One of the many reasons people seek babywearing help is because they are unable to get their carrier comfortably adjusted. Babywearing should not be painful or uncomfortable for anyone! There is a carrier option (style, position, etc) that should work for you, but it may take a little "tweaking" to get things just right. Many people assume that means changing something about the carrier, but it can also mean changing our posture, or even a combination of the two. 

To help us learn more about babywearing and posture, I interviewed Dr. Dara Lynne DaCunha.Dr. DaCunha is a chiropractor, doula, professional babywearing educator, and a mother of two. Her practice in Scottsdale, Arizona focuses on pregnancy, postpartum, and infant care. Dr. Dara is known for her treatment protocols with infants and feeding issues through chiropractic care and various forms of body work. Her experience as a personal trainer and yoga instructor support the priority she places on rehabilitating the postpartum body.

Q: What is the main consideration about posture when wearing?

A: The main thing to consider is your posture! Most caregivers are focused in on child and dismiss their own body, only to pay the price later on.

Q: How does posture affect comfort while wearing?

A: Well, at first, the majority of wearers won’t even notice they are uncomfortable. Discomfort from suboptimal posture is gradual and varies widely from person to person. Even without wearing a child suboptimal posture can be uncomfortable. Posture is the framework to movement.

Q: What are some ways you see people change posture (and therefore are uncomfortable) when they put baby in a carrier? 

A: Some of the most common ones are rounded shoulders, rounded upper back, forward head posture, and hips pushed forward or to the side.

Q: Are there certain carrier types or certain carries (in a wrap) that can be helpful for certain posture problems?

A: Yes of course there are! I do believe that (physically) there is a carrier that can fit every caregiver, you just have to find it. A way to narrow down the search for a perfect carry is to think of counter-weight. For instance, if you have a upper torso that rounds forward, than a carry that pulls you upright might be more comfortable and even help correct posture. The carrier type will vary for everyone. Experimenting with different carries is the best way to discover what works for you.  

Q: What exercises can we use to improve our posture for wearing?

A: There are many exercises that can help. One general stretch would be to lay on our backs, flat on the floor. We often don’t spend any time laying flat. We are hunched over a child or bending over our desk, sitting at a computer, staring at our phones, driving. All of these things round our shoulders forward and cause us to slump. Time flat our our back, letting our body relax into the ground.

Q: What are some common adaptations or position tweaking suggestions?

A: When you stand up straight and look at yourself in a mirror, from the side, your head, shoulder, ribcage, hip, knee, and ankles should all be in one line. Adjust your posture by looking in a mirror, after you have put the carrier on. This will give the wearer an idea of what it feels like to be in optimal posture and eventually it will be a subconscious movement.

When you first adjust your posture you may have to adjust the carrier. The pressure points, shoulder height, hip stance will all change and therefore the carrier will fit differently. Slight adjustments are necessary at this point. Some people find, at this point, the new adjustments to the carrier remind them to keep the optimal posture.   

Q: Are there any circumstances in which you advise avoiding wearing for a period of time?

A: There are definitely circumstances in which you should avoid wearing a child. Some cases that could fall into this category are surgeries, acute trauma (physical or psychological), and recommendation by your physician. If you are currently under the care of a physician, please consult them before babywearing.
​
Many thanks to Dr. Dara Lynne for sharing her expertise. Being in tune with our bodies is important to reduce the chance of injury and strain while babywearing!

"What buckle carrier do you recommend? My friend told me I should get a Tula. She loves hers!"

This question has been asked many times! When someone finds a carrier they love, they cannot wait to tell everyone about how awesome it is. Comfortable babywearing is life-changing for a family! So, if your friend has found that her Tula has made such an amazing impact on her life, it makes sense that she would recommend it to you as the BEST carrier. 

However - no matter much your friend loves her carrier, and no matter how wonderful it might be for her, it may not be the right carrier for you! Every carrier fits differently, and every body (and baby) is different. Would you buy a new cut of jeans without making sure they fit just the way you wanted? Probably not. You try them on, check yourself from every angle, sit down, bend over, and make sure they are the perfect fit.



