Kangaroo slings and backpacks have long been popular with modern parents. As for the latter, pediatricians have never left flattering reviews about them. In kangaroo backpacks, it is difficult to properly distribute the load, which can cause serious harm to the health of the mother and child. Manufacturers reworked all the shortcomings of this model and released an ergo backpack that takes into account the physiological characteristics of the body of an adult and a baby.
What it is?
Ergo backpack is a mix of sling and carrying kenrugu. IN Unlike the last option, it is absolutely safe for the child. A sling backpack (often also found is a name) ensures the correct distribution of load on the motherās spine and pelvis. It respects the anatomically correct position of the child when the knees are divorced in both directions, and the pelvis is below the level of the legs.
Ergo backpack perfectly adapts to the anatomical features of a particular baby. The backrest in such a carry is not as rigid as in a kangaroo, but at the same time it fits snugly on the child's body, providing him with uniform support. If necessary, you can loosen the straps and lower the baby. This makes it possible to breastfeed it without pulling it out of an ergo backpack. The presence of wide straps and a hip belt provides reliable protection for the child when carrying. You donāt have to worry that he will fall out of his pack, even if the fastenings are suddenly unfastened.
Kinds
All ergo-backpacks are divided into three types, depending on the age of the child. They can be intended for children:
- from birth to 1.5 months;
- from birth to 4 months;
- from 4 months to 3 years.
The first option on sale is extremely rare. In this ergo-backpack, the baby is horizontally with hidden legs or sitting in an embryo pose. Since the immunity of the crumbs has not yet formed, frequent walks in this form are undesirable for him. The baby in the first month of life predominantly sleeps, and for a healthy sleep and growth, he needs a rigid base under his back.
The second option from the traditional ergo backpack is distinguished by a pattern. The narrow back allows you to pull the child to the mother as tight as possible. There are also ergo-backpacks with additional fastex fastenings in the middle. This allows you to remove the load from the spine of the crumbs.
The third version of ergonomic transfers is most common. It is to this age category that the attention of manufacturers is directed. Choosing the right product for children from four months to three years will not be difficult. It can also be used for babies, but with a special insert for carrying newborns. Thanks to her, the baby can sleep in a horizontal position. And only closer to four months of age the child will sit in an ergo-backpack, freely chatting with arms and legs.
Thus, the safest and physiologically correct option for carrying babies is an ergo backpack with an insert for newborns. What is she like?
Why do we need an insert for newborns in an ergo backpack?
As a rule, all manufacturers produce ergo-backpacks for children aged 4 months and above. At the same time, for carrying newborns, parents are invited to separately purchase a special tab for newborns. It can be used from the moment the baby is born and until he reaches four months.
The insert for newborns is soft to the touch. Thanks to her, the baby can be laid horizontally, as in a cradle. The tab for newborns in the ergo backpack can be placed vertically with the child. In this case, natural support is provided for the head, hips and spine, similar to how the baby is held in her arms by the mother in the ācolumnā position. It is forbidden to carry a newborn without folds. In this case, the consequences for the fragile body of the baby may not be very good.
How to carry a newborn in an ergo backpack: instructions
If you plan to go out with a newborn baby, then in this case you can use an ergo backpack. How to fix it quickly and correctly?
To begin with, at the level of the motherās abdomen, or rather, under the waist, it is necessary to tightly fix the ergo-backpack belt. In any instruction that is affixed to the product, this item is marked as the most important. Before putting a child in an ergo-backpack for newborns, you need to check whether the belt is firmly fixed.
Most models have a European level of child protection in Sling backpacks. To do this, they have a reliable fastex clasp that secures the belt at the back. And only after making sure that it is well fixed, and pulling the straps on the sides as tightly as possible, you can put on the upper straps on your shoulders. They are also additionally fixed at the back with a fastex fastener.
Now that the ergo backpack for newborns is ready for use, you need to put the child in the center of the tab and place it in the "pocket".
Positive reviews
All the benefits ergo-backpacks for newborns can be distinguished from numerous customer reviews. They confirm the following:
- ergo-backpacks, like slings, are made from natural, environmentally friendly materials;
- a child can stay in it for an unlimited time, unlike a two-hour walk in a kangaroo;
- ergo-backpack does not adversely affect the baby's spine and hip joints;
- the weight of the child, thanks to the wide belt, is evenly distributed between the muscles of the back, shoulders and hips;
- ergo-backpack for newborns is conveniently removed and worn an unlimited number of times;
- the presence of a hood that protects from wind and rain and supports the baby's head during sleep;
- wide color gamut.
Thus, an ergo-backpack for newborns, the reviews of which are usually positive, are the best replacement for carrying a kangaroo and an acceptable alternative to a sling.
disadvantages
Ergo backpack is such a successful invention that it is quite difficult to find any flaws in it. Nevertheless, they are:
- despite the fact that the load on the motherās spine is reduced to a minimum level, nevertheless it remains, so the back also needs rest;
- if the child is improperly placed, he can get a serious and undesirable load on his fragile body;
- carrying a baby without a tab for newborns is dangerous to his health.
How to choose?
The choice of an ergo backpack for a newborn has its own characteristics that must be taken into account in order to really buy good thing.
Firstly, before buying, you need to try on an ergo backpack. He should sit pretty tight, not puff and not bump into his shoulders.
Secondly, the fabric should be of high quality, sufficiently dense, made of natural materials.
Thirdly, the design of the ergo backpack should be simple. Ruffles, bows and extra pockets are useless. Products with wide straps should be preferred.
Fourth, it is important to pay attention to the clasp. He must securely fix the belt of the backpack on his motherās stomach.
What is better for a newborn: sling or ergo backpack?
Professional sling consultants often get similar questions. Their answer is unequivocal: for a baby, starting from the neonatal period, it is preferable to spend time in a sling. What are its advantages? Sling is the closest to the physiological way of carrying a child, of course, after my motherās hands. The baby in him can freely take the position that he had in the womb. That is why in a sling he feels most comfortable and calm.
At the same time, babybags do not completely reject the ergo backpack for newborns and advise carrying a child in it infrequently and for a short period of time. If you plan to often remove and put on a sling, then since this is not done at all quickly, it is better to have an ergonomic backpack on hand.
Thus, it is better - a sling or an ergo-backpack for newborns, only for parents to decide. Depending on the time that the baby will spend in it, you can choose the best option for price and quality without harm to the health of the child.