One of the most frequently asked questions we are asked when we talk about babywearing is: "when can I start using a baby carrier wrap with my newborn and up until when?" Let's find out more in this article!
When can you start using a baby sling? Right from the very first few days of your baby’s life!
Newborn carriers, wraps and slings can be used right from birth, with the exception of a few exceptional cases of premature babies or infants in poor health.
What’s important is that you choose an ergonomic babywearing support which respects a newborn’s natural physiology, for example the natural C-shaped curve of their back as well as correct hip development.
A stretchy wrap is the most suitable babywearing support for newborn infants during their first weeks of life, and is also ideal for premature babies.
A stretchy sling wraps around and supports a baby in the best possible way, keeping them in close contact with mum or dad.
For very young infants, contact is just as important as oxygen: they rediscover that familiar, reassuring feeling of when they were in their mummy’s tummy, protected from external stimuli, which they haven’t learnt to cope with yet. This is why a newborn carrier sling can work magic in calming your baby, even when super fussy. Babywearing benefits are multiple for mums and dads too!
Babywearing: when to stop babywearing?
There’s no set time limit for babywearing, and the benefits it offers don’t stop as your newborn grows. On the contrary, carrying your baby/toddler in a sling, wrap or carrier offers many positive advantages for several years, both for baby and parents.
Although it’s generally advised that children over the age of three should stop using their pram and walk on their own two feet, it is possible to carry your child in a sling or carrier until up to 5 or 6 years of age.
What’s the weight limit for using a baby sling?
Baby slings, wraps and carriers each have their own weight limit, depending on the type and model.
Generally, stretchy wrap slings are suitable up to a maximum weight of about 10 kg (Koala Cuddle Band 2 and Koala Cuddle Wrap, on the other hand, are tested up to 15 kg).
More structured carriers can be used up to 20 kg.
A baby sling, wrap or carrier to suit all ages
There are various types of babywearing slings available today. Choosing the right one for you depends not only on what you’re looking for and the level of support you find most comfortable, but also on the age and weight of your baby.
As we’ve said, stretchy sling wraps are more suitable for newborns, while a more structured carrier wrap can be used from 3 or 4 months old up to about 20 kg in weight.
As your baby grows, is more active and wants to move around more, a fully structured baby carrier can also be used, these are more rigid and offer a structured support although they are less snug than the wraps. There are even baby carriers which can be used for children up to 5 years old.