Buckle, or soft-structured carriers are very much like jeans. They might fit your hips, but the shoulder straps might rub under your arm. The panel might be the right height, but the seat might not be deep enough for your (or your baby's) preference. The construction of a buckle carrier means it is adjustable only to a point. There are some things that just cannot be changed, and those are the things that may impact your comfort. 

Ingredients of a Buckle Carrier
There are a few different types of features that contribute to the fit and function of a buckle carrier, and why you may (or may not) like it. 

• Waistbelt - The waist might be curved or straighter, and the waistbelt padding can range from dense and structured to quite floppy with less structure. These can affect how the waistbelt feels on your hips and the type of support you can expect. 
• Shoulder straps - Some straps are fixed in one position. Others have a buckle that gives you the option to cross them or to wear them like fixed straps. Some straps have thick and dense padding, and others have light padding, Some are very wide, others more narrow. Some can adjust in two directions, some can only adjust in one direction. These differences may impact ease of use as well as comfort for you. 
• Strap angle - The angle at which the straps leave the top of the carrier, as well as where they attach back under your arms at the side varies from carrier to carrier. Your torso length and shoulder width will affect your comfort with these variables. 
• Panel - The panel that supports the baby's torso varies in height, width, and may be contoured to allow for a deep seat. The variations may impact your comfort and baby's as well. 
• Webbing - The webbing (the part of the strap that pulls through the buckle) can vary from narrow to very wide. You might prefer one over the other. 
• Options for positioning - On some buckle carriers, the base of the panel narrows for small babies. This might allow you to use it long before other carriers, and still ensure your baby is safely supported. Other buckle carriers require an insert (sold separately) if you want to use the carrier with a newborn or smaller infant. Some carriers can allow your baby to face forward if and when they are ready (usually around 4 months, if at all). If it is your (or your baby's) preference to face forward, this will impact your carrier choice. 
• Functional bells and whistles - mesh inserts (to keep baby and wearer cooler), pockets/pouches (for holding small items like keys, pacifiers, a diaper), sleep hoods or headrests (for supporting sleepy heads and providing sun protection), lumbar support panels, and "Perfect fit adjustable straps" (to tighten the tops of shoulder straps and bring baby in closer) are options that may make a huge difference to some people, but might not matter to others. 
• Other factors - Other than fit, several other factors may affect whether a particular carrier is the right one for you. Price and availability for carriers ranges greatly, and this may influence your choice. We'll discuss the economics of babywearing another time. And lastly, appearance might also be a factor for you. Certain brands have attractive prints on the panels, or trendy colors, and others are known for a simpler look. 

Go to the Fitting Room!
When you have a stack of jeans to try, you take them to the fitting room, try them on, and compare. Similarly, the best way to figure out what works for you is to try on a variety of carriers. Most people can tell fairly quickly (as long as the carrier is being used correctly) whether or not a carrier feels good and fits well. Little tweaks in position of carrier and straps do make a big difference, so it helps to have a person knowledgeable about carriers help you. The quickest way to do this is to attend a babywearing group meeting, or to schedule a consultation with a babywearing educator. At a group meeting or a private consultation, you may have access to a wide variety of carriers to try on, and can get assistance with the tweaks and tips that may help you find the right carrier for your body. 

Just like jeans, when you have found the carrier that fits, you KNOW. And you can buy with confidence, knowing it is the right choice for you and your body!

(This post is the third in a series about choosing and using a woven wrap. See Part 1 here and Part 2 here).

Today's post contains "everything you need to know" to make a secondhand wrap purchase. 

Some benefits of buying secondhand

• Secondhand wraps may be more “broken in” - meaning softer and a bit easier to wrap with. As you use your wrap, you will find it molds better around you and your baby’s body. 
• Wrap designs and colors are discontinued regularly, and buying secondhand gives you more options than just buying what is in stock at a retailer.
• Your dollar may stretch a bit further. It is not uncommon for certain (not all!) used wraps to sell for less than new wraps.
• If you are the sentimental sort, you might enjoy the thought that the wrap you use to wrap your baby previously snuggled another baby.

