Babies Can’t Be Spoiled
I get the sense that part of this “bad habit” myth has really stemmed from the thought that babies who are carried a lot are spoiled. Nobody wants their child to be the one tantrumming and stomping their feet in a public place because you aren’t giving them what they want, right? And in order to avoid that situation in five years’ time, you have to be SUPER careful to not hold your baby too much. Like, you can pick them up and put them in the cot, or on the floor, or in the pram or something, but if you hold them for more than two minutes at a time, you’re basically doomed to be that parent. The one buying a lollipop for their screaming child.
Can you see how ridiculous that is?
You see, babies don’t manipulate. They only communicate their needs as best as they can. Usually by crying or clinging onto you… until they figure out speech, anyway. The fact remains that babies NEED to be held. They don’t just want it. It is super beneficial to their development and they know and demand it! Give in to their demands as much as you can. It won’t make them a terrible child or you a terrible parent. Quite the opposite 🙂
The fact remains that babies NEED to be held. They don’t just want it. It is super beneficial to their development and they know and demand it! Give in to their demands as much as you can. It won’t make them a terrible child or you a terrible parent. Quite the opposite.
So don’t be afraid of spoiling your child by letting them take naps on you or in the carrier.
Habits Will Form and Break Constantly
If you take away one thing from this article, please let it be this. Your child will form habits. And then break them. Over and over again. Usually without much input from you. It’s not so much about you, but about their development and their needs, which change constantly.
One week, they’ll be in the habit of sleeping in the carrier; the next week, they’ll all-out refuse to sleep anywhere except their cot. Or toddler bed. Or your arms. And a week or so later, it will all change again. Yep, I’m definitely speaking from experience here.
I’ve learned to try and embrace each new phase as much as I can and not fight it. Because if anyone is going to win the fight, it will be your baby 😉
Final Words & Disclaimer…
If you have one of those unicorn babies that falls asleep on their own without any drama… oh my gosh. You’re so lucky! Enjoy it. Enjoy the peace and quiet and space while they nap!
Napping in a carrier isn’t for absolutely everyone, but for most babies, it is normal, good, and in time, it too shall pass! As with everything else, it’s about listening to your instincts and following your baby’s cues.
Happy babywearing & carrier napping!
Originally published here.
Brooke Maree is one of Australia’s leading Babywearing Educators, Co-Founder of the Australian Babywearing Association, and Country Leader of Kangatraining Australia. She is passionate about advocating for babywearing safety and best practice and seeing all parents using their baby carrier with comfort and ease. Brooke is available for personalised consultations, workshops and trainings, and on social media providing endless resources and top tips! Find out more about her services at www.brookemaree.com.au.
