What is Babywearing?
There is nothing in the world that compares to having your baby in your arms – the feeling of your sleeping child against your chest, the sweet smelling downy head under your nose. These are moments every mother holds dear in those early newborn days. But life goes on, there are errands to run and things to do. Babywearing allows a busy parent the freedom to continue their normal daily routine while providing the richest and most desirable environment for their child. It is an instinctive parenting style where a baby is held close to the parent or caregiver in a sling or baby carrier. While babywearing is not a new concept in many parts of the world, it is rapidly gaining popularity in western cultures. So, what are the advantages of babywearing
The Benefits of Babywearing – for Babies
Emotional Benefits
Less crying means a healthier baby
Babywearing tells children that they are loved, safe, secure and cared for. Studies have shown that the more babies are held, the less they cry. One study found that allowing babies to cry unnecessarily alters the nervous system by flooding the developing brain with stress hormones and adrenalin. This sets up a pattern of over sensitivity in the baby which may predispose them to stress disorders in adulthood.
Happy, calm and content
After birth, a baby held in a sling will feel reassured by the presence of their mother’s body rhythms. The familiarity of her heartbeat, body temperature, body smell and breathing patterns will create a smooth transition from womb to world. A randomised controlled test reported in paediatrics showed that carrying babies reduces crying and fussiness by 43% during the day and 51% at night.
Cognitive Benefits
Babies in a sling learn better
A happy baby is quiet and alert. In this state of mind, he is ready to interact with people and his environment. Babywearing offers babies the optimum position to experience the richness of the new world around them within the safety of a parent’s arms.
Baby is on your level
A carried baby shares equality with its caregiver as it is physically on the same level. A baby in a pram has less equality and experiences the parent looking down on it.
Babywearing stimulates a baby’s physical development
The act of touching a baby actually stimulates growth hormones. Babywearing also stimulates a baby’s vestibular system, the parts of the inner ear that work like levels or sensors to control the body’s sense of balance. The stimulation regulates a baby’s physiology, increasing their cardiac output and circulation, and promotes respiration.
Carrier babies are stronger babies
Developmental neurologists have discovered that the child of a mother who moves every day while pregnant shows clear developmental advantages. This is the same with a carried child who also develops greater physical and nerve strength.
