Baby wearing refers to an 'in-arms' style of parenting, or attachment parenting - a term coined by paediatrician Dr. William Sears. 'Baby wearing' simply means holding or carrying a baby or young child using a cloth baby carrier. Holding and carrying your baby close to you is natural, timeless and universal; using a baby carrier makes it easier and more comfortable, allowing parents and caregivers to hold or carry their children and provide a safe and secure environment while attending to the daily tasks of living.
Wikipedia has a great article on the benefits of baby wearing:
- Mothers' oxytocin is increased through physical contact with the infant, leading to a more intimate maternal bond, easier breastfeeding and better care, thus lowering the incidence of postpartum depression and psychsomatic illness in the mother.
- Infants who are carried are calmer because all of their primal/survival needs are met. The caregiver can be seen, heard, smelled, touched, tasted, provide feeding and the motion necessary for continuing neural development, gastrointestinal and respiritory health and to establish balance/inner ear development.
- Parental rhythms (walking, heartbeat, etc.) have balancing and soothing effects on infants.
- Infants are 'humanised' earlier by developing socially. Babies are closer to people and can study facial expressions, learn languages faster and be familiar with body language.
- Independence is established earlier.
- Attachment between child and caregiver is more secure.
- Infants can even be worn while they sleep decreasing sleeping time spent in a supine position.
Moby Wrap |
There are many different styles of baby slings and carriers on the market. Here is a quick overview of the most popular:
WRAPS - A simple strip of cloth that can be secured in a variety of ways, depending of the sort of carry needed. They distribute the baby's weight evenly over two shoulders and the caregiver's torso and hips.
RING SLINGS - A piece of fabric which thread through rings to form a circle or loop. It can be adjusted to fit the size of the baby or toddler and gives great support.
Patapum Soft Structured |
POUCH SLINGS - A simple loop of fabric that comes in one size to suit the wearer. They are quick and convenient. The wearer slips the pouch over the head and one shoulder creating a pocket or seat to hold the baby in.
From tiny newborn to wriggly toddler, I have used various slings and carriers with both of my little monkeys. I love that feeling of closeness of an inward facing carry when baby is still small. I remember a mundane shopping trip to a supermarket becoming a gorgeous cuddly experience awash with that sleepy baby smell and soft hair. Now they are older I use a soft structured carrier for longer walks, but a sling is very handy indeed for nipping in and out of shops. I put Little Bear in the sling and hold Tot's hand. Sometimes a buggy is a must but I always pop the carrier in the basket for when they've had enough of being confined. Baby wearing the perfect way to enjoy days out!
Do you use slings and carriers? We would love to hear about your experiences. Feel free to add your baby wearing photos and comments below! For more detailed product info see our range of slings and carriers.
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