The benefits of bonding with your baby while the two of you share the world around you is beyond measure. He will feel more a part of your life and you a part of his. Baby wearing has been shown to positively contribute to baby’s development physically, emotionally, and socially. When a baby is attached to his mother, he is in tune with the rhythm of her breathing, the sound of her heartbeat, and the movements she makes – walking, bending, and reaching. We learn much from watching other and this is an up close lesson for your baby.
It is a well-known fact that most babies cry and fuss less when they are held. In some cultures where baby wearing is the norm, babies often cry for only a few minutes a day, compared to a few hours a day for western babies. Crying is exhausting for both the baby and his parents, and may cause long-term damage to the baby’s developing brain as it is continually flooded with stress hormones. Babies naturally feel calmer and have a greater sense of security, just by your touch.
Baby-wearing can be healthy for you and other family members. It can be challenging for new mothers to find time to exercise, but if you go for a walk with your baby in her sling, you will enjoy the dual benefits of walking and weightlifting. It makes me smile when I see a new father going for a walk with his baby. The baby is becoming used to his voice, heartbeat, movements and facial expressions, and the two are forging a strong attachment of their own.
Baby wearing is the most comfortable way to hold a baby. You can use a sling on your shoulders, back or hip distributing your baby’s weight evenly. It is perfect for a day at the beach or an evening stroll through the park. Leaving the house doesn’t require as much preparation. No large stroller to pack into the car and navigate through crowds. Carriers can be folded up and stuffed into a diaper. Baby wearing is usually associated with infants but it is also very useful for toddlers. This world can be a scary place for toddlers. They will feel more confident when they know they can retreat to the security of trusting arms. Most slings accommodate children up to 35 or 40 pounds.
Using a sling or other type of baby carrier takes some practice. It may take a few tries for you and your baby to feel comfortable and secure. But since both of you will benefit from baby wearing for months, even years, to come, it’s worth the effort. One suggestion for getting the baby used to the sling is to start walking as soon as you get things adjusted. The baby will be comforted by the movement as he gets used to being carried in a new way.