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Babywearing Basics and Safety for Working Out

Let's talk BABYWEARING in class!! Did you know that you can baby wear during Stroller Strides and Stroller Barre?

Here are some important basics as well as safety and accomdations to keep in mind!

BABYWEARING BASICS

For a soft-structured carrier, there are multiple position options for baby. The two we recommend for working out are: The front carry with the baby facing mom & the back carry with baby facing mom.

*Please note that if you choose to wear baby on front, facing out, it will increase potential injury to baby. While a front carry facing out is ok for sight seeing, it can cause an unnatural curvature in the spine of baby and increased pressure on their hips as usually it is recommended to forward face with a narrow seated carrier.

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SAFETY & ACCOMMODATIONS

Make sure the carrier is supportive for working out with baby. Things to look for include: non-stretchy fabric, support of spine and hips, keeps baby's airway open, optional head support for younger babies, and optional infant inserts for infants. The carrier should not move when working out and should create a safe, non-jostling cocoon for baby. Not all day-to-day carriers are optimal for workouts.

The carrier should also be supportive for Mama. Mama should be able to tighten securely in multiple places to create the most support. The carrier should not move freely during the workout.

Never position baby between you and the ground. For example, baby should not be in front carry during push-up or plank, or in a back carry for crunch/sit up variations.

When babywearing and using bands, be mindful of the band’s position. Position the baby in a way that if the band were to break, the baby would not be impacted. If necessary, consider a bodyweight exercise or alternative form of resistance if exercise would be ineffective without the band.

Impact movements (e.g. jumping, running) could cause injury to developing baby. Be sure to ask your instructor for low-impact options! Remember, low impact does not mean low intensity!