Safe Babywearing Tutorials & Tips

dance like a mother classes

If you are joining us in class, your instructor will be in touch ahead of you starting to check you have a suitable carrier. If you don’t have one or one that’s suitable we have different ones available to fit all body shapes & baby’s ages and our Instructors will help fit you both safe & comfy.

All our instructors are Peer Support trained by Dr. Rosie Knowles and safety is our number one priority https://www.carryingmatters.co.uk/

types of carrier not suitable for classes

We ask Parents not to use narrow based carriers. Please see further information HERE: Narrow Based Carriers

Also stretchy wraps are fantastic for newborns, however we find unless they are very high and tight, they don’t offer enough support.

safe babywearing

Close Enough to Kiss

Baby’s head should be high up on the hard part of your chest. You should be able to kiss the top of their head or forehead easily, by just bringing your chin down. Here baby’s airways are open and you can check on them by just glancing down. Low carriers will also pull on your shoulders and cause back pain. If you are unable to get your carrier high enough, it may be unsuitable for you and your baby. (please see videos below)

Tight

Your carrier / sling / wrap should be tight enough that when you hug baby they don’t move. This will keep their back supported and prevent them from slumping down. This will also provide you with more comfort too.

Inward Facing

Outward facing is only recommend for babies who are sitting well unaided and for a maximum of 15 to 20 minutes. Before this age they are do not have the neck or core strength for this. Also if your baby is relaxed and happy, they may fall asleep and outward facing will cause them to slump, putting pressure on their neck. We ask not to outward facing for our classes. If your carrier is well fitting, they should be able to see and another good alternative is a back carry. We are here to support you an your Instructor will help you before and during class to ensure you and your baby are both happy & comfy.

Please see our Video tutorials below for how to wear your sling /wrap or carrier safe & comfy.

Correct Hip & Leg Position 

If you attend classes, you will hear us talk about the "M Position" and "Knee to Knee". This refers to the position of babies hips and legs in the carrier. Positioning your baby correctly before putting the carrier on is important in getting this position, so they are comfortable and supported. 

A great tip is to put baby on your hip (knees higher than bottom and back straight) and then move them centrally so they are central to your body. 

This allows for good body alignment for baby,  comfort and supported back & neck. You will also find the carrier feels much lighter and more comfortable as the weight it more evenly spread.

advice, babywearing workshops & 121’s

Workshops & 121’s with Nikki

Nikki our Director & SlingaBaby Consultant runs regular workshops & 121 sessions. If you would like to find out more you can contact her at hello@dancelikeamother.com (Funded spaces are also available)

• Babywearing 101 - Like the idea of Babywearing but don’t know where to start? This 2 hour workshop is perfect for pregnancy or new parents. This can be taught in a group (why not grab your NCT or New Mum group?) and you will learn about safety, positive impact, positioning of baby, different wraps & carriers and learn what is a good fit for you and how to fit correctly.

• Back Carry Workshops (Across Manchester) - A 2 hours workshop suitable from baby being sat well unaided, this small group session focuses on 2 ways to get baby into a back carry using dolls to start with and by the end getting your little one up. Also includes video tutorials and advice after as needed.

• 121 - 1 - 1.5hours. This is for anyone wanting more personal advice on anything babywearing related. This can be in your own home (*covid restrictions may apply) and be for you or you and a partner.

Babywearing Advice & Support

All our Instructors are Babywearing Peer Support Trained and are passionate and knowledgeable about safe babywearing. If you attend our classes, we will take time to support you in fitting your own carrier or using one of ours. We have lots of types of carriers for you to try and we are on hand for any advice, so please contact us via the link below or speak to your instructor and we are happy to help. Should you want to buy one of your own, we do often have second had carriers for sale (just speak to your Instructor) or you can buy with a discount using these codes.

Carrier Discounts to Buy

Integra 

• https://integrababy.co.uk/

• 10% Discount code: dancelikeamother 

Sleepy Nico 

• https://sleepynico.com/

• 10% Discount code: DLAM

KahuBaby

• Home - KahuBaby

• 10% Discount code: DANCELIKEAMOTHER

Video tutorials

Babywearing blogs