Questions & answers
Short answers to the questions that come up again and again in pregnancy, breastfeeding and babywearing. The editorial team put these questions together from the topics we cover; they are not readers’ letters. Each answer leads to a guide with the details and sources.
Babywearing
Is a wrap or a carrier better?
Neither is better across the board. A wrap adapts to a newborn and a toddler alike, but you have to learn to tie it. A buckle carrier goes on faster and is easier to readjust between different wearers. The same T.I.C.K.S. rule applies to both.
Wrap or carrier – comparison and helperHow to choose an ergonomic carrier
What does T.I.C.K.S. stand for?
It is a rule from the UK Sling Consortium of sling manufacturers and retailers: Tight, In view at all times, Close enough to kiss, Keep chin off the chest, Supported back. All five points protect your baby’s airway.
Can I carry my newborn straight after the birth?
The sources give no fixed date that would apply to everyone. What matters is your recovery, the instructions for your sling or carrier and your baby’s health. For babies born prematurely, with a low birth weight or with breathing difficulties, talk to a paediatrician; after a caesarean, talk to your doctor.
Is carrying facing out bad for the hips?
The International Hip Dysplasia Institute says it need not be harmful, but for the first six months it recommends carrying facing the parent, where it is easier to keep the M position with the thighs supported to the knees.
How do I carry in winter so my baby is neither cold nor too warm?
In a sling or carrier your baby is warmed by your body, so they need fewer layers than in a pram. A shared outer layer (a babywearing coat or an insert) and checking the temperature at the back of the neck work better than a thick snowsuit. The face must stay uncovered.
Why is there no picture guide to tying a wrap on Karkulka?
Because a simplified picture could do more harm than good. Every carry and every wrap has its own instructions. We show the principles and checks that always apply, and recommend practising with the manufacturer’s instructions, ideally with a babywearing consultant.
Breastfeeding
How often should I breastfeed my newborn?
According to the NHS, as often and for as long as your baby wants. As a rough guide it gives at least 8 to 12 feeds in 24 hours in the first weeks, and in the first days even every one to three hours.
How can I tell my baby is getting enough?
The signs the NHS lists include regular swallowing, a baby who is content after most feeds and, from day five, at least six heavy wet nappies in 24 hours. Weight is monitored by the paediatrician. If you are not sure, get in touch with them.
How long does expressed milk keep in the fridge?
According to the CDC, freshly expressed milk keeps in the fridge at 4 °C or colder for up to four days, at room temperature up to 25 °C for up to four hours, and in the freezer ideally for up to six months.
Am I entitled to breastfeeding breaks when I go back to work?
Yes, if you are breastfeeding and work at least half-time. The Slovak Labour Code (Zákonník práce) gives full-time employees two half-hour breaks per shift until the end of the child’s sixth month, and one in the following six months. The breaks are paid.
Which position is best after a caesarean?
The NHS recommends positions that put no pressure on the scar, such as the rugby hold under your arm or feeding lying on your side.
Clothes
When should I start wearing maternity clothes?
When your usual clothes start to feel tight, not at a particular week. In a first pregnancy the bump often only shows at around 12 weeks, but waistbands and bras can feel tight earlier.
Over-bump panel or under-bump waistband?
An over-bump panel stays in place and keeps you warm in winter; an under-bump waistband covers nothing. A fold-over waistband can be worn either way and lasts longer.
Are nursing clothes worth it when you can breastfeed in ordinary ones?
They are not essential, but they save a lot of fuss, especially with frequent feeds in the first weeks. The pieces most worth having are the ones you wear in pregnancy and then right through breastfeeding.
What sort of nightdress for the maternity hospital?
One that opens at the front or has a nursing neckline, at least knee-length, in a breathable fabric and preferably in a darker colour. Two are a common number on maternity hospital lists.
Birth, baby essentials and your baby
When should I pack my hospital bag?
The NHS recommends at least three weeks before your due date, the UK’s NCT from 37 weeks. Have your documents together even earlier.
What size clothes should I buy for a newborn?
Size matches body length, not age. The WHO median at birth is around 49 to 50 cm, so families often buy size 50 or 56. Babies grow out of the small sizes quickly.
Do I need cot bumpers and a baby nest?
No. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a firm, flat surface with no soft objects and does not recommend nests or inclined sleep products.
How can I tell whether my baby is too warm?
Put your hand on their tummy, back or the back of the neck. Hands and feet are usually cooler, and that is normal. If the skin is hot or sweaty, take off a layer.