Some risks of buying secondhand

• Because the wrap is used, it may have stains, holes, long pulls, and more, and the seller might overlook these unless you ask specifically.
• The USPS is far from perfect, and your wrap might get lost in the mail. Consider paying a little extra for the seller to purchase insurance to cover any loss. 
• You may be buying a wrap from a home with allergens that trigger you or your family, such as pet hair or fragrances. If these things bother you, ask about them specifically.

Where to buy secondhand
If you have an active local babywearing community, you may be able to find a wrap you like for sale within your community. Many local babywearing groups allow buying/selling/trading of carriers in their Facebook groups. You might also be able to find a secondhand wrap at a consignment sale or even listed on your local Craigslist.

If you cannot find one locally, there are many online options for buying secondhand.

• The Babywearing Swap - this is the largest Facebook group dedicated to buy/sell/trade of baby carriers. It can be overwhelming when you first look, as it moves quickly and people may be speaking in a confusing jargon about the carriers. Be sure to read the rules indicated in the pinned post and then you will have some guidance in navigating the group.
• ​Babywearing on a Budget - this is a Facebook buy/sell/trade group where only carriers $100 or less may be listed. It is smaller than The Babywearing Swap but still very active.
• The Babywearer.com - this is a forum dedicated to all things babywearing. Within this site, there are forums for buying/selling/trading all kinds of carriers. You will need to register for this site (it’s free!) in order to gain access.
• If you are certain about the brand you would like to buy, there are Facebook groups dedicated to “chatter” and often buy/sell/trade for specific brands. Just search for them on Facebook.

Basic buy/sell/trade group guidelines and etiquette:

• Each swap group has its own set of rules, so the first guideline is to READ and FOLLOW the rules for that group. 
• On swap pages, payment is handled via PayPal. You should have a PayPal account set up, and you should make sure that your mailing address is correct, and that account is "verified." You should send your payment as "goods" (not gifted) in order to have buyer protection. Some sellers prefer to invoice your PayPal, and some do not. You can ask the seller, "would you prefer to invoice me, or have me send PayPal directly?"
• If you find a wrap you want to buy, or might be interested in buying, send a private message to the seller, and comment on their listing: "sent pm.". Sellers have the right to sell to whomever they want, so even if you are the first to comment or message the seller, you may not get the item. If you have questions about the wrap that may affect your decision to purchase, ASK THEM before stating you want to buy it. If you REALLY want the item, you can say "as long as this wrap is in excellent condition (or whatever your deal breaker is), I'd like to buy it."
• The general rule of swaps is that there are no refunds/returns. So, ask all of the questions you have before you commit to buying. Common questions that would be prudent to ask (if this information is not in the listing) are:
  • What is the condition of this wrap?
  • Are there any holes, stains, weird smells, large pulls, or broken threads?
  • Is your home free from cigarette smoke, pet hair, fragrance?
  • Can you please measure this wrap for me? (in the case of woven wraps, sometimes people think they have a particular size wrap and they list it as such, but it may be shorter (or far too long). It doesn't hurt to ask for measurements.
  • It is considered bad form to "lead on" the seller by asking a million questions and then not replying. If their answers change your mind about buying, just let them know.
• You should also ask to be sure that shipping and fees are included in their price. American sellers typically include these, often sellers from other countries do not. Most sellers ship Priority and should provide you with a tracking number when they ship. Most good sellers will ship within a day or two. Sometimes it will take an extra couple of days. When you have babies, things get busy!
• Some sellers are open to short-term payment plans, if you make a non-refundable down payment. You can always ask them if they are open to this. Be sure to clearly define the terms of the payment plan with the seller so all parties are clear on how it will happen!
• In most swap groups, you need to join the associated feedback group and make a feedback post. Even if your feedback is empty (which as a new member it will be!), some sellers will want to see your feedback link. It is a good idea to search the feedback group for the feedback of the seller and review it before you contact them or buy the wrap, to be sure they are someone who is trustworthy! The swaps run on trust.
• Many sellers keep an eye on their messages and will respond quickly. If you send a message, be prepared to answer (or let them know if you're going to be away, and when you will be back). Sellers are likely to sell to the first person who asks for or offers a PayPal address.
• Finally, just remember if you decide to buy used, these are just regular moms and dads like you, trying to sell their wraps, and that communication is key. A seller is going to appreciate you asking questions and being sure about your purchase. Be polite and things should go smoothly. 

