 | ||
|
| |    Front Packs: Inquisitive Infants Love the View by Susan E. Davis reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P. These nifty infant carriers look--not unsurprisingly-somewhat like backpacks that are carried in front of the body. The design is pretty basic: Two straps sit over both shoulders to support a cloth seat that dangles in front of your chest. You can get models that are made from cotton, nylon, or even leather. Some allow you to unhook one strap so that you can breastfeed in relative privacy without pulling your baby all the way out of the carrier; some also have hip belts to take some of the baby's weight off your back and shoulders. Young infants--most manufacturers suggest that babies be at least 21 inches long and weigh at least eight pounds--generally sit facing inward; older babies who have stronger necks and are filled with curiosity, usually delight in watching the world go by from an outward-facing position. Front packs do have drawbacks, however. Some critics claim that infants younger than six months shouldn't use front packs, as it places undue pressure on their spine and still-forming pelvic muscles. Some parents also get nervous putting their newborns in the front packs because babies who can't hold up their own heads, often end up with their noses buried in the parent's chest. In addition, cheaper models tend to have flimsier straps, which are both less safe for the baby and less comfortable for the adult who is carrying him. Not all models come with adjustable straps either, so an average-sized woman who has a tall partner may not be able to share the same pack. Other brands do come in extra-large or extra-tall sizes to fit bigger adults, however. Also, most adults can't carry a baby in a front pack after he reaches about 20 pounds. If your infant seems to be growing quickly, you might not want to invest in a front pack that will only last six months or so--and if you do, consider spending more on a well-designed one. Some manufacturers do boast you can use their carriers for children up to 40 pounds, but that 's the size of an average preschooler, and I don't know any parent who wants that weight hanging off their shoulders. When shopping for a front pack, look for
| |  | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| About Us |
Contact Us |
Our Partners Privacy Policy | Ethics | Advertising Policy | Terms of Service © Copyright 2004 The Dr. Spock Company. All Rights Reserved. THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The information drSpock.com
provides is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for
professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your health care
professional if you have a specific health concern. Mention or advertisement
of any product, service, or brand does not constitute endorsement, guarantee,
or recommendation by The Dr. Spock Company. Please read our full
Terms of Service. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
