In this article, you will find the main characteristics of the stages of baby's development month after month. Based on this development, for a so-called "physiological" babywearing, we recommend the most suitable positions for baby's needs.
The positions we recommend are possible and have been designed for our baby wraps:
- the JPMBB Original (the most versatile, front, side and back carrying)
- the BASIC (front carry)
- the Little Wrap Without A Knot (our sling without knot for front or side carrying)
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Birth at 2 months
Distinctive signs of development
- Baby can't hold his head
- Sleeps a lot and has loose muscles
- Not very toned
- Has many archaic/primary reflexes (clutching, maro, sucking, etc.), movements are not voluntary
- Hypertonia of the limbs VS hypotonia of the head and trunk
- C-shaped spine (dorsal kyphosis) with lack of control of these muscles
- He looks for human faces with his eyes
Suitable positions for carrying
- Directly on the arm
- In a baby wrap
- Sideways vertical seated to favour the regrouping of baby who needs to refocus on himself, as in the uterus, to reassure himself
- Off centered front carry (from 3-4 weeks when baby is more tonic) which encourages baby's development
These carrying positions are possible with all our wraps :) and you can see them here.
Sideways vertical seated
2 to 4 months
Distinctive signs of development
- Baby can follow with his eyes but not with his head
- Can begin to imitate in mirror
- Begins to smile
- Responds to sound stimuli and familiar voices
- Motor skills improve but are still gross
- Puts his hand in his mouth and tries to put everything in his mouth (this is normal!)
- He moves his legs
- Archaic reflexes are decreasing
- His back is still soft, not very muscular, but baby holds his head for a few seconds in a sitting position :)
Suitable positions for carrying
- Off centered front carry
- Sideways vertical seated
- Front carry double hammock style (only possible with the Original JPMBB or the BASIC)
- Cradle, nursing in superior strap if breastfeeding
From 4 to 5 months
Distinctive signs of development
- Baby is holding his head!
- Some vocalizations can be heard, he is exploring his vocal abilities :)
- On his tummy: he can raise his head (first to 45° then 90°) and push on his forearms and then his elbows until he can do the plane
- He can stare at an object and move his head
- He can grab an object easily
- He puts his feet to his mouth, pedals
- His listening skills are developing
Suitable positions for carrying
- Front Classical Centered Position for rest periods
- Hip or side carrying (possible with the Little Wrap Without A Knot or the JPMBB Original)
- Back carrying (only the JPMBB Original)
See the dedicated tutorial page.
These last two positions will really answer baby's need to discover the world and satisfy his curiosity while being able to come back to you if he feels the need.
From 6 months to walking
Distinctive signs of development
- Baby starts to move objects
- At around 7 months, he begins to remember a thought
- At about 8 months, can voluntarily let go of an object
- Around 9 months: understanding of "No”
- Looks for hidden objects
- Begins to pronounce syllables
- Vision improves (depth, distance)
- Begins to understand and grasp the concept of height
- Between 10-18 months: start to walk!
Suitable positions for carrying
Positions are to be varied according to his desire with the objective of leaving his arms free to touch, catch and play :)
When your child is walking, he will need you to carry him less but will be delighted to have your arms back when he is tired.
Baby carriers will be more comfortable for you when your child gains weight!
Babywearing is really beneficial for you (hands free) but also for the psychomotor development of your child. Discover all its benefits here :)
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