Every family knows very well how comfortable baby slings, kangaroo bags and ergonomic backpacks are to use. All of them allow parents to carry children without discomfort and fatigue. Of course, not all carriers are capable of providing the baby with a comfortable position, and even the correct one. It is worth taking into account that he has a fragile spinal system, which is already a risk.
For this reason, information on the topic of how to choose an ergonomic backpack correctly can be useful for many moms and dads. Of course, here you should rely on a number of rules that will allow you to make a smart purchase. In the future, your choice will not disappoint, but on the contrary - it will bring pleasure and comfortable, correct development to the baby.
Content
- 1 How to choose an ergonomic backpack for a child: design and principle
- 2 List of ergonomic backpack manufacturers: which brand to give preference to today
- 3 Varieties of modern ergonomic backpacks
- 4 Basic purchase criteria for an ergonomic backpack
- 5 Choosing a size
- 6 The importance of shock absorbers
- 7 The presence of a belt and shoulder straps
- 8 Ergonomic sewing material
How to choose an ergonomic backpack for a child: design and principle
At first glance, an ergonomic backpack is no different from kangaroos in its external data. Here you can see the elements of the baby carrier. For example, this is a soft and wide back that holds the baby. In addition, it can be criss-cross buttoned or parallel shoulder straps.
An additional belt will be no exception. This is where the similarities end between the two types of modern baby carrier. It is proposed to move on to the differences that are due to the real need of the baby and his parents.
It is important that the backpack has a backrest. It should be soft, have a kind of hammock in the lower area. The baby will sit in it with the legs apart as wide as possible. This position is natural for a child. Those. when the pelvis is lower than his knees.
The belt and shoulder straps have a solid width, they are evenly able to distribute the load on the body area of the dad or mom.
Please note that the shock absorbers are removable. In fact, they are represented by expanders in the lower back area. They should support the baby's hips up to the knees. Due to this, the load will be less on the spine. As already mentioned, at this age the child is not yet the strongest. Also, this solution avoids crushing the child's legs.
A number of models are equipped with a hood that protects the baby from gusts of wind, hot sun or rain. This is also another important plus. Please note that the presence of a hood is really important, and therefore you should not neglect this fact.
When deciding which ergonomic backpack is better to choose, do not forget that this design is capable of solving several tasks at the same time:
- the child will assume a physiological position, it will be comfortable to sit in the frog position. Those. his legs will be wide apart, and his knees will be above the pelvis. It is this position that should be maintained so that dysplasia does not begin to develop in the baby;
- the parent will be comfortable if the spine is not very stressed. This is due to the fact that the child's weight will be transferred to the area of the shoulders and back, lower back and hips. Those. neither an adult nor a baby will interfere with each other.
List of ergonomic backpack manufacturers: which brand to give preference to today
In recent years, this type of child carrier has gained incredible popularity. There are a huge variety of ergonomic backpacks on the market. They are very popular indeed. Brands from different countries are engaged in their production. It should be noted that among them there are both well-known all over the world and those that have not yet managed to gain such high popularity. Only not all organizations see the difference between ergopergos with physiological qualities and simply "kangaroo". This is the main feature of the question of which ergonomic backpack to choose.
If you are interested in buying a really comfortable and child-friendly model, then it is best for you to explore the range of brands presented below: BabyBjorn, Cybex, Chiko, Bobba, Ergobaby. We were not lazy and studied customer reviews on the Web, comments from specialists and made this list based on this information. This is a manufacturer that produces only those versions of ergonomic backpacks that have a competent design, they use extremely safe materials. You can personally decide which model you think is the best and most convenient. It is important that not only the baby is comfortable using it, but also the parents.
Varieties of modern ergonomic backpacks
The main division into types occurs due to the parameter of the baby's age. We will talk about each of the types below, understanding the main nuances.
Up to 1.5 months
Let the ergonomic backpack be designed for carrying babies, but in our country this type is very rare. The main nuance lies in the position of the child. He will not sit, since his body is not yet prepared for this, and therefore it is not worth putting too much stress on the spine. He will take the usual position for him, in which he was while in the stomach of his mother.
Those. embryo. The back in this case will be cruel, as in the case of the "kangaroo", and will additionally support the head. But keep in mind that you will not be worn for a long time with such a backpack. Already at the age of 2 months, the baby should be looking for a new option. The child should develop, getting used to the fact that his body will take new positions during sleep.
The advantages of the model are that the carrying is organized for the baby as well. The child is very comfortable, the parent does not feel the burden on his back, and his hands are free. The baby will take a familiar position, it is very comfortable for him. Several models have a backrest that can be easily adjusted. As for the carrying capacity indicators, they correspond to 6 kilograms.
Speaking of the cons, it is worth noting that such options are extremely rare. In order for the child to develop correctly, it is necessary to change the type of the ergonomic backpack at the age of 1.5-2 months from the moment the baby is born.
1.5 - 4 months
Such species are also rarely found in our country. In them, the child will take the pose of a frog, which we talked about in the article. But all the same, the appearance has certain differences from standard ergonomic backpacks.
The kid may have learned to hold his head himself, but he is not able to sit without help. The spine is still weak at this age. To support him, you need to use tight backpacks, forcing the child to snuggle against the mother as tightly as possible.
For reliable support for a small back, adjustable belts of an additional type can also be used. The advantages are that they will easily relieve the baby's spine and help hold the head. When the baby cuddles to his mother, he will quickly be able to calm down. Moreover, the parent's hands are freed, which has a number of advantages. This type of backpack can protect the child from the risk of developing joint dysplasia.
