Here at The Natural Baby, we love babywearing. After spending around 9 months in the womb, it makes sense that babies would thrive on continued closeness when they’re born. What could be more natural than being cuddled close to the people who love you?
If that’s not reason enough to get into babywearing, here’s 10 more we thought of:
- Carried babies cry less – Research[1] shows that carried babies cry 43% less, going up to 54% less in the evening hours. In cultures where carrying babies is the norm, colic is virtually non-existent.
- Wearing your baby aids breastfeeding – the frequent skin to skin contact that is so easily enabled with a sling helps establish breastfeeding. Many types of sling also enable hands-free nursing, with a discreet extra layer for in-public feeding if you’re the shy sort.
- Hands-free – if you have more than one child to look after, need to work from home or just have an overwhelming urge to get the housework done, wearing your baby can enable you to complete these with ease.
- Shift the baby belly – pop your baby in a comfortable baby carrier and go for a walk; the extra weight of the baby will help you shift calories quicker without putting unnecessary strain on your arms, shoulders or back.
- Tummy time – being in a sling or carrier has the same effect on baby as “tummy time”, helping to develop core muscles and avoid flat-head syndrome (plagiocephaly).
- Go anywhere with ease – catch a bus or jump on a train without having to worry about bulky prams and pushchairs filling up the aisles and taking up spaces. Walk around a farm without having to prise mud from pushchair wheels.
- Quiet and alert – babies in slings and baby carriers get a better view of the world going on around them, spend more time in a quiet alert state and therefore have improved mental and physical development.
- Out of danger – babies carried up high are out of reach of inquisitive children and animals, and toddlers out of the way of oncoming cars (no chasing little legs across the road!)
- Promote sleep – tuck a little one up somewhere warm and cosy, add to a bit of movement for good measure, and before you know it, baby will be fast asleep.
- Share the love – encourage grandparents, aunts, uncles or friends of the family to bond with your infant through close contact and snuggles. Babywearing can be enjoyed by everyone.
Convinced? Why not check out Sling Guide for more information on the types of slings and how to babywear safely.
Featured photo by BobbiJanay