So for our second blog I thought I would discuss some basics about baby wearing. Babywearing is the practice of keeping your baby or toddler close to you by wearing them in a wrap, sling or another form of carrier. Babywearing in many forms has been practiced for centuries, in many cultures, around the world. In the modern industrialised world baby wearing is gaining popularity as parents and caregivers start to see the abundant benefits for themselves and their babies. Baby wearing is not about any particular parenting philosophy! However it does promote bonding, it can help make caregiving easier, it can help to reduce the chances of getting postnatal depression, supports breastfeeding and can be so helpful when parents are caring for babies and children with “high needs”. Baby wearing isn’t just for mums either! It can be practiced by fathers, siblings, grandparents, childcare workers/ nannys, pretty much anyone who cares for the baby.
Research suggests that babies who are babyworn feed, sleep and grow better than babies who aren’t worn. One particular study showed that babies aged 6 weeks of age who were worn/carried cried 43% less than other babies… and thats got to be good for everyone! There are so many choices when it comes to baby wearing which means that all families can find a safe and effective carrier for every taste and budget. Attached is a link to the bay wearing international website with a brief description of each type of carrier.
When choosing a carrier be conscious of purchasing one that is supportive of your child hips and knees; while also being supportive to your back. These carriers (pictured below) are extremely popular and are easily found on the market, however they are not ergonomically correct & can be bad for baby’s hips. It is important to test different carriers if possible and read about all options so that you can choose which one will work best for you and your baby. At times the desire for a forward facing position can at times cloud the benefits of other carriers. These specific carriers can not be breastfed in and often don’t give you the ability to back carry.