

Baby close enough to kiss
If baby on back (see below for when to put baby on back), make sure you can turn your neck around and see them
Allowing an open airway for baby; chin away from chest (1 to 2 fingers can fit in between their chin and chest…especially for a newborn) & fabric away from their face
Check your work; and check every 20-30 minutes in addition
Make sure baby’s torso is well supported by carrier (watch with stretchy wraps)
Baby’s legs should be in an M-shape
Usually carrier should reach from baby’s knee to knee

 

*Baby forward-facing on adult’s front can cause overstimulation, can be too hammock-like with lack of support for baby, and can tilt adult’s pelvis out in a poor position causing back pain* That being said, Vanessa just loves seeing baby’s being worn, so if it’s working for you and baby, then it’s working for you and baby!

To switch to back-wearing, make sure:

Baby has enough neck strength
Baby is over 6 months
Baby is able to sit unassisted
The instruction manual of carrier says baby is able to be back-worn

 

Some of KWE’s fav soft-structured carriers:

Tula Free to Grow
Ergo Baby 360
Onya Baby
Ring Sling

 

Some of KWE’s fav hiking packs:

Osprey Poco
Deuter 3

 

Some bonus things Vanessa loves:

Uppy Mama Store in Red Deer, Alberta
Nuun Tablets for energy!
She reminds you to find a local educator!

 

Follow Vanessa on IG: @vangrowyeg 

Massage Therapy Edmonton: https://pinehealth.ca/

Doula Care: https://www.fullcirclebirthcollective.com/

 

Thank you so much to Springbank Wellness for sponsoring today’s episode!

IG: @springbankwellness https://springbankwellness.com

 

Production: @kpmediaproductions

Music: @michaelferraro_music