Babywearing, or the art of carrying your baby in a sling or a carrier you wear around your body, has been around for generations. In fact, it’s the most natural and convenient way of lugging your baby around. Unfortunately, most “civilized” countries haven’t been using this method, preferring to place the baby in a stroller or a baby carriage, or relegating baby to a nanny. As parents became more hands-on, and started bringing their babies anywhere, however, the practice of carrying baby close to the parent has become a growing trend. In fact, studies show that carrying baby is beneficial, not only for the parents, but most specially for the baby.
It’s best for baby
Baby slings encourage kangaroo care for newborns and premature infants. Babies who are carried more tend to cry less, sleep more, grow faster and get less sick than babies who are carried less. Baby slings are also great for colicky babies. My younger daughter had food allergies, and she was always soothed when she was wrapped up with me. Baby slings are also ideal for keeping babies warm during cold weather, and doubles as a good shade from the sun. For older babies, baby slings will give them an opportunity to interact with other people, as they are on the same level as adults. It provides toddler with the ideal conditions for development, since being carried provides them with stimulation, movement, and the physical contact they need for learning.
Studies also show that the use of baby slings is better for the baby’s hips and may actually reduce hip dysplasia. This is compared to some carriers that support baby’s weight many by the crotch. The suggested ideal wearing positions for babies in slings and pouches, which puts the baby’s knees higher than the baby’s bottom and spreads them wide (the frog position) is the best position for a baby’s development.
Next posts, I’ll tell you about our ring sling, and the reasons I choose it over other baby carriers.