Carrier over Container
Hey, I am Dr. Denise DeRosa, Doctor of Physical Therapist, wife, mama of 2, and New Yorker. When I found out I was pregnant with my second, I thought to myself, “How will I be able to do this?” How will I be able to play, run, go my eldest when I have a newborn to hold, nurse, and care for? I knew I needed a good carrier for the newborn so that I could move around easily for the toddler. Something that was easy to put on, comfortable, and baby could nurse in.
With my first, I slept when she slept. I put her down to sleep and could pick her up again if she didn’t settle. I had the time to hold her and lie on the couch while she slept. When visitors came over- they held her for me so I could do what I needed to do. But now I don’t have those luxuries. I don’t have the time to resettle baby multiple times. When people come over- they give attention to the toddler while I care for the newborn and the chores call my name.
I am glad that companies like Nesting Days exist and create products with mama and baby foremost in mind. With their carrier I have been able to do what I have to do while baby is comfy & cozy. I literally put him in, rock him around a bit, he settles and sleeps. Then I do dishes, play with my toddler, whatever necessary.
From a physical therapist perspective, I like that the carrier is essentially like a tank top with a skirt. It encompasses your entire back, ties tightly, and promotes symmetry to support a new mom’s back. The fabric is tight which is nice for the loose skin and a c-section scar. I am very comfortable while newborn is snug against me. We do skin to skin, he is up close to my chest so I can sing/whisper to him or rest my cheek against his head. This allows him to feel safe and fall asleep quickly. For baby, you can ensure his hips and knees are flexed in a frog position- which we want for the developing hip socket. You can turn baby’s head in either direction and protect it from flopping backwards if you need to bend down.
From a mom perspective, you literally just throw it in the washing machine when you need to- so easy. I have also been learning how to nurse in the carrier- which will be helpful when I start going out more. It also isn’t so much fabric, so fits nicely in your diaper bag.
For this 4th trimester, I am enjoying this carrier. It allows me to live my life and thrive with the 2 children. I am sad thinking about my baby outgrowing this carrier at 18 lbs. But it has been a great help and I encourage moms to invest in a carrier over a container.
Love,
Dr. Denise
