BENEFITS OF BABYWEARING

Never underestimate the resourcefulness of busy mums. Even with few resources, women around the world and throughout the centuries have developed babywearing strategies that give them more freedom, better bonding, and the ability to more naturally integrate infant care into their busy, active lifestyles.

Wearing infants in slings is necessary in parts of the world where women participate in manual labour on farms and in tribal life, but the desire to keep baby close and make life easier has led even modern, affluent women to wear their babies for enjoyment, convenience—and even as a fashion statement.

The practice of babywearing has many benefits, including:

• More hands-free time and freedom for caregivers.

Child care and the daily to-do list do not have to compete for your time because babywearing allows you to spend time with your baby and have your hands free for other activities. Many find that with babywearing, parenting becomes more natural, as baby becomes a part of daily activities, rather than an obstacle to accomplishing things. Active parents who feel “tied down” by having to constantly carry or rock their baby find babywearing quite liberating, as do nursing mums who can stay on the move while breastfeeding baby discreetly inside a carrier.

• Bond with baby.

The physical closeness of babywearing can enhance the bond between baby and wearer. Baby feels connected with her caregiver and feels that needs are met promptly, which builds trust. Nestled close during daily activities, the pair become more in tune with each other. Many babies cry less and are happier when they are worn regularly. Babywearing also allows dads, grandparents, babysitters and non-nursing mums a special opportunity to enjoy physical closeness.

• Relieve separation anxiety.

Babywearing provides physical closeness that babies crave, while allowing parents to continue with their lives without having to abandon baby during periods of distress and separation anxiety. Providing this closeness during the day helps alleviate some babies’ nighttime separation anxiety.

• Navigate the world with ease.

Enjoy outdoor activities without the trouble of stroller wheels on rough or rocky terrain. Easily navigate cobblestone roads, hills, stairs and shop racks. Baby carriers also fold up smaller and weigh less than strollers and other expensive travel gear.

• Keep up with your older children.

Babywearing makes it easier to keep up with the needs and activities of older children and still keep baby close and her needs met, especially when on-the-go in public and at the playground.

• Carry your baby ergonomically.

When used properly, a baby carrier is easier on the wearer’s neck, shoulders, back and arm/hand joints than in-arms carrying, which causes many parents to use improper posture or put unhealthy stress on their arms, wrists and hands.

• Enrich baby’s world.

Babywearing puts your child in a position to have a better view of the world and more interaction with his environment. Baby stays at the right level to learn from adult interactions and make eye contact with other people, yet she can still choose to turn away from stimuli and tuck her head close to mum for reassurance when situations are overwhelming. 

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