Buying a new wrap is great and buying secondhand can also be lots of fun! However, if you are more of a do it yourself type, stay tuned for the next post, about making a DIY wrap. 

(This blog post is the first in a series about choosing and using a woven wrap.)

So you want to buy a wrap. You have decided you love the versatility and comfort of wrapping, and you want to dive right in. But if you Google “woven wrap” you are overwhelmed with the number of options and do not know where to start. So many photos of sweet babies and curious toddlers, and wrap designs ranging from rainbows, to hearts, to Harry Potter, to flowers, to soccer balls and so much more. How can you choose?

Many people (though certainly not all) appreciate starting with a wrap with non-repeating stripes, a change in color from one rail of the wrap to the other, or some other feature that allows one rail to be easily distinguished from the other. This can help people who are new to wrapping keep track of the how the wrap is moving around them while wrapping, and also can assist in guiding proper tightening throughout the wrap. As for a fabric, many people choose (and love) 100% cotton for their first (or only) wrap. There are other fibers and blends available, each with their benefits and drawbacks, but in general, cotton is a wonderful beginner fiber.

Here are some brands that are known for their striped wraps or different rails. If you have a favorite wrap company that fits this description and isn’t listed here, please share it!

• Girasol
• Dolcino
• Natibaby (standard line)
• Didymos (stripes)
• Hoppediz
• Little Frog
• Storchenwiege (stripes)
• Toto Wrap
• Babylonia - BBSlen
• Lenny Lamb

There are stripes in many different colors and widths, from the brightest rainbow, to the most subtle greys. You are sure to find something you like (hopefully it isn’t discontinued, or out of stock, or in transit - more on this next time). Another great option is to buy a solid color wrap, or make a DIY wrap some Osnaburg or other woven fabric, and then dye along one or both rails so you can keep track of them.

Stay tuned for the next post, all about where and how to buy!

4/22/16
Adding links for the other segments in this series. 
Part 2 - where to buy a new woven wrap
Part 3- where and how to buy a secondhand woven wrap
Part 4 - how to make a DIY woven wrap

The is one of the most common questions about babywearing. It's a natural question. You want the BEST for your baby! You want to know what will be comfortable for you, what the baby will like best, and you do not want to waste time or money on a carrier that doesn't work well for you. 

The short answer? It depends! 

It depends on a number of things. And those things are so specific, that what is best for you and your baby may be very different from what is best for your friend and her baby. So, personal recommendations (or lists of "BEST baby products") are often not very helpful 

The long answer? The best carrier (for you) is the one that fits you, fits your baby, and fits your wearing needs. 

So how can you figure out what will work best for you? The usual answer is trial and error, whether that is through trying things out at a private consultation with a professional educator's guidance, trying out carriers from a local babywearing group's learning or lending library, or purchasing a carrier (or two, or three, or more) on recommendation from a friend and hoping it will meet your needs. Who has time for that!? You can be more efficient by thinking about how you might answer these questions:

1. How long do you plan to wear? Newborn stage only? Throughout the small infant stage? Older baby? Toddler and beyond? 
2. How frequently do you plan to wear? Constantly? Daily? Weekly? Occasionally?
3. Do you want one carrier that will last throughout your wearing days? Or might you be open to having a couple of different carriers that you might use at different ages and in different situations?
4. How do you generally hold your baby when you carry him in your arms? How is he happiest?
5. What body shape and size are you? Do you have any physical limitations such as back problems or shoulder problems? 
6. Do you or your baby have any other special needs?
7. Will anyone else be sharing this carrier with you? 
8. What do you value most in a carrier? Comfort, quickness of use, adaptability through ages and stages, budget, appearance? Can you rank those most important to least important?
9. What is your personality like? Do you prefer things that are easy, or do you like a challenge?
10. Do you have any other children? How old?

After answering these questions, you can narrow your options considerably. The best strategy will still be to try on some different carriers, but considering your answers above will help guide what are likely to be good options for you.