Benefits of Baby Wearing March 5, 2024 General What is Babywearing? Wearing your baby is exactly what it sounds like. This practice involves using a carrier, wrap or sling to keep your baby close to your body, while allowing you to move freely. You may have noticed that there is a variety of babywearing gear sold to moms; however, this practice is not new. Babywearing has been a common practice in many cultures around the world for thousands of years. What are the benefits? There are numerous benefits to carrying your baby close to you in a sling or wrap. The fun part is that it is not only for mothers, but any parent or family member can also take part in doing so! For mothers, your baby knows you since they were in the womb—your heartbeat, your voice, your warmth! It is their instinctive nature to continue to seek that closeness to you and form that beautiful parent-to-baby bond. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends babywearing to prevent crying and promote closeness and attachment. Here are some of the numerous benefits of babywearing: Emotional & intellectual growth: Babies are more receptive to learning and display enhanced visual and auditory alertness. Attachment & bonding: Parents who practice babywearing are more responsive to their baby’s needs. Makes breastfeeding easier: Parents are more likely to observe baby’s hunger cues and having baby close to you makes it easier to feed your baby. Promotes language development: Listening to voices and watching faces up close can foster baby’s early language and sociability development. Crying less: Babies are less likely to cry when they feel they are close to you. Parent can multi-task: Allows parent to be hands free while keeping baby close. Transitioning from the womb to the outside world: Baby continues to feel close to mother, while being alert and learning from their surroundings. How to position your baby properly + Safety Tips Young infants should always be placed facing inward, toward you. Your baby’s head should be well supported, especially if they are a newborn. Your baby’s head and face should be always visible and not be covered by the carrier or other fabric, this will allow you to monitor them. Your baby should be close enough for you to be able to kiss the top of their head. The proper positioning of your baby is very important. Your baby should be positioned in an “M” or frog shape, with their hips and knees bent and their hips wide apart. If your baby’s legs are hanging straight down, all the pressure is being placed on your baby’s genital area and it is not a natural positioning for your baby. Twins can be worn on slings, too— One on each hip or front and back. For safety, avoid wearing your baby in potentially unsafe situations, like by a cooking stove, when drinking (or carrying) hot beverages, or when using sharp knives. Choosing the best option Not all babywearing gear is created equal. Unfortunately, there are some gears on the market that don’t offer the proper positioning or safety features needed. When choosing your babywearing gear, make sure that it is made from sturdy fabric. Also, ensure that straps and fastenings are secure and that your baby can’t fall out. Your baby should be positioned in a way that doesn’t put strain on your body. Make sure that it is ergonomic, meaning that it offers proper positioning for your baby as described above. It is very important for your baby to be in the “M” or frog shape. Closing Whether you choose to wear your baby or not, it is important to know that having your baby close to you has numerous benefits for both you and your baby. You may practice skin-to-skin as another option or practice holding your baby as much as possible to ensure their needs are being met. Sources Babywearing Is Healthy, If Done the Right Way | HSS Baby Wearing - La Leche League International (llli.org) Comments are closed.