Baby carrier or stroller – which one is better?

Don't invest in either without reading this.

By: Debjani Arora | | Published: May 27, 2015 6:25 pm

It is not possible for you to carry your baby in your arms wherever you go, even if you love doing that. You need your hands to be free to pick up the groceries, pay the bill at the counter or to tuck your hair behind your ears. Also Read - A perfect scalp and hair care routine for your little one

Also Read - World Breastfeeding Week: Introducing solids while nursing

So there you are, you need support, especially when you have to walk out all on your own with your little one in tow. So you wonder what you should invest in for your baby s little travelling sprees: a baby wearing carrier or a stroller. Here are 19 baby care tips for the new mother. Also Read - Here’s how to choose the best name for your baby

Well, what you choose is your personal decision, and both have advantages and limitations of their own. Lactation and prenatal counselling expert Sonali Shivlani says that a baby carrier or sling is more comfortable and useful for both the mother and the baby. Here are 10 things you should never buy for your child.

Here is why:

It keeps your baby close to you and makes him feel warm and snugly. A baby under one year of age needs warmth the most.
It pacifies your baby as she can hear the mother s heartbeat, a sound that she has been familiar with right from her days in the womb.
It makes the baby calmer, and they tend to cry less. Here are nine reasons that could make your baby cry.
It keeps the baby upright and helps in burping when you go for a walk after mealtime.
It can help reduce colicky symptoms because the baby is upright . Here are few home remedies for colic that really work.
It leads to more eye contact with the baby, which is an important aspect of infant development. Babies can only see your face from a distance of 12 to 18 . The ability to see things further than that range comes only with time. Seeing the mother s face often is a kind of visual stimulation they need during the early months. Here are seven vital tips to take care of your newborn.

These are few things you will never benefit from using a stroller. However, there are times when a stroller seems to be more comfortable than a baby wearing carrier, especially when your child grows and gains weight. Read to know if your child needs to lose weight, now?

But, remember it is too cumbersome and needs a high level of maintenance. Some studies also suggest that keeping your child restricted in a stroller can limit motor development and delay achieving physical milestones like crawling and walking.

With a baby carrier, the advantage is that as your baby grows you are bound to put her down which helps to learn to walk and run on her own. Read on developmental milestone: Has your child started to walk yet?

Choosing the right baby wearing carrier

Not all baby carriers are safe for your little one. Here are few things you should look out for:

Check the material and the sturdiness of the carrier. An organic cotton covering is the best you can choose.
There are different options you have in the market like front wearing, back wearing or a multi-purpose carrier. Select one that you are most comfortable in.
Make sure that the sling or carrier you choose has a good back support and a broader base. Most carriers with a narrow base would make your baby dangle. A broader base, on the other hand, will make your baby sit in a frog position or sitting position that the baby would naturally take when carried on the mother s hip.

Image source: Shutterstock.com

Published : May 27, 2015 6:25 pm

Read Disclaimer