Babywearing Basics: A Guide from Asteraki Slings on Wearing Your Baby

What is Babywearing and Why Should You Do It?

Babies are born entirely dependent on us; they can't survive without our care, and instinctively, they know this. However, they don't understand that when we place them in a crib, we'll return. They perceive our absence as abandonment, leading them to cry to regain our attention and ensure we're still there. They need us completely.

As parents aiming to provide our embrace, we seek ways to make this as easy, comfortable, and unrestricted as possible. This is where babywearing comes in! It allows us to hold our babies close while maintaining freedom of movement, reducing fatigue, and ensuring their safety. Most importantly, we don't miss out on life's moments!

Benefits of Babywearing

Babywearing benefits both baby and parent! Holding your baby close to you is therapeutic, offering calmness and comfort, significantly impacting your baby's psychology. The first months post-birth are often referred to as the "fourth trimester," and babywearing helps recreate that environment.

Ignoring a crying baby may lead them to feel abandoned, eventually ceasing to cry but internalising that they're unworthy of care. True despair. Crying is their primary communication method to make their needs known to us. So we don’t want them to stop communicating, to not claim what they want. Who wants this for their baby? On the contrary, by responding to their cries, we reassure them, teach them they're valued, and help them learn to communicate more effectively. We also become more attuned to their needs, often recognising them before they cry.

Babywearing strengthens the bond between baby and caregiver (be it dad, mum, or another). It's an effective way to soothe a colicky baby and a perfect opportunity to enjoy pleasant activities together. Communication is easier when the baby is in our arms; we quickly pick up on their cues, movements, or sounds, making it easier to understand their needs.

Moreover, a happy mum is the best gift for her baby. To be happy, we need to feel comfortable and autonomous, go where we want, do what brings us joy, and enjoy our baby. We shouldn't feel restricted by motherhood.

Numerous scientific studies support the benefits of babywearing and embracing in general. Research shows it promotes breastfeeding, reduces crying, decreases the risk of postpartum depression, and improves sleep quality (during the day when we’re wearing them and during the night). Studies on premature babies indicate that babywearing helps them leave the NICU sooner and gain weight more effectively. It's also beneficial for specific conditions like plagiocephaly and hip dysplasia. Experts agree: babies need to be held, and it doesn't spoil them!

Types of Carriers and Their Differences

As babywearing essentially mimics our embrace, all ergonomic carriers should:

• Position the baby in the natural ergonomic posture (M-shape from the front and J-shape from the side).

• Adjust to fit the baby, not force the baby to fit the carrier.

• Allow us to choose the baby's height and tightness on our body.

When selecting ergonomic carriers, consider the following:

Objective Criteria:

• Baby's weight/age: Some carriers are suitable from birth; others require a minimum weight. Some carriers can support older children (3 years and over) and some others are not comfortable after the child’s first year.

• Positions: Some support all positions; others don't allow back carrying or outward-facing positions.

• Fastening method: Some use buckles, others are to be tied, and some combine both.

• Extra features: Hoods, pockets, water-friendly materials, etc. Some carriers can be used in the water and some others become so small to fit in a small bag! Some parents find these features important.

• Price: Ranges widely; some carriers are budget-friendly, others more premium. You could tie your baby using a sheet and not spend a dime but there is a wide-range in carriers - in babywearing.gr you may find carriers with €45 or €220.

To assist parents, we've created an 8-question quiz and a mobile app (Marsipos - babywearing). Answering the questions helps identify carriers that meet your criteria, ranked by compatibility with your preferences.

Subjective Criteria:

Not all carriers suit everyone. Preferences vary: some want a carrier usable from start to finish; others prefer switching as the baby grows. Some prefer tying; others like buckles. Some desire lightweight fabric-only carriers; others prefer more structured options.

Currently, babywearing.gr offers 12 ergonomic carrier options, categorised as:

• Fabric carriers (wraps, stretchy or woven): Long pieces of fabric (with specific characteristics as to how it is stretched etc) tied to support the baby ergonomically.

• Two-shoulder support carriers: Tied at the waist with fabric rising to hug the baby, supported on both shoulders. Sometimes these are just fabric (ie Mei Tai) and sometimes they have buckles.

• One-shoulder support carriers: Popular example is the ring sling, a minimal and quick option.

Safety Guidelines

The babywearing community uses the TICKS acronym to remember five key safety points:

• Tight: Carrier should hold the baby close without loose fabric.

• In view at all times: Always see the baby's face without moving fabric.

• Close enough to kiss: Baby should be high enough to kiss their head.

• Keep chin off the chest: Ensure baby's chin isn't resting on their chest to keep airways clear.

