The positive effects of carrying for baby, continued:
- The motion experienced by a baby being held by the carer allows its vestibular balance apparatus to develop more rapidly and enhances neuromotor development and muscle strength. It improves neck and head control, but is not a substitute for “tummy-time” (tummy-time head-lifting is against gravity). This is more marked with dynamic in-arms carrying (where this is possible). A sling or carrier should never be used as a prolonged restraint (unless danger is present such as crossing the road).
- It is believed to encourage sociability and language development; being able to hear the parent’s voice close up and watch their interactions with the world and other people from a higher vantage point is beneficial and also aids formation of family relationships. This article about outward facing buggies highlights the importance of children being able to communicate easily with their carers.
- There is evidence to suggest that baby’s sense of smell and speech are encouraged by being held close more often.
- It allows baby to retreat from an overwhelming world and snuggle into the parent’s body for respite when needed.
- Babies can learn very easily from a place of consistent safety.
- Good, correctly designed slings that encourage the physiological spread-squat position (that mimics hip-perching) can help prevent hip problems later in life in those children at risk of hip dysplasia.
- Babies who are carried are less at risk of plagiocephaly (the flattening of the skull bones at the back of the head from prolonged periods lying on the back, more common since the “Back to Sleep” campaign).
This article was republished with permission from Carrying Matters – Dr Rosie Knowles.
Rosie is a mum of two and a family doctor in the UK with a particular interest in holistic medicine as well as children and women’s health and mental health. She is a passionate advocate of building secure attachment relationships between children and their carers, due to the long lasting effects this has on future health. Her book, “Why Babywearing Matters“, was published by Pinter and Martin in May 2016 and she has written for a wide range of publications. She trains carrying advocates, peer supporters and health professionals.
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