Benefits of baby wearing
I mean, I probably don’t have to even write this post, as I’m sure most parents out there don’t need to be convinced to snuggle their baby hands- free while living life and getting things done!
But I am writing about it nonetheless, because I want to provide you with the knowledge and evidence (linked throughout) to support you in your snuggling endeavors, and I want to dispel some myths and give credit where credit is due.
Malicious myths make me mad
One of the common myths I hear parents repeat when I suggest baby wearing is “but won’t it spoil my baby?” Sigh. It makes me sad that this harmful piece of false information continues to perpetuate in our society. Attachment theory teaches us that we should respond to a baby’s cues (crying, fussing, etc.) appropriately and promptly during infancy. I’ll go more into infant attachment (with a special interview from a specialist in this area!), but for now, we will leave it with the fact that spending time nurturing your baby is a very positive, very much recommended activity.
The benefits to both mama and baby here are obvious!
NEWS FLASH: Baby wearing is not new!
Did you know that baby wearing is an ancient practice used in many cultures throughout history? That’s right, Ergo Baby and Baby K’tan’s did not invent something new, but are modern twists on cultural techniques. It is important to recognize that indigenous people have been using various forms of baby wearing for centuries, and have long realized the benefits to both baby and caregivers. When I traveled to the tip-top of the Andes mountains in Peru to provide PT services to children there a few years ago, I loved seeing the bright, beautiful hand-woven blankets mothers would use to keep their babies safe and supported as they went about their routines (but this is a story for another day!).
So as you strap your baby in your Ring Sling, honor and thank the cultures and mamas who did this before you.
Ok, now that you are (hopefully) convinced that the benefits of baby wearing are a-plenty and have been tried and true throughout time and across cultures, let’s get into it!
Baby wearing begets bonding
Having your baby close to you is a great way to encourage bonding and build relationship between baby and caregiver. When baby can feel your heart beat, gaze into your eyes, hear your voice, and move along with you, it allows them to feel close to you, supported by you, and in tune with your movement and body. Baby wearing also mimics skin-to-skin time. Skin-toskin-time, or kangaroo care, has well-researched benefits to both baby and parent. It is proven to help regulate baby’s breathing and heart rate, decrease stress for both baby and parent, reduce pain and discomfort for baby, and improve sleep and behavior. All of these things support a happy relationship between parent/caregiver/friend/grandparent/nanny and baby as well!
See?! Besties for life :)
Carrying baby calms crying
In a randomized control trial (the highest level of research, c’mon fellow nerds!) found that more time spent carrying baby throughout the day led to 43% less crying in the baby! The authors even suggest that our culture’s relative lack of time spent carrying babies may contribute to higher rates of crying and colic in babies! And the link between baby crying less and mom crying less is indisputable, so really, everyone benefits!
Constant cuddling creates chances to complete chores
(I’m pretty proud of that alliteration, HA!)
I don’t feel a need to back this one up by research. As I’m sure any parent can attest to, having a newborn can create challenges in getting things done, and I hear there is a huuuuuge increase in loads of laundry once the little one arrives! So strap baby to your chest and get your Marie-Kondo folding on!
Check out this video for her expert baby clothes folding technique!
Breastfeed like a boss in a BabyBjorn!
(I’d like to clarify that I am not necessarily endorsing the BabyBjorn, but I needed it for my alliteration—priorities, people!)
Due to the position, closeness, and ability to cover up easily if you choose, breast feeding can be easy-peasy when using a baby carrier. This position allows you to feed your baby on the go, in a store, or at a show. In the park or at a fair—when you baby wear you can feed baby anywhere! (LOL, there I go with the rhymes again!)
Packing your peanut promotes posture and potential!
I love using baby wearing to promote my postural and developmental goals during therapy! Baby wearing (when done correctly) supports baby in an upright, flexed, and neutral position that protects their spine and head. Bouncing, bopping, and dancing around with baby safely strapped to you provides baby’s developing vestibular (balance and movement awareness) system with important input to help baby experience movement, develop body and spatial awareness, and work on early head and trunk control. It is important to make sure baby fits correctly, is properly positioned, and your back and shoulders are comfortable too!
Baby’s hips should make a letter “M” shape, with the hips open and flexed.
Secure and safe snuggling
I can go into pros and cons about different brands of baby carriers in another post, but for now, here is a helpful acronym to help keep safe and supported in whichever baby wearing equipment you chose (and trust me, I didn’t develop this acronym and I think it’s yucky, but it works): TICKS
Tight
In view at all times
Close enough to kiss
Keep chin off chest
Supported back
TL;DR
Baby wearing is really good for you and for baby.
Baby wearing is an ancient practice used by almost all cultures throughout history—the benefits have been long recognized by indigenous people for centuries.
Baby wearing encourages bonding and closeness between baby and parent or caregiver
More time carrying baby is proven to reduce fussiness and crying in babies (and moms, I hear!)
Baby wearing can be a practical way to get things done, like laundry, dishes, your weekly dance party…whatever!
When used properly and safely, baby wearing provides wonderful developmental benefits, movement opportunities, and postural support for baby. Make sure you are comfortable as well.
Remember TICKS (eww) for baby wearing safety: Tight, In view at all times, Close enough to kiss, Keep chin off chest, and Supported back (both you and baby!)