Baby wearing is defined as “the practice of keeping your baby or toddler close and connected to you as you engage in daily activities through the use of one of a variety of types of baby carriers”It is practised with higher frequency in more traditional cultures and with the advent and marketing of prams went out of vogue in the western world. In the past 30 years, a trend towards promoting baby wearing as a convenient as well as beneficial method of transporting and nurturing babies has been seen.
In line with this trend, there has been an increasing body of research showing the positive benefits of KMC and of wearing babies in a carrier or sling. Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is a well-documented method of nurturing a newborn (usually premature) infant naked on a mother’s (or in some research a father’s chest). Significant research has looked at the positive effects Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) on prem babies. Since there is much similarity between KMC and baby wearing in terms of positioning (upright), proximity to parent and sensory input (vestibular and tactile and smell) there is a strong argument that the KMC research has relevance with babies carried in baby carriers (baby wearing).
In this article we to look at the evidence for why carrying a baby has positive long term and short-term benefits.
These are a few reasons that it’s the best we can do for our little ones:
- Babies carried in carriers are calmer
Being held in a snug carrier takes newborns and prem babies back to the nurturing womb world and limits crying and fussing. The transition from the womb to our busy world can expose little babies to overstimulation, which results in fussing in the first few months. Being nurtured in a soft carrier against mom or dad’s body soothes the immature sensory system.
- Bonding and trust is enhanced
Held against your body, your baby has the benefits of your touch. Human touch is not only comforting but also wonderful for the development of body awareness.
- Improves brain development
Moving with your body, your baby will benefit from vestibular information too, which not only calms your little one but also enhances muscle tone and motor skills in time.
- Baby wearing promotes confident parenting
Carrying a baby has positive effects on feelings of self-efficacy of new parents. Parents who carry their babies are more likely to pick up on signals of hunger and irritability sooner. Babies who are worn are more socially adept as they have loads of experience meeting other people at mommy’s level.
A baby carrier is a fabulous solution for transporting as well as soothing new babies. Our carrier is recommend for parents looking for a comfortable carrier that is soft like the womb world, fully adjustable and can be worn so your baby can see out or face inwards.
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