Some benefits of baby-wearing: Bonding Simulating the womb Producing oxytocin Offering safety for baby Allowing the adult to get things done (hands-free) Giving child access and engagement in the outdoors   Some baby-wearing safety tips: Baby close enough to kiss If baby on back (see below for when to put baby on back), make sure you can turn your neck around and see them Allowing an open airway for baby; chin away from chest (1 to 2 fingers can fit in between their chin and chest…especially for a newborn) & fabric away from their face Check your work; and check every 20-30 minutes in addition Make sure baby’s torso is well supported by carrier (watch with stretchy wraps) Baby’s legs should be in an M-shape Usually carrier should reach from baby’s knee to knee   *Baby forward-facing on adult’s front can cause overstimulation, can be too hammock-like with lack of support for baby, and can tilt adult’s pelvis out in a poor position causing back pain* That being said, Vanessa just loves seeing baby’s being worn, so if it’s working for you and baby, then it’s working for you and baby! To switch to back-wearing, make sure: Baby has enough neck strength Baby is over 6 months Baby is able to sit unassisted The instruction manual of carrier says baby is able to be back-worn   Some of KWE’s fav soft-structured carriers: Tula Free to Grow Ergo Baby 360 Onya Baby Ring Sling   Some of KWE’s fav hiking packs: Osprey Poco Deuter 3   Some bonus things Vanessa loves: Uppy Mama Store in Red Deer, Alberta Nuun Tablets for energy! She reminds you to find a local educator!   Follow Vanessa on IG: @vangrowyeg  Massage Therapy Edmonton: https://pinehealth.ca/ Doula Care: https://www.fullcirclebirthcollective.com/   Thank you so much to Springbank Wellness for sponsoring today’s episode! IG: @springbankwellness https://springbankwellness.com   Production: @kpmediaproductions Music: @michaelferraro_music