Why babywearing matters

Babywearing culture has re-emerged in recent years and continued to grow ever since. If you use a baby sling, it may feel right for you as it brings you and your baby closer together. But does it really make a difference to baby and why is it important?

Here are 6 reasons why babywearing matters:

1. Your baby will cry less

Research has shown that babies who are carried more tend to cry less. Your baby is snuggled near you and feels safer so he doesn't have to cry as much. Also because you’re so close, you pick up on any cues of distress more quickly and tend to your baby's needs in less time.

2. Babywearing helps you bond

Holding your baby close releases the ‘cuddle hormone’- oxytocin. It not only makes both you and your baby feel more relaxed but also helps you develop that special bond with baby.

3. You can be hands- free

Carrying your baby in a sling means that you’re hands-free to go about your business and do all the things you need to do as a busy mama.

You don’t have to worry about putting your baby down and checking on them every two seconds. They’re right there with you while you do the chores, head on a walk or go about your day to day life. Happy, snuggled and safe.

4. It helps them learn

Carrying your baby might help their cognitive and social development. As they spend less time crying, they spend more time learning from their environment.

They’re close to you and hear your voice as you go about your day. And all of this close interaction helps them learn.

5. It can reduce your chances of postnatal depression

Baby wearing greatly increases the amount of time you spend with skin to skin or in close contact with your baby. This has been linked to decreased rates of PND through research.

Baby carrying can also make it easier for new mums to break social isolation by walking and heading out into the community to meet other parents.

6. It makes your baby feel safe and cocooned

Your baby spent nine months in the comforting enveloping space of your womb. And then they suddenly find themselves thrust into a bright and bustling world.

Carrying your baby in a sling recreates something close to the warmth, safety and security they felt in utero.

The TICKS rule for safe baby wearing

If you’re carrying your baby in a sling or wrap it’s also important to stick to safety guidelines. TICKS is an acronym for safe baby wearing that all parents should be aware of:

T - Tight

I - In view at all times

C - Close enough to kiss

K - Keep chin off chest

S - Supported back

You can find more resources for safe babywearing here:

http://babyslingsafety.co.uk

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3517799

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22537390

What do you love most about babywearing? 

A friend of mine gave me an air purifier. You would not believe the difference it has made. The air feels so fresh and clean and I feel like my son's asthma symptoms have reduced.

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