An Introduction to Babywearing

Babywearing is a term coined by Attachment Parenting guru Dr. Sears but the act of wearing ones baby has been around for centuries. People in all cultures have worn their babies for many reasons, beneficial to both mom and child.

Babywearing promotes bonding between parent and baby. Constant touching, close contact means you are that much more aware and in tune with each other. Mother's who regularly wear their babies are more likely to respond to their needs such as hunger, sleepiness and discomfort and all without the baby having to resort to crying. When an infants needs are met without having to scream, trust is strengthened. Trust in their caregiver and thus the rest of the world. The more secure and confident the baby is, the more they can take from their environment learning along the way. Baby wearing most definitely enhances attachment between both bodies involved.

Wearing your baby is also very convenient. Anyone who has tried to push a stroller thru a crowded place knows that it can be very difficult. Stairs, sand, rocky paths and such only make it even harder to get around. If you are wearing your baby it's much easier to get to where you need to go without the struggles a bulky stroller imposes. Your arms are free as well meaning you can carry or pull luggage or other items.

Breastfeeding your baby in public is more comfortable and discreet. When you have the baby attached to your front in a sling it's easy to nurse when you need to and even hands free. Strangers also tend to keep more of a distance when you are wearing your baby where as babies sitting in strollers may be touched and bothered, exposing your little one to more germs then necessary.

Baby's physical development is also aided when being worn as long as it's not all the time. Infants need a chance to be on their tummy and back on the floor free from any type of container but being in a sling or other carrier is better then being strapped into a plastic car seat or baby swing. By being connected to their mother they are aware of her body movements in connection with their own and soon distinguish the rhythm of their togetherness as well as developing strength and balance. As their mother walks around and bends down, turns, reaches, etc babies keep their own body stable while feeling the security of their mother.

Baby's who are worn tend to be happier then those that are not. In cultures where babywearing is the norm, infants may cry for seconds or moments per day whereas Western babies tend to cry on average for several hours each day. That is unneeded stress for both parents and child and can be avoided if mother and baby are not so disconnected.

The above are just some of the benefits of baby wearing and there are a variety of slings, pouches, wraps and other carriers on the market today. Popular brands include the Ergo, Mei Tai, Moby, Maya Wrap, Ellaroo as well as more mainstream but not as comfortable brands such as Snugli and Baby Bjorn. For more information do a google search of these and other types of carriers or read my upcoming article describing the different kinds of ways to baby wear so you can choose what works best for you and your little one.