The Art of Baby Wearing
JUN
25
2008
Babies need a lot of attention and there’s a great way you can have your baby with your all day, hands free. Imagine being able to cook, clean, shop, and play with your other children all the while you baby is safely snuggled up against you. Well you can do that and more with the art of baby wearing!
Most people have seen the large backpack carriers that used to be very popular, but babies can now be worn in lots of different positions using several kinds of popular carriers.
There are many different types of carriers that you can get. The kind of carrier that is right for you depends on how you want to carry your baby. There are tons of different choices; do your research before you purchase one!
Being worn in a sling is good for your baby. Here are just a few benefits
your baby gains by being worn during the day:
• Most babies cry less when they’re being worn, up to 50% less. This is
because they’re always close to mom. They’re also constantly getting new
images to process and understand, so they’re less bored
• The constantly changing stimuli when being carried helps to stimulate your
baby’s brain and promotes neural development.
• Babies who are worn by their moms tend to form a stronger bond with her;
this is because they always feel safe and secure near her.
• Being able to feel mom’s heart beat and body functioning helps the baby’s
biorhythms develop faster. This means they get on a schedule faster and
easier
Baby wearing is not only great for your baby; it’s great for you too.
• Wearing your child gives you the comfort of having them there with the
convenience of being able to use both your arms.
• With a baby sling, you can breastfeed your child without using your hands.
• You don’t have to haul around an annoying stroller or car seat when
you’re out.
• You get a great weight-bearing workout from carrying the extra weight.
• Being with your baby all the time helps you learn their normal cues. Then
you can anticipate when they’ll need to be fed, changed, or cuddled.
While baby slings and carriers are considered safe for you and your child,
there are some precautions you should take.
• If you carry the baby on your hip or to one side, change sides and
directions regularly so you don’t cause yourself back and hip problems.
• Make sure you’re using a carrier or sling that is appropriate for the age
of your child and the way you carry them.
• Practice with a doll, teddy bear, before you start carrying your child.
This will help you learn to watch their head and to take other precautions
to keep them from being injured.
• Don’t wear your baby while in the car; they should be in an appropriate
car seat.
If done safely and properly, wearing you baby in a sling or carrier can be a
great way to bond with them, comfort them, and get your chores done all
at the same time!
PrairieMom said on June 26th, 2008:
I couldn’t agree more! “Wearing” our children created a deeper bond between us over all. I was able to learn their cues and respond immediately. I wore them facing out, or in the nursing position, or on my back or hip.
My dd loved sitting with her little legs crossed looking out! I have such warm, wonderful memories from my baby wearing days. As an older child, 18 mo. - 3 yrs. it becomes a comfort during sick days. And, between these ages, you end up diagaloging your day, explaining what you are doing along the way!
Enjoy every minute!
Reen~
WendyK said on June 26th, 2008:
I agree! We loved being close to our boys, and our 4 year old is a hugger so it worked great for him. Don’t forget to follow your child’s lead though. Our daughter did not want to be held even though I wanted to hold her all of the time, and I thought there was something wrong with me. It turned out that she is just very independent, but I beat myself up alot for a year.
Reen is so right! Enjoy every minute, it goes by fast!
PrairieMom said on June 26th, 2008:
lol…hmmmmm, my spelling needs some work, eh?
*dialoging the day, is what I meant to write.
It was all the months of wearing our babies that provided the foundation for a close, healthy, trusting relationship that we are enjoying in their tween years now.
Our dd wasn’t as cuddly as our ds! I know what you mean, Wendy! She vaulted out of the family bed into her own at 9 mo.!
And started walking at 10 mo. I totally agree, FOLLOW your child’s lead.
What a great topic!
By the way, has anyone blogged about “family bed” yet?
All smiles,
Reen~