Most parents own some form of baby carrier, yet despite this more parents transport their babies by pushchair rather than carrying them. But what exactly does baby carrying involve and should we do more of it?
Baby carrying, also known as baby wearing, is exactly as it says on the box - using a sling or other form of carrier to wear your baby. In fact, the many supporters of baby carrying say that babies should be carried constantly for the first few months of life. And not only by mothers, but by dads and even older siblings too.
Newborn babies love to be carried and, despite old wives' tales to the contrary, you are neither spoiling nor giving in to a crying baby by picking him up. In fact, you are simply answering his instinctive cry for you.
The benefits
Baby carrying not only benefits your baby, but both you and your partner, and anyone else who cares for your child.
Hands free parenting - Carrying your baby in a sling gives you the convenience of having both hands free while still being able to offer your baby the security of your presence. Author of 'Ten reasons to wear your baby\, Laura Simeon, says, "When we carry a baby in a sling, we can walk around freely and not have to worry about negotiating steps, crowds or narrow aisles with a stroller."
Breastfeeding - Carrying your baby in a sling helps you to breastfeed discreetly. Not only that, but having your baby close to you, stimulates you to produce prolactin, encouraging milk production. The constant motion also helps your baby to bring up wind easier, especially if you hold him in a more upright sling position. The sling also offers protection against distractions for your baby.
Security - By carrying your baby in a sling, he is in tune with you in a way similar to when he was in the womb. He can hear your heartbeat and breathing, and feel every move you make. Because of this, babywearing is often described as the easiest transition from the womb.
Promotes development - When carried, your baby sees the world from where you do, rather than at knee level, and the extra stimulation benefits brain development.
Learning - Babies in a sling spend more time in the state known as \quiet alertness so they are awake but contented. This is the optimal state for learning for a newborn, who is more able to learn from his surroundings in a calm contented manner.
Communication - Because your baby is so close to you physically, he can communicate his needs to you without having to cry. Holding him close helps you become finely attuned to his facial expressions, to let you know when he's hungry, or needs a nappy change. Paediatrician Graham Barr found that babies who are carried cry 43 per cent less overall and 54 per cent less during the evening hours.
Bonding - Fathers don't have the automatic bond with their children that mothers build up during pregnancy, but by wearing their baby in a sling, their child can become familiar with the sound of his heartbeat, breathing and movements. |
