If you’re a new parent (or soon-to-be one), chances are you’re at that stage where you’re overthinking everything and wondering whether you already have everything you need such as the cribs, changing pads, clothes, and swaddles. Now, while these are all top-priority staples, one item a lot of us often forget until the last second is having a carrier.
Many of us think it would be easier to use our arms to carry our bundles of joy. After all, it is one of the most enjoyable parts of being a parent. However, parents tend to have an unending list of things to accomplish throughout the day so carrying a baby everywhere might make it a little difficult to get everything done. Babies also get heavier over time so this adds to the difficulty of dealing with the other tasks at hand.
Babies need and want to be close to their parents, so it’s typical to want to hold your baby all day long. But, with all of the other tasks you need to do, holding them all day simply won’t do! Thankfully, there’s a way to bond with them while still being able to move around and get things done; this is called babywearing. In this article, we’ll talk about everything you need to know when it comes to babywearing - from what it is, the benefits of doing it, the different types and styles, and more!
What is it?
Although the term "babywearing" may be unfamiliar to a lot of parents, the practice actually dates back to ancient times. It’s been a common practice for parents to carry their little ones around for centuries while they went about their daily lives, and this was practiced in several countries and cultures.
But what exactly is it? Babywearing is the act of strapping your baby in a cloth, sling, or some type of carrying and “wearing” them on your person. It’s been a common practice in several cultures but only recently has it regained popularity within the parenting community.
Benefits
Babywearing has been practiced for millennia by parents who needed to carry their babies to make their journeys more efficient. These days, families continue to use specialized fabrics or conventional carriers regularly in many other countries, including Mexico, Africa, and many more to make daily tasks easier to do. Babywearing combines the benefits of both hands-free parenting and a tender method to hug your baby. But, are there more added benefits to practicing this? We’ve listed some of these benefits below:
Lower Risk of Postpartum Depression
Research has shown that babywearing actually reduces the likelihood of postpartum depression due to the increase of skin-to-skin time between a parent and a baby. This boost in self-assurance can ease the adjustment to parenting and improve a new mom's general mental health.
Additionally, babywearing makes it simpler to go on walks, keep active, or make new acquaintances, which might help you overcome social isolation.
Reduces Crying
Parenting is difficult in many ways, but one of the more difficult aspects is learning how to calm your baby after they start crying. While babywearing won't stop all of a baby's crying, it can lessen it and it’s been a tried and tested hack since the late 80s.
Researchers found that babycarried infants cried and fussed less than newborns who weren't.
Additionally, it has been seen that holding infants for three hours each day can cut down on nighttime screaming and fussing by up to 51%.
Promotes Overall Health for Babies
According to several studies, keeping a baby close when they are in the neonatal intensive care unit may assist regulate their heartbeat, temperature, and breathing patterns. This is especially true when using a customized carrier made for skin-to-skin contact.
Makes Everyday Life Easier
It may be simpler to carry out daily duties with both hands. This can all be done with a baby carrier since it allows you to carry your baby hands-free and still go about your routines and tasks.
You could fold clothes and do other chores, answer emails, go shopping, or even have some time out with friends. The options are practically limitless. Your life and activities don’t have to stop just because you’re caring for your little ones.
Establishes Better Connection
It can be difficult to communicate with a baby at times, especially since it does take a while for them to learn how to speak or express themselves in full sentences. The good news is that simply holding a newborn can deepen a baby’s attachment to you. It can even help make it easier for you to easily and confidently interpret your baby’s cues. What’s more, these connections can even carry out when your child gets older and more mature.
Step By Step
The type of carrier you select will determine how you use it. However, before using any carrier, be sure to read all of the manufacturer's instructions or ask someone who uses it for advice.
Young babies should always be positioned with their backs to you. While it may be easier to position the little ones on your back, like our ancestors have done, babies should be positioned in front of you and near enough that you can kiss the top of their head. Your baby will be in the proper position at all times if you carry them on your chest with their face turned toward you.
Basically, your baby's chest and stomach should be tucked up against yours and their legs should form an "M" with their knees bent and hips spaced apart.
Additionally, it's crucial to ensure your baby's head is properly supported and their chin is not tucked into their chest, especially if they are newborns. The carrier or any other piece of fabric shouldn't cover your baby's head or face at any time.
Types of Carriers
These days, parents can find a wide range of carriers on the market, each with different designs, styles, and levels of support. But, whichever one you end up choosing, it's crucial to make sure it securely fastens your baby to your body. Here are some of the most common baby carrying wraps and methods you can find on the market today:
- Stretchy wraps
- Ring slings
- Framed backpacks
- Soft carriers
- Bei Dais or Meh Dais
- Pouch wraps
- Babywearing shirts
- Woven baby wraps
You should also note that the method your kid is placed should not put any strain or stress on your body either. Consult your doctor if you suffer from back issues or other conditions that might be impacted.
When to Stop
The answer to this really depends on you, the mama, and your little one, since the situation with every baby is different, especially as they continue growing.
In the beginning stage, newborns completely rely on their parents to carry them, but as the months go by, they start to become more mobile and independent. They then transition into toddlers who develop their abilities to move independently. These little ones will still need carrying, whether it’s because they need comfort, are tired or hungry, or just want to explore the world more.
Before you know it, they’ll have grown bigger and don’t require your help as much when it comes to moving about. However, at this stage, your kids may still need you to carry them around, especially if they’re tired or need a break.
At whatever stage of childhood, it’s common for parents to carry their young and use a baby carrier (or good old fashioned arm strength) to do so. But, this need usually tapers off gradually as kids gain more emotional and physical independence. Each child's needs and the rate at which this happens are different.
This means that there is no set time limit for babywearing. The time to stop is when one or both of you feel ready to stop, much like when breastfeeding, sharing a bed, or doing anything else that includes both a caregiver and a child.
Takeaways
Your baby's normal physical, psychological, and neurological development depends on you carrying them. Given that newborns need to be held and that human bodies are designed to be carriers, a nice, safe sling can be quite helpful in reducing the amount of time that people are required to carry their babies.
Just remember apart from the position your baby’s in and the benefits this poses to your daily life, you have the added benefit of additional connection and loving moments you get from babywearing. Your choice of fabric sling type and duration for babywearing is for you to decide.
