Babywearing is a skill - and does require additional precaution when exercising. We absolutely do not want to shake a baby through movement that is too high impact, or have them slump into a carrier that isn't tight enough more easily with that extra movement, thus compromising their airways.
Here are a few things to consider if you are signing up for a class:
Ultimately safe wearing is your responsibility.
So as with anything it pays to be informed. Check the credentials of the person offering the class. Ideally, your instructor will understand carrying safely, and will be able to identify a carry that's not optimal, if they can't fix your carry they should be sign-posting you to a local library / consultant who can support you with correct fitting. And be able to modify movements for you to carry your little one in arms until you have had support, and are confident with fit, and if they are not competent with this then I'd be in the camp of urging them to consider removing the babywearing element from class altogether, until they had further training. A few classes involving exercise and carriers have started popping up locally (as well as up and down the country). Why haven't I joined in and started my own, you may wonder, it could be the perfect addition to what I currently offer - well for one I'd want to be trained in postpartum movement, to ensure full safety and right now I'm putting more effort into further CPD for the sling consultancy side of things, perhaps having a physio on board too would be another step I'd want to take too.
Due to a lack of regulation in the industry, it's worth being aware that anyone could start a carrier-based exercise class tomorrow and not have the foggiest idea what safe babywearing looks like/ how to fix the common issues that often arise, it's the same in terms of knowledge surrounding exercising post having a baby, due to new sensitivities around our pelvic floor, core muscles etc. (This isn't to say that there aren't babywearing classes with fully trained people - because there are!) And as touched upon in other posts while carriers (that have been safety tested) aren't dangerous, when used incorrectly like carseats or prams as examples risks to health can then unfortunately occur.
All movement should be light and fairly low impact.
Support baby's head when bending. Make sure to hydrate regularly and offer regular feeds to baby if breastfeeding, or water if appropriate. Wear a supportive soft structured, and well-fitted, ergonomic full buckle carrier.  THINK ABC. Airways (In sight, chin-off-chest), Body Positioning  (cose enoughto kiss, held against you, spine J shape, legs M shape, access to hands) and Comfort (waistband, straps, clothing / temperature etc) when carrying.
Listen to your body, take breaks when needed. And seek professional advice from a GP if things don’t feel right, especially with your pelvic floor. Remember, you can always carry baby in arms if in doubt.
Positioning Facing baby out - for an exercise class this positioning really won't be as comfy for you and baby, plus it'll place more pressure on your spine. Facing out is something I'd only recommend in short bursts too, because it can be quite overstimulating for baby - they are in a fixed position with the world coming at them - and won't have the ability to check back in with you, this position can also make a baby more drowsy, and we never want baby sleeping in this position due to the airways being compromised. If walking/hiking and you're confident to back carry (baby is sitting unaided) go ahead. As baby grows bigger you'll be visually more obscured with a front carry so trip risk will naturally increase.Â
Your health
If looking to exercise you should be at the very least 8 weeks postpartum. Cleared by a medical professional. If your back hurts, or shoulders ache while working out with a carrier getting a fitcheck can really help.
Comments