Baby Wearing: An Important Part of Attachment Parenting

Attachment parenting is a parenting movement that has gained momentum in the past several years. Parents who practice attachment parenting strive to build a lasting bond with their babies. The bond is built by being physically close to your baby as much as possible. The idea is that physical closeness will build emotional closeness and trust as your child grows.

Baby wearing is a large part of the attachment parenting philosophy. It is the perfect way to snuggle with your baby, sooth him and keep him safe and warm.

Why Baby Wear?

Babies who are worn fuss less. In countries where baby wearing is the standard, babies cry very little. We have been conditioned to think babies cry frequently, but this is not typical. When babies are worn, they feel safe and can hear their mother's heartbeat, a sound that is very familiar after spending nine months in the womb.

Babies who fuss and cry less have more time to take in their environment and learn about the world around them. They are close to their parent's face and are able to interact with their mother or father more often than babies who are not carried.

Baby Wearing Equipment

To baby wear, both the mother and father will need some type of baby carrier, such as a sling, wrap or front carrier. Personal comfort is important. There are many different types of baby carriers. Check out Peppermint.com for a wide selection.

Break Time

Sometimes, baby wearing is not practical and the mom or dad needs a safe place to put the baby in order to take care of personal business. For those times when you have to shower, go to the bathroom or otherwise need a break, consider a bouncy seat. Bouncy seats keep baby in a semi-reclined position, so he can still focus on you as you move around the room. Bouncy seats are also light and easy to move from room to room, depending on your needs.

Baby Wearing Exception: Traveling by Car

The only time baby wearing is not appropriate is when you and the baby will be traveling in a car. A car safety seat is one piece of baby equipment that is necessary no matter what type of parenting you choose to practice. However, parents who practice attachment parenting don't often use the car seat bucket to carry their infants from place to place once the car ride is over. The car seat stays in the car, while the parents opt to wear the baby.

Baby wearing does not have to be an all or nothing prospect. Mothers and fathers can choose to wear their new baby as much as they are comfortable and able. The time spent nurturing the baby through baby wearing is one that attached parents will treasure forever.