The practice of wearing your baby is far from new. Mothers from around the world have been wearing their babies for many years. It's true it has gained popularity with the growing advocacy of attachment parenting, but as babywearing parents, my husband and I don't consider ourselves attachment parents and neither do many other parents.
Simply put, babywearing is a quick easy way to get around with your baby, and a way to create a stronger bond.
A Stronger Bond Makes a Happier Baby
Having your baby close increases the amount of progesterone in a mother's body. This increased amount of progesterone creates a stronger bond, makes breastfeeding less difficult and lessens the risk of post partum depression.
When a baby is carried close to mom it increases the baby's sense of security. The baby can feel, smell and touch its mother. Making the baby aware that his needs will be met.
From the time the baby is in the womb the repetitive movements of mom are very soothing. The mother's heartbeat and the swaying of her movements continue to be soothing once outside of the womb.
The Benefits
Breastfeeding is made easy with babywearing. When properly positioned mom can breastfeed completely hands free! This is a wonderful benefit for premature babies. Premature babies that are worn closely to mom have more opportunity to nurse leading to faster weight gain.
Babywearing prevents the flat head syndrome often seen in children who spend much of their time in car seats, bouncy seats, swings and lying down.
Babies that are worn spend more time close to people allowing them to study body language, facial expressions and giving them more opportunity to be exposed to language, as well as their adult surroundings. This leads to a more secure, social and independent child.
Overall babies that are worn are happier and healthier.
Freedom
Wearing your baby allows you to have both hands free. You are able to complete your day to day tasks while still caring for your baby's needs. Wearing your baby allows you to carry, breastfeed and interact with your baby all while doing the laundry or washing the dishes. Wearing your baby is also less painful on your back, hips and arms because the weight of the baby is spread over your entire upper body.
Fashion Statement
Babywearing is not just for the rich and famous. Many of today's stars can be seen wearing their babies in beautiful carriers. These carriers are not just for the rich and famous. There are many website offering various types of carriers in many colors, patterns and fabrics. Many mothers will match their carrier to what they are wearing that day. A baby carrier can be a true fashion statement. Besides the different colors, patterns and fabrics a new mom has a plethora of styles to choose from. This can also be confusing. Like clothing not all moms will be comfortable in all carriers. Sorting through the different carriers can be made easy by the many available online forums and groups.
Sorting through all of the information
As a babywearing parent I have spend many hours online researching carriers, contacting other babywearing parents and just trying to sort through all of the information available.
The best site I have found discussing all things babywearing is TBW. If you would like more information on finding a carrier, or purchasing one this is the site to go to: The Baby Wearer
