What is baby-wearing? "Baby-wearing" is the practice of carrying babies and children with cloth of some kind.
While a relatively new "trend" in North America, mothers have been carrying their babies and young children since the beginning of time.
What are the advantages to baby-wearing? Convenience: Mom can get tasks done with baby happily tucked in.
Slings can double as change pads, nursing covers and sun-shades.
A babywearing mother can manage stairs, escalators and other urban obstacles easily and without any heavy lifting! Bonding: Being close to your baby means you can pick up on her cues more readily and respond to them more quickly.
This builds the trust and understanding that is the basis for healthy attachment.
Breastfeeding: Responding to baby's cues is of utmost importance in establishing breastfeeding and a worn baby can express his needs more readily.
Many mothers also find that they can nurse in public more comfortably with baby in a carrier.
Cost: While there are slings and carriers in every price range, most carriers cost considerably less than the average stroller.
Security: For both babies and toddlers, the sling is a safe retreat when the world gets too hectic or the situation becomes un-safe for little walkers.
Development: Babies move in the rhythm of their mother, helping them to gain balance as well as an understanding of the world around them.
Is it safe? Yes, but it is not fool-proof.
Most healthy babies can be worn from birth with very few caveats, but a few safety rules should be observed.
- Never let a young baby lie in any carrier so that their chin is against their chest - Always try out a new carrier or position in a safe place (like a bed) or with a "spotter" - With slings, always ensure that there is fabric between your body and the child's For safety and comfort, ensure that your baby is close to your body and that her knees are higher than her bum - Won't baby be spoiled by carrying them all the time? Babies and young children have a natural desire to be close to their mothers-this makes a great deal of sense if you consider the advantages above.
Contrary to what some believe, babies do not really need to be "taught" to be without their caregiver: they will venture into the world and gain independence at the pace that is right for them.
Wearing them or not is not likely to change that pace-it will simply make life easier for you both.
Doesn't it hurt your back? Not if it fits correctly-the weight should be evenly distributed across the straps/sling without any pinch points.
One-shouldered slings can become uncomfortable over long periods with heavier babies-try switching shoulders or going to a two-shouldered style.
If you have particular concerns about pain and/or weakness, be sure to get advice from an experienced retailer or other mother to save yourself discomfort and unnecessary expense.
How do I decide which style to get? Consider how old your baby is, how heavy they are and what you intend to use the carrier for.
Make sure you can bring back the carrier if it doesn't work for you (unwashed, of course!).
You can also try out carriers at local babywearing groups or host a babywearing party of your own!