The Supermom Secret: Babywearing Part 1
It seems so obvious, doesn't it? We all know that babies need their mothers. Babies love to be carried. That's where babywearing comes in!
At some point after your baby's birth, you're really going to miss having two available arms. Lots of babies turn their noses up at play mats, tummy time, swings and bouncers. Often times these devices will buy you a few minutes on your own, but inevitably your baby will recognize your absence and protest their loneliness.
The solution? Babywearing.
It seems to just make sense, right? But what’s so great about babywearing?
Babywearing facilitates bonding. Keeping your baby in a sling or a carrier means that they are in a familiar place: next to you. They know your smell, your voice and your mannerisms. Your baby is right there next to you. This makes you sensitive to their every need. Babywearing is a fantastic way for babies to bond with dad too, as wearing them makes them extra attentive to baby’s needs. Baby learns early on that their needs are important to their parents which builds trust. Many babywearing parents report that the babies they have worn tend to be more laid back and easier to handle.
Babywearing means that the baby is learning. The famous Dr. Sears has noted that babies who are being worn are in a state of what he calls "quiet observation." Your baby is taking in everything about their environment as they watch what you are doing. And quiet means productivity for mom and dad!
Babywearing helps with baby’s development This is a little-known (HUGE) perk of wearing your baby. When they are being worn, your baby has to adjust to movement in three planes: up and down, side to side and diagonally. Imagine how much a baby has to adjust simply when you bend over to pick up your toddler's toy off the ground. Baby is moving in all three planes by that one act, forcing their balance and their core strength to adapt.
Babywearing is an excellent practice for high-needs or reflux babies, who tend to do better in an upright position. Navigating your days with a baby who needs a little extra TLC can be made much easier with a snug upright carrier.
Babywearing helps with breastfeeding. Lactation professionals will tell you that keeping your baby close helps keep your milk supply up. Mother'’ bodies are responsive to their babies. When a baby is held close, mothers can smell their baby, sense the baby's feeding cues, and respond quickly, thereby nurturing the breastfeeding relationship.
Babies can be worn by either mom or dad to benefit from the practice. And let’s face it: they just look adorable with their little head peeking out of a carrier!
Stay tuned for part two: safety rules for babywearing and types of carriers on the market today.