Studio Roméo

All you need to know about babywearing and baby rack with Sabrina from Nova Mum

Babywearing has been practiced throughout the world since the dawn of time. Beyond the practical aspect, physiological babywearing responds to the instinctive needs and development of infants. It also creates a precious bond between parents and child. To find out more about babywearing and baby rack, we went to meet Sabrina, babywearing instructor and founder of Nova Mom. The mother of three explains the benefits of babywearing and how to choose the right carrier.

Charlie Crane: How can babywearing help parents and babies?

Sabrina: Babywearing meets a child's basic needs: reassurance and contact with parents. In fact, it brings benefits that are interwoven between baby and parents. Babies are born without instructions, and parents have to learn how to manage this new being, in addition to their daily routine. In theory, when you welcome a newborn, you're supposed to do nothing for the baby's first three months. This is unrealistic, as we have billions of things to do! Babywearing means that your baby is serene and in contact with his parent... and your hands are free. That's freedom! Wearing your baby should be a pleasure. In the end, when we meet babies' needs, we avoid situations where we're helpless, especially for first-time parents. You even feel more confident about yourself and your parenting skills.

Charlie Crane: We often hear about physiological babywearing. What is it?

Sabrina: Physiological babywearing means respecting your baby's motor development. You put your baby in a position that respects his body and morphology, starting with his spine. In a wrap, baby's back should be round, thighs supported and knees higher than hips. Wearing a baby in a sling gives him a firm anchorage in his body, which in turn helps his psychomotor development.

Charlie Crane: What is skin-to-skin?

Sabrina: Skin-to-skin means rediscovering pure sensations! You put your baby against your chest, with no clothes or fabric between you. It's the pleasure, the reassurance, the cuddles, the endorphins that make you happy, and the attachment. The skin-to-skin technique is beneficial in initiating breastfeeding. It is also recommended for premature babies.

Charlie Crane: Slings, preformed baby rack, headbands... there are so many models to choose from, how do you choose your first baby carrier? 

Sabrina: All these carrying methods form a toolbox that you shouldn't hesitate to fill. At birth, I recommend a sling or a wrap, which are the most physiological to respect baby's morphology. It's good to have two carrying systems, in case of a problem, such as a baby who has vomited on his sling and can't be used until the next wash... Then, baby rack are recommended from the moment the baby can sit up on his own, as he has the required pelvic opening to accommodate a baby carrier between his legs. He's also strong enough to carry himself. Headbands are a very good way of carrying a baby. The parent can also just use a headband and carry the child on his hip.

Charlie Crane: What if a baby doesn't like to be carried?

Sabrina: If you're having trouble, consult a babywearing instructor. Parents can miss something, especially with a GERD baby who's trying to sit up straight because he's in pain! My third child had severe GERD, and I had to grope my way around to adopt the right way of carrying him. The workshops allow us to make adjustments and to... free up our thoughts. You get time for yourself, whether during pregnancy or afterwards. I recommend doing it with two parents.

Charlie Crane: What would you like to say to new parents?

Sabrina: Trust yourself and listen to your little voice... Don't listen to grandma! If you want to hold your baby in your arms, do it - you're entitled to do so. During pregnancy, you can quickly become infantilized. After giving birth, you're on your own. When people say it takes a village to raise a child, it's true. Nowadays, we build our own village with our family and friends... but they don't know everything. Let's get the word out about the difficulties of parenthood, so we don't feel so alone.

Thanks to Sabrina Carré for her time. Discover Nova Mom online.