There are still drawbacks. They consist in the fact that, again, it is extremely problematic to buy such a backpack in our country. This species is rare on the market. Like other types of carrying, they have strict restrictions in accordance with the age range.
4 months - 3 years
This is the standard version of the ergo.By the age of 6 months, the child is able to learn to sit without help, and therefore will not need additional support. The main thing is that the backpack fits the baby in accordance with the size and allows him to sit comfortably. Those. it can provide continuous support from one knee to the other.
Such models allow you to carry the baby on the stomach, back, hip. Those. in a position that is comfortable for the parent.
The advantages are that the weight of the baby will be evenly distributed over the parent's body due to the ergonomic backpack. The back is compacted, it will support the spine and help shape the posture. Such options are comfortable to use in crumbs. The width of the back of the backpack can be adjusted according to personal need. It is also convenient that the model has no time limits for use. A child in an ergonomic backpack will not interfere with his mother when walking with his legs. Very often this phenomenon is inherent in the "kangaroo". Moreover, there are a myriad of these options for backpacks on the domestic market, so even the most picky mothers can find a model to their liking and comfort.
But here, too, there was a drawback. It lies in the fact that this ergonomic backpack really costs a tidy sum, and therefore not every family is able to afford such pleasure.
Basic purchase criteria for an ergonomic backpack
The purchase should be approached as responsibly as possible. It is important to know which parameters you need to pay attention to. So, it is recommended to talk about this now.
Choosing a size
It is necessary not only to buy a backpack with standard sizes, but to find the model that will make the baby feel comfortable when carrying it as much as possible. You need to take into account parameters such as height and weight. It is also important for parents to be comfortable using the ergonomic backpack, it is necessary that movements are not constrained by anything, there is no crush on the shoulders.
In the first years of life, children grow as quickly as possible. For this reason, the task may seem daunting and even unrealistic. Of course, buying a fixed-size backpack won't make sense. In less than a couple of months, the child will become larger, and therefore it will begin to feel uncomfortable when you decide to go out with him. For this reason, it is better to immediately start looking for a model that will have a backrest adjustable, and there will be a margin for growth.
Be sure to measure your child before buying a model. You need to squat it down, be sure to hold it with your hands. Or, you can spread his legs as wide as possible and use a tape to measure from one knee to the other, relying on the back of the thighs and the fifth point. It is better if you do this wearing a diaper on the baby. Already this element is capable of pressing a couple, see.
At the bottom of the backpack, the width should not be less than the measurement data. Otherwise, the support area will be small, the pressure on the legs will be higher. Those. too much stock is also not needed. The edges of the carrier should support the crumbs in the area under the knees, and the back will not wrinkle in this case.
You don't need to buy an ergonomic backpack if you haven't tried it on and your baby. If you omit this point, you will not be able to understand how convenient it is to use, both you and your child. And remember to be sure to pay attention to the position of the baby's back. She needs to maintain her shape in the form of a gentle arc in the lumbar region. Those. so that the baby is not even in the twine position.
The importance of shock absorbers
In a rucksack, shock absorbers should be understood as rubber-fabric strips with elastic and wide characteristics. They provide support for the baby in the area under the knees. They may be present in the basic kit, but not always, although they are recommended. Due to them, you can build up the back of the carrier in the width area, and therefore it will fit the little one again.
But if there are no shock absorbers, this is not a reason to despair. Today, a number of manufacturers make it possible to purchase them separately. Those. you are required to match the belts by color and fasten them to the area on the sides.
The presence of a belt and shoulder straps
The main task of the straps will be to support the load. In the case of a baby carrier, this is an important function. Moreover, you need to choose the straps with a large width, so that they do not exert pressure, do not rub the shoulder area. Although it will be really hot under them in the summer.
As for the belt, in this case it is necessary that it be powerful, wide, due to which it will be possible to transfer part of the child's weight to the area of the lower back and hips of an adult. But it is necessary that in the process it does not twist, does not wrinkle. Otherwise, the skin in this place will rub. Also, make sure that all the straps of the backpack are adjusted in length, they can be changed if necessary, and there are fast fasteners with reliable properties.
Ergonomic sewing material
You buy a backpack to carry the most precious thing in your life. For this reason, you need to pay attention to a number of important nuances, and the type of fabric will not be an exception. Ideally, if you buy an ergonomic backpack made of elastic, dense material with good quality and natural lining. It will cost more, but its quality is also better, and therefore the service life is higher. If you give preference to a cheap model, then expect a break after 3-4 months of regular use in practice.
As a recommendation, I would like to say that it is better to take natural fabrics, organic cotton, linen, hemp fabric, which have a double jacquard, diagonal or twill weave. They differ in strength properties, stretch a little, and therefore the child will be as comfortable as possible in an ergonomic backpack.
In models for the summer, mesh inserts based on polyester can be used. Those. so that the crumb is not too hot, but synthetics, tulle and tarpaulin will be classified by us as forbidden. The options may be cheap, but they don't breathe at all. At best, the child will be faced with a prickly sweat, and at worst, he can seriously overheat.
Many baby products are equipped with additional pockets, nets and other details. This is a special bonus. But keep in mind that in the case of ergonomic backpacks, everything is somewhat different. They will help to weaken the structure, and when the parents rummage in their pockets, they can disturb the baby.