A Baby Sling is Better for Your Baby’s Back
A baby's spine is placed in a compromising position in many of today's popular carriers. If the carrier positions the infant upright, with legs hanging down and support at the base of the child's spine it puts undue stress on the spine which can cause a condition called spondylolisthesis, and compromises developing curves in the spine.
There are many variations of the sling, but one should look for the following in any type of carrier:
* Before an infant can hold his head on his own, the carrier should support the neck. A sling cradles the infant just like your arms would, unlike the conventional carrier which can actually allow a whiplash type injury.
* The carrier should not place the infant's spine in a weight bearing position before ready. (The young baby should be horizontal or inclined, with the spine supported along its length.)
* When a baby wants to be more upright to see the world around him (around 4-5 months of age), the carrier should allow him to sit cross-legged, so his weight is dissipated through his legs and hips, as opposed to the style that has his legs hanging down, where again the young spine has to bear the entire weight.
Information taken from “ Why Wear Your Baby? > Choosing a Carrier: Infant Carriers & Spinal Stress” by Rochelle L. Casses, D.C.
References
Hensigner, R.N., Current Concepts Review Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis in Children and Adolescents, 71-A, J. Bone and Joint Surgery, 1098-1105 Aug. 1989.
Shahriaae, H., A Family With Spondylolisthesis, J. Bone and Joint Surgery, 61A 1256-1258 Dec. 1979.
Tower S. S. and Pratt W, Spondylolysis and Associated Spondylolisthesis in Eskimo and Athabascan Populations, Clinical Orthopedics. 117-175 Jan 1990.
Wiltse, Leon, Fatigue Fracture: The Basic Lesion in Isthmic Spondylolisthesis, J. Bone and Joint Surgery. 57A 1-22 Jan 1975.