This posture maintains Baby's spine in a curve and centers his body, his limbs close together, knees and elbows bent - this position gives him a basic sense of security.
A correct posture for a newborn is what logically follows his life in utero. During his first 18 months, muscle tone and development will allow him to gradually straighten his back and stand.
Baby's a few days old - relaxed, limbs close together :
This position also allows Baby to feel the outlines of his body, which is essential to his psychomotor development and will avoid incomfortable situations when he lacks support: arms and legs spread, head falling backwards, hands flopping around...
Baby's a few days old - body straightened, looking for support, confused :
Keeping Baby wrapped in a respectful, stimulating of psychomotor development posture is an important aspect of babywearing. More info on the interests of a good position when wrapping.
A quick description of the physiological position :
- Limbs are bent and close together near Baby's center of gravity
- Knees are lined up with the navel
- Pelvis is tilted forward
- Spine is in a curve
- Head is lined with spine
- Head doesn't fall forward nor backward, and doesn't loll sideways
- Ankles aren't turned away from the tibias and femurs
- Before Baby reaches 3-4 months, his knees open only as wide as his pelvis
- After 3-4 months (when Baby can grab his feet on his own) the space between the knees can be wider, Baby can straddle the wrapper.
Baby younger than 3-4 months, waking moment :
Baby after 4 months, awake, hip carry :
An example of bad positioning, Baby's hanging in the wrap, dangles. This is what you shouldn't do :
