Photographs circulating online show a well-known actress taking a walk with her daughter in a baby carrier. However, according to experts, her choice of carrying method may not be ideal. The question arises: how should a baby be carried safely in winter?
Baby Carriers: Proceed with Caution
The actress, identified as Michelle Williams (45), recently revealed she welcomed a daughter via surrogate last summer. While the child’s name has not been made public, images of Williams strolling through the streets of New York City with her youngest child have drawn attention to her babywearing technique. Observers noted that the carrier appeared unergonomic and positioned the baby facing away from her mother.
The concerns extend beyond mere comfort. Experts warn that improper babywearing can have detrimental effects on a child’s health and development, as well as potentially causing strain on the parent’s body.
According to František Takáč, a pediatric physiotherapist at the FYZIO KLINIK rehabilitation clinic, such a carrying position is not recommended. He outlined several key issues.
“Firstly, a baby’s spine is not yet developed to the same degree as an adult’s, and placing undue vertical stress on it before the child can support themselves is incorrect,” Takáč explained. He added that this position excessively burdens the posterior muscle group.
“This carrying method also exerts unnatural pressure on the hip joints. It places strain on the carrier themselves, potentially leading to musculoskeletal problems in the near or distant future,” he clarified.
Takáč emphasized that prolonged improper carrying can lead to overstimulation of the infant. “This is often what parents complain about during therapy sessions, unaware that inappropriate handling is a contributing factor,” he stated.
The impact varies depending on the baby’s age. “A newborn reacts differently to being held upright than a three-month-old, and a ten-month-old who is already attempting to stand reacts differently still,” he noted.
Incorrect Orientation
Another critical point is the baby’s orientation – facing away from the mother in this type of carrier. Beyond the lack of a sense of security, this position presents a safety risk.
“This also concerns the safety of both the baby and the parent. Especially now, during the winter months when the risk of falls is increased, a loss of stability by the carrier in this position could be catastrophic,” Takáč warned.
Many parents are unaware that improper carrying can directly impact a child’s overall motor development. The physiotherapist stressed that while genetic factors play a role in movement development, external factors – such as carrying – also have a significant influence.
“Long-term improper carrying can lead to later postural problems, wide-based gait, in-toeing, protruding abdomen, and more. These are issues we regularly encounter, and many could be avoided,” he cautioned.
Winter babywearing requires additional considerations. Takáč acknowledged that it’s more difficult to assess posture under layers of clothing in cold weather.
Winter Precautions
“Clothing is important in winter, as is thermoregulation, so it’s essential to invest in a quality overall. However, it’s also important to avoid over-bundling the baby, a common concern among parents who fear their child will get cold,” he pointed out.
“In winter, it’s crucial to more closely monitor whether the baby is tilting, arching, or has an unnatural position in the hip joints while being carried,” he added.
“For newborns and infants under three months, we recommend carrying them outdoors in an ergonomic infant carrier or a bassinet-style stroller. Older babies, over three months, can be carried in appropriate positions, but not for extended periods. We recommend alternating carrying with natural developmental positions on the floor – on their stomach and back – where muscle synergies are best activated,” Takáč advised.
He noted that parents often overlook the fact that prolonged carrying, frequent car travel, and overall inactivity can lead to psychomotor delays or strong attachment to the carrier.
“Later, this can create problems with socialization and independent development. In older, healthy children, ergonomic carriers and wraps are generally tolerated after six months, but inappropriate aids should be avoided,” Takáč concluded.
Ensuring safe and ergonomic babywearing is paramount for both the child’s well-being and the parent’s health. Careful attention to positioning, orientation, and seasonal considerations can help avoid potential risks and promote healthy development.
