"Unfolding" Tinies

After the birth of her first tiny, one of my former clients always used to joke, "My new favorite question is, "Is this normal?" In fact, when I get together with my other friends with kids, I feel like that's all we do is bounce back and forth, "She started doing this...is that normal? See this little thing here...is this normal?"

It was a funny way to put it, but it's true. I think many new parents of tinies spend a lot of time staring at the new arrival and checking and double checking everything they see.

One concern that I hear that should be put to rest is what I like to call the "unfolding" of the tinies. When babies are born, they are, in my terms, "all crunched up." Tiny newborns have curved spines, with their hips tucked under, and their legs usually curled up--knees even with their hips. They stay in this position for up to a few weeks after birth. They will naturally "unfold" with time.

I have seen mothers take time to stretch their babies; straightening their legs out trying to "unfold" them. This is simply unnecessary, and could even cause issues for baby's back and hip development. All babies are curled up after birth in their fetal position; back rounded forward, hips under, knees tucked up, arms crunched in.

Also, when swaddling, babies should stay in their natural position, and the swaddle should hold them in their "crunched up" state. Forcing a baby flat before tightly swaddling will cause back problems. When swaddling, lay baby down let them adjust to their "favorite" crunched up position, and then tuck the ends of the blanket over and under. A swaddle should mimic the feeling baby had in the uterus.

When carrying your brand new tiny, make sure that their back is curved, and their tiny hiney is tucked under. This is how he will be most comfortable. When they startle, or are first picked up, they may arch backwards, but will then curl back forward.

As baby grows, it is still important to be sure their hips and backs are supported. Be sure that whatever kind of carrier you get, that your tiny's hips will be in a seated position, with knees slightly higher. This will keep baby comfy, and allow hip joints to continue to develop regularly.

They do make wonderful carriers that will keep your baby in that seated position--NOT ALL CARRIERS ARE DESIGNED THIS WAY. The Ergo is one option that many new moms love, but if you are not looking to drop over $100 on a carrier (or at least maybe not at first), another option is a Mei Tei carrier, which also will give your baby hip support--and for a much cheaper price tag.

No need to "unfold" me!