• Supported back: Baby's back should be supported in its natural curve, without gaps between you and the baby.

Remember, it's all about mimicking our natural embrace. We wouldn't hold our baby unsafely in our arms; the same applies to carriers - we wouldn’t hold our babies in our arms in the car so we will not do this with a carrier either (the baby should sit in a baby car seat). We wouldn’t hold our baby low in our bodies - the same applies to the carriers. 

Most quality ergonomic carriers, with a few basic rules, are almost fool-proof when it comes to safety. Adjustments are about preference and comfort. For instance, you might prefer the baby higher on your body or with arms outside the carrier. These are all possible! Beyond a certain point, there's no right or wrong - just what feels right for you.

Some parents stress over following the above points. The carrier is our solution, our tool - not another source of anxiety!

When Can I Start Babywearing and How Long Can I Do It For?

Can parents start with a newborn? How long can they wear their babies?

Absolutely, you can start babywearing a newborn! Holding your newborn in your arms is natural; wearing them in a carrier replicates that embrace. If you follow the carrier's specifications, your baby will have perfect support from the beginning. They'll hear your heartbeat, feel your warmth, enjoy your touch, and be soothed by your movements. It eases colic discomfort and sleepless nights, helping you find your rhythm and enjoy daily life!

You can wear your baby as long as you're comfortable and both of you desire it. Some carriers support up to 20 kg, roughly the average weight of a 5-year-old in Greece. However, the real limit is your endurance. For some, it's 15 kg; for others, 25 kg. It depends on your strength and fitness. Starting with a newborn and wearing them daily allows your body to adapt gradually. Starting with an older baby or wearing them infrequently doesn't provide the same adaptation time.

Remember, embracing shouldn't be forced. There comes a time when it's easier to wear your baby than chase them, but if they prefer walking, respect that!

Asteraki Slings' Recommendations

Don't choose for the baby; choose for yourself! The baby will be comfortable in any carrier - sling, mei tai, wrap, or buckle carrier. The carrier is your embrace; the baby feels the same security as in your arms, provided you're comfortable. So, select a carrier that suits you.

Watch videos on how each carrier is worn, consider what process suits you best. Don't be swayed by what your friend or relative uses. What matters is what you like!

Don't fear that you will not master it. We all learned to tie our shoelaces as kids. Similarly, you'll learn to use a carrier. If you prefer not to tie, choose a full-buckle carrier. If a bulky carrier feels overwhelming, opt for something simpler.

If I had to recommend one, I'd suggest the mei tai: versatile, usable from day one to older ages, supports all positions, doesn't allow mistakes, and is more affordable than equivalent buckle carriers.

Where to Learn More?

At babywearing.gr, you'll find detailed information on all carriers and contact details. I respond to numerous messages daily (via email, Viber, Instagram, or Facebook) and would be delighted to help you choose or answer any questions!

You can also visit the showroom to try carriers with your baby and see what suits you best! We schedule appointments to ensure personalised attention without other babies present.

Seven out of ten Asteraki-wearing parents are from other cities, outside of Athens. Even among the rest who are in Athens, most order online. Check out what mums say in this video (in Greek). They're all from other cities, far from Athens, yet they always receive support—via video calls, videos, or photos, all questions are answered!

Who Is Behind Asteraki Slings?

Stella Stamoulaki is a trained Babywearing Consultant, founder and owner of babywearing.gr and the Asteraki Slings team.

She is a mother of three and has been working with babywearing and ergonomic baby carriers since 2005. Stella offers both paid consultations and free daily meetings with parents. She also teaches open workshops for parents and professionals in the perinatal field, focusing on the core principles of babywearing.

She has written for numerous print and online magazines and blogs and has appeared on TV and radio programs across Greece, helping to spread awareness about babywearing and “the art of wearing your baby.”

Stella has participated in international babywearing projects and continues to train through global conferences and seminars. These include topics like Babywearing and Physical Exercise for New Mothers, Belly Wrapping Techniques, Toddler Wearing, Kangaroo Care, Psychological Benefits of Babywearing, and Carrier Safety.

She has specialised knowledge and extensive experience in areas such as: Babywearing with “high-needs” babies, Babywearing and breastfeeding, Ideal positioning for babies with reflux, Babywearing with twins or babies of different ages, Babywearing for parents with physical limitations (e.g. hernias, neck issues, mobility restrictions), Babywearing in special care situations (e.g. babies with braces, clubfoot, harness, etc.), Wearing very young or premature babies, Using lesser-known or traditional carriers from around the world (e.g. podaegi, chunei, onbuhimo, Kanga, etc.).