Benefits of Babywearing
Babywearing is the ancient art of carrying your baby close to your body in a sling, wrap, backpack, pouch or other carrier. Babywearing has been practiced for centuries, but in recent years babywearing has become more popular. Babies who spend a lot of time being carried in a sling have a lot of advantages, including:
The ability to be involved in what's going on, even when the big people are busy.
Using a sling allows parents and baby to be body to body for large periods of time during the day, creating intimacy and strengthening their bond.
With baby so close, it is easier for Mom to perceive and respond to her baby's cues. This reduces crying as needs are anticipated and fulfilled before the baby becomes upset.
Mom becomes more confident in her parenting abilities as her relationship with her baby is strengthened and she is able to know what her baby wants.
Mom (or Dad's) arms are free, while baby rides, to carry on day-to-day chores and activities. This is especially important when there are other children in the house to care for.
Wearing baby in a sling allows for easy and discreet nursing while in public
Babies that are carried in slings are included in the adult world and all
of its activities and are stimulated on a more regular basis.
Carried babies create a strong and secure attachment with their mothers; the first step in self-esteem and confidence.
Carrying babies and touching them constantly stimulates brain growth. Babies who are not touched are seen to have brains up to 30% smaller than babies who are.
Slings are easy to use, taking only seconds to put baby in (with a little initial practice)
Slings are comfortable and easy on the back as the weight is distributed over the whole of the back and the hips rather than pulling only on the shoulders as most conventional baby carriers do.
Slings stimulate the snug, warm environment of the womb. Most mothers will find their babies are easily relaxed and swayed to sleep while they walk them around in their slings.
And parents find benefits, too, as wearing baby in a sling allows for hands-free
carrying and even breastfeeding. Babies and toddlers both can be carried
in a sling. Most people find it comfortable up to 35 lbs.!