Seeing your precious little one grow day by day and ensuring they are well taken care of can make your heart full — and so do your hands. With a host of tasks you need to accomplish on any given day, parenthood can get a tad bit overwhelming at times.
There are moments when your baby doesn’t want to be put down in the crib or the bed, and you wonder how you can tick off items in your to-do list when you need to keep them close to you. The solution? Babywearing.
A practice that dates back to ancient times (our ancestors didn't have strollers to transport babies then), babywearing has given parents the chance to go about their daily lives while still being able to carry their little ones around. No wonder a lot of papas and mamas have come to realize the many benefits it offers.
Babywearing is more than just being hands-free. By carrying your precious child close to you, you are unknowingly creating a stronger bond between you and your little one.
1. Kangaroo care
Imitating a mama kangaroo holding her baby in her pouch, kangaroo care is a method in when a mama holds their newborn to their bare chest so the little one has direct skin-to-skin contact with their mama. This physical closeness is beneficial in more ways than you can imagine: improving the baby’s breathing pattern, stabilizing their heart rate, and your little one gaining more weight.
More importantly, it promotes close contact between mama and child. This feeling of closeness you experience can boost your confidence that you can care for this child well. You can use your baby carrier or sling as a tool to practice or continue doing kangaroo care as your little one grows.
2. Secure attachment
Holding your baby close to you encourages great and secure attachment. You get to cuddle, caress, and touch your baby — and this fosters a positive emotional and psychological bond between you and your child. Early on in their young life, they are assured that they are safe in your arms.
3. Better understanding of and responsive to your child’s cues
With your baby held close to you, you get to be more familiar with their movements and facial expressions. They cannot properly express themselves yet, but you will learn how to read their cues and better respond to their signals of discomfort or hunger when you do babywearing.
4. Unlimited cuddles
Oh, those endless cuddles with this tiny human being you have fallen in love with! Did you know that touching your baby helps release oxytocin? It’s the love hormone that gives your child a sense of calmness and encourages bonding between parent and child.
5. Peace of mind
As parents, there is no time we don’t worry about our child. With babywearing, you have one less thing to worry about. You get peace of mind knowing that your baby is doing fine right under your nose.
Ultimately, babywearing has lasting effects on the emotional and psychological well-being of both parent and child. These benefits will help your child navigate the bigger world out there when they grow up because they feel secure in their parent’s love.
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