By Brooke Maree
It’s safe to say, no one expected to be parenting through a global pandemic last year. 2020 was a giant curve ball and 2021 is shaping up to be a challenging one too. Parenting is tough at the best of times and with restrictions and lockdowns, we’ve experienced more isolation and less support from some of the networks we need most.
Thankfully, babywearing can help support you in difficult times in more ways than you might realise!
Using a baby carrier, wrap, or sling with your baby is especially helpful to reduce your child’s exposure to viruses and bacteria.
2020 came with a new key phrase – social distancing. So now more than ever, caregivers are aware of who and what their child is in contact with. There have been many that have commented that it is a lot easier to block unwanted hands from touching your baby in a public setting when you are carrying your baby and it also helps to limit ‘passing around’ of your baby.
Shopping centre trolleys are notoriously ‘dirty’ with pathogens and bacteria, which can increase the anxiety of doing errands with a child. While the use of ‘trolley covers’ has become a popular way of protecting your baby from that exposure, carrying your child actually eliminates the need to use them completely. And you still have the use of your hands while knowing that you have reduced your child’s exposure to bacteria.
Holding your baby close can actually support their immune system too!
There is a lot of research to show that each time a mother snuggles close and kisses her baby’s head, she actually ‘samples’ any pathogens on her baby’s body. The mother’s body then responds by creating antibodies to pass on in her breastmilk.
For many, this year has also meant limiting the number of times they leave the house for errands and making that time out as short as possible. Easier said than done with a toddler who wants to run – or one who is dragging their feet! Babywearing can help you contain your child, keep your hands free, and as an added bonus, a nice high back carry gives toddlers a great view of the world!
Running errands can leave parents feeling frustrated and flustered; babywearing is a great tool to help you limit that stress and anxiety.
Lastly, contact with your baby actually supports the production of oxytocin. This is a feel good hormone also referred to as ‘the love hormone’ or the ‘cuddle hormone’ due to the fact it is elevated when we are held or when we feel strong feelings of love or bonding. It is known to make us feel warm, fuzzy feelings inside and it is even being researched for its anti-anxiety factors. Carrying and holding your child helps them feel safe and secure, but it also helps you feel better when you are feeling down too. How good is that!
2020 has stretched people in ways we never expected. And it has taught us a lot about how to cope with difficult times. Caregiver’s deserve to feel loved, appreciated and supported in their parenting journeys.
This year has heightened fears for many and left them feeling isolated, anxious or depleted.
I’m so grateful to know that babywearing can help us cope with times of high stress. It promotes bonding, attachment and feel good hormones and frees up our hands. Plus, in a world where conversations around ‘social distancing’, ‘face masks’ and ‘community transmission’ has become normal, knowing that we can protect our children by carrying them has the ability to ease the fear or anxiety felt by caregivers. Supporting and encouraging parents and caregivers in babywearing has never been more important than it is right now.
Brooke Maree is a Babywearing Educator and mother of two based in Brisbane, Australia. She is passionate about parents finding joy and confidence in their roles by using a baby carrier or sling to make their lives easier. An expert in her field, she provides educational blogs, video tutorials, a monthly podcast, private consultations, and is soon launching an online program. Find out more about her services at babywearingaustralia.com.au.
