By Rynette Tan
In times of uncertainty and distress such as during a pandemic like COVID-19, babywearing offers comfort and security to your child. It is also an excellent way to ensure that your child is kept close to you, to minimise unnecessary exposure to harmful diseases.
While it is best to stay at home during such times, certain situations may necessitate going out with your child, for example leaving your home to buy groceries.
In cases where no alternative caregiver is present and you have to leave the home with your child, we strongly encourage parents to babywear your children.
With office and school closures, together with restrictions on non-essential outings, full-time working parents have found their childcare arrangements drastically changing, with them having to care for their children 24/7. This change in arrangements can be stressful and babywearing can help.
Here are some practical reasons that babywearing can help during a pandemic:
Being hands free
Outside of the home, babywearing enables your hands to be free to do things such as carry your groceries and to hold an older child’s hand in order to keep them close.
At home, babywearing can keep your baby happy while you go about your housework or while you play with an older child.
Babywearing also frees up your hands for frequent hand-washing! Remember to use soap where possible and thoroughly wash your hands. If soap and water are unavailable, remember to sanitise your hands, especially before touching your face, or more importantly, baby’s face!
