Perspectives of Paediatric Healthcare Workers on Nigerian Babywearing Method (Babybacking): A Survey Among Paediatric Healthcare Professionals in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria
Tunmise T. Oladipe *
Biochemistry Department, Confluence University of Science and Technology Osara, Kogi State, Nigeria.
Ajayi Ajetomobi
Pediatrics Department, Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria.
Funmilayo O. Makinwa
Department of Home Economics, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Abayomi A. Taiwo
Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria.
David A. Ibiyemi
Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Achievers University Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Abdurrahman Abdulazeez
Pediatrics Department, Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria.
Omolola P. Olanrewaju
Pediatrics Department, Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Babybacking is a common Nigerian babywearing practice in which an infant is carried on a caregiver’s back using a cloth wrapper and, in some cases, an additional support sash. However, locally relevant safety recommendations on materials, positioning, duration and caregiver suitability remain limited. This study assessed the perspectives and recommendations of paediatric healthcare workers in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria, regarding babybacking practices.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 37 paediatric healthcare workers from the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, and Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, perspectives on babybacking and proposed safety rules. Responses were summarised using frequencies and percentages.
Results: The respondents included pediatric doctors (45.9%) and paediatric nurses (54.1%); 54.1% were aged 20–39 years, and all worked in government hospitals. All respondents (100%) regarded suitable material selection as essential for babybacking, while 67.6% considered an additional support sash necessary. Most respondents recommended limiting babybacking to 4 hours per day (75.7%) and 1–2 hours per interval (73.0%). Physical caregiver characteristics were considered relevant by 89.2%, and 86.5% supported babybacking training for intending mothers. The highest-ranked proposed safety rule was the use of suitable material.
Conclusion: Paediatric healthcare workers in Lokoja offered varied but safety-oriented recommendations on babybacking. Further context-specific guidance is needed to support safer babybacking practice.
Keywords: Babybacking, babywearing, paediatric healthcare workers, Nigerian childcare practices, caregiver safety, infant positioning