In this article, find the main characteristics of baby's developmental stages month by month. Based on this development, for so-called "physiological" babywearing, we recommend the positions best suited to baby's needs.
The positions we recommend are possible and have been designed for our baby wraps:
- the Originale JPMBB (the most versatile, front, side and back carrying)
- the BASIC (front carrying)
- the No Knot Little Wrap (our baby sling without knot for front or side carrying)
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Birth to 2 months
Distinctive developmental milestones
- Baby does not hold their head up
- They sleep a lot and their muscles are relaxed
- Low muscle tone
- They display many archaic/primary reflexes (grasping, Moro, sucking...), their movements are not voluntary
- Hypertonia of the limbs VS hypotonia of the head and trunk
- C-shaped spine (dorsal kyphosis) with an absence of muscle control
- They look for human faces
Adapted positions for carrying
- Directly in arms
- In a baby wrap
- Seated sideways position to encourage baby's gathering, as they need to center themselves, as in the uterus, to feel reassured
- Off-center front position (from 3-4 weeks when baby has more muscle tone) which encourages baby's alertness
These carrying positions are possible with all our wraps :) and you can watch them here.
Seated sideways position
2 to 4 months
Distinctive developmental milestones
- Baby can follow with their eyes but not their head
- They can begin to mirror imitate
- They begin to smile
- They react to sound stimuli and familiar voices
- Motor skills improve but are still abrupt
- They put their hand in their mouth and try to put almost everything in their mouth (that's normal!)
- They move their legs
- Archaic reflexes diminish
- Their back is still soft, with very little muscle tone, but baby holds their head up for a few seconds in a seated position :)
Adapted positions
- Off-center front carrying
- Seated sideways
- Front carrying in double hammock position (only possible with the Originale JPMBB or the BASIC)
- Lying down for supplemental nursing
From 4 to 5 months
Distinctive developmental milestones
- Baby holds their head up!
- A few vocalizations can be heard, they explore their vocal abilities :)
- On their tummy: they can lift their head (first to 45° then 90°) and push on their forearms then their elbows until they can do a full extension
- They can fix their gaze on an object and move their head
- They easily grab an object
- They put their feet in their mouth, pedal
- Their listening develops
Adapted positions
- Tummy to tummy for rest times
- Hip or side carrying (possible with the No Knot Little Wrap or the Originale JPMBB)
- Back carrying (Originale only)
See the dedicated tutorial page.
These last two positions will truly meet baby's need to discover the world and satisfy their curiosity while being able to come back to you if they feel the need.
From 6 months to walking
Distinctive developmental milestones
- Baby begins to move objects around
- Around 7 months they begin to retain a thought in memory
- Around 8 months they can voluntarily release an object
- Around 9 months: understanding of "No"
- They search for hidden objects
- They begin to pronounce syllables
- Their vision improves (depth, distance)
- They begin to understand and perceive the concept of height
- Between 10-18 months: first steps!
Adapted positions
The positions should be varied according to their mood, with the aim of leaving their arms free to touch, grab and play :)
When your child starts walking, they will need you to carry them less but will be delighted to come back to your arms when they are tired.
Baby carriers will also be more comfortable for you when your child gains weight!
Babywearing is a truly beneficial practice for you (hello free hands!) but also for your child's psychomotor development. Discover all its benefits here :)
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