Managing Baby Tension + How It Affects Your Baby's Reaction to Babywearing
Babywearing is a fantastic way to bond with your little one while keeping your hands free for all those daily tasks! Some parents think their baby hates being worn, but often, tension is the real issue. By understanding and addressing your baby’s tension, you can create a cozy and enjoyable babywearing experience for both of you.
That’s why we’ve partnered with experts to help you recognize signs of tension in your baby and share tips to make babywearing a breeze!
What is Baby Tension?
Baby tension is all about the physical and emotional stress that a baby can feel. This tension can show up in different ways, like crying, fussiness, stiffness, or restlessness. It can be triggered by many things, such as discomfort, overstimulation, hunger, or even picking up on stress from the parent (research shows that babies sense and react to their parents' emotional cues).
A baby with body tension:
- May be arching a lot when laying down, sleeping, being held or while being worn.
- May present with a head turning preference, a head tilt to one side, or even body curved to one side. Take pictures during diaper changes and compare them over time: is your baby always positioning their head or body in the same direction?
- May have a flat spot on their head. Time to take more pictures: this time a birds-eye view. This is the best angle to capture head flattening.
- Feeding difficulties (shallow latch, lip blistering, clicking with feeds)
- Difficulty with reflux, constipation, may be labeled "colicky"
- Red neck creases
- Tightly fisted hands
- A newborn that holds their head up "really well" in tummy time
- A young baby that wants to stand all the time
- Is uncomfortable laying flat
- Rolls out of tummy time < 8 weeks of age
- Difficulty bending baby's arms/legs when changing them
List from Dr. Bonnie (@milestone_mama), a Pediatric PT
How to Resolve Baby Tension:
"Tension doesn't just go away in an instant. It takes time. Sometimes all it takes it some gentle bouncing, rocking, singing to help a baby relax into the carrier. Gentle movements prior to getting baby into the carrier can be really helpful: bicycle legs, moving arms up and out to the sides, hip circles. Sometimes families have to slowly work up the amount of time baby is able to tolerate in the carrier. And often these babies need support from a therapist like an infant PT or OT that can help figure out where the tension is coming from, address the root cause, work through it with manual therapies and home exercises. With the end goal that baby can feel comfortable and relaxed in their body, move more freely, and connect with caregivers through comfortable babywearing."
- Dr. Bonnie | (@milestone_mama), a Pediatric PT
Practical Tips for Babywearing a baby with body tension
1. Fit and Position
- Proper Positioning: Ensure your baby is in an ergonomic position, with their knees higher than their bottom and their back supported in a natural curve.
- Adjust the Fit: Make sure the carrier is adjusted to fit both you and your baby comfortably. It should be snug but not too tight.
- Ask For Help: When you purchase any hope&plum carrier, you receive access to our 1 on 1 fit checks with our team. Schedule a call here for help on wearing your baby correctly + comfortably!
2. Monitor Temperature and Comfort
- Dress Appropriately: Dress your baby in layers so you can easily adjust for temperature changes. Choose breathable materials for both your baby's clothing and the carrier. A reminder that the carrier counts as layer, so keep that in mind especially in the heat.
- Check for Overheating: Regularly check your baby's temperature by feeling the back of their neck. If they feel too warm, remove a layer of clothing or take a break from the carrier.
3. Meet Basic Needs
- Feed and Change Your Baby: Make sure your baby is well-fed and has a clean diaper before placing them in the carrier. A full and comfortable baby is more likely to enjoy being worn.
- Ensure Proper Sleep: Try to ensure your baby is well-rested before wearing them. A tired baby may be fussier and more resistant to being in a carrier.
4. Stay Calm and Relaxed
- Your Mood Matters: Babies can sense your emotions. If you are calm and relaxed, your baby is more likely to feel the same. Take deep breaths and try to stay composed.
- Soothing Techniques: Use gentle rocking motions, soft singing, or humming to help soothe your baby while they are in the carrier.
5. Gradual Introduction
- Start Slow: If your baby is new to babywearing, introduce it gradually. Start with short periods and slowly increase the duration as your baby becomes more accustomed to the carrier.
- Observe and Adjust: Pay attention to your baby's cues and adjust the carrier or your actions as needed. Every baby is different, so finding what works best for your baby may take some experimentation.
Conclusion
Improving baby tension in babywearing involves ensuring proper positioning, a well-fitted carrier, and meeting your baby's basic needs. By staying calm and relaxed, monitoring your baby's comfort, and gradually introducing babywearing, you can create a more enjoyable experience for both you and your baby. Remember, patience and attentiveness are key—every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. With these tips, you can help your baby feel more comfortable and enjoy the closeness and security of being worn in a carrier.
This post was made with the professional help of Dr Bonnie Soto, a Pediatric PT. Find her work here at Be Well Bebe.
