Baby carriers (or baby slings as they're often called) have many benefits. Here's a list of 10 reasons why you would consider using a baby sling with your little one.
Ten Reasons to Wear your Baby
by Laura Simeon, MA, MLIS
1. Wearing a baby is convenient. When we use a baby sling, we can walk around freely and not have to worry about negotiating steps,
crowds or narrow aisles with a stroller. Plastic "baby buckets" and
removable car seats are heavy and awkward for parents, babies often look uncomfortable,
and they are kept at knee level. A sling can block out excess stimuli when breastfeeding
a distractible baby, and it allows for discreet nursing in public places. A
baby sling can also double as a changing pad, blanket, or cushion when away from
home. I’ve found my baby slings especially handy when negotiating busy airports
with a small child and several bags!
2. Wearing a baby promotes physical development. When a baby
rides in a carrier attached to his mother, he is in tune with the rhythm of her
breathing, the sound of her heartbeat, and the movements his mother makes –
walking, bending, and reaching. This stimulation helps him to regulate his own
physical responses, and exercises his vestibular system, which controls balance.
The baby sling is in essence a "transitional womb" for the new baby, who
has not yet learned to control his bodily functions and movements. Research
has shown that premature babies who are touched and held gain weight faster
and are healthier than babies who are not. Mechanical swings and other holding
devices do not provide these same benefits.
3. Babies worn in slings are happier. Studies have shown that
the more babies are held, the less they cry and fuss. In indigenous cultures
where baby-wearing is the norm, babies often cry for only a few minutes a day
– in contrast to Western babies, who often cry for hours each day. Crying
is exhausting for both the baby and his parents, and may cause long-term damage
as the baby’s developing brain is continually flooded with stress hormones.
Babies who do not need to spend their energy on crying are calmly observing
and actively learning about their environment. Baby-wearing is especially useful
for colicky or "high need" babies, who are far happier being worn,
but placid, content babies and children will also benefit greatly from the warmth
and security of being held close.
4. Baby-wearing is healthy for you! It can be challenging
for new mothers to find time to exercise, but if you carry your baby around
with you most of the day or go for a brisk walk with your baby in her carrier,
you will enjoy the dual benefits of walking and "weightlifting". A
long walk in the sling is also an excellent way to help a tired but over-stimulated
child fall asleep.
5. Toddlers appreciate the security of the sling. Slings are
usually associated with infants, but they can be very useful for toddlers as
well; most infant slings accommodate children up to 35 or 40 pounds. The world can
be a scary place for toddlers, who feel more confident when they can retreat
to the security of the sling when they need to do so. Toddlers often become
over-stimulated, and a ride in the sling helps to soothe and comfort them before
(or after!) a "melt-down" occurs. It can be very helpful in places
like the zoo, aquarium, or museum, where a small child in a stroller would miss
many of the exhibits.
6. Baby-wearing helps you and your baby to communicate with each other.
The more confidence we have in our parenting, the more we can relax
and enjoy our children. A large part of feeling confident as a parent is the
ability to read our baby’s cues successfully. When we hold our baby close
in baby carriers, we become finely attuned to his gestures and facial expressions.
Many baby-wearing parents report that they have never learned to distinguish
their baby’s cries – because their babies are able to communicate
effectively without crying! Every time a baby is able to let us know that she
is hungry, bored or wet without having to cry, her trust in us is increased,
her learning is enhanced, and our own confidence is reinforced. This cycle of
positive interaction enhances the mutual attachment between parent and child,
and makes life more enjoyable for everyone.
7. Baby slings are a bonding tool for fathers, grandparents, and other caregivers.
Slings are a useful tool for every adult in a baby’s life. It
makes me smile when I see a new father going for a walk with his baby in a sling.
The baby is becoming used to his voice, heartbeat, movements and facial expressions,
and the two are forging a strong attachment of their own. Fathers don’t
have the automatic head-start on bonding that comes with gestation, but that
doesn’t mean they can’t make up for this once their baby is born.
The same goes for babysitters, grandparents and all other caregivers. Cuddling
up close in the baby carrier is a wonderful way to get to know the baby in your life,
and for the baby to get to know you!
8. Slings are a safe place for a child to be. Instead of running
loose in crowded or dangerous places, a child in a sling is held safe and secure
right next to your body. Baby slings and other types of baby carriers also provide emotional safety when needed, so
that children can venture into the world and become independent at their own
pace.
9. Baby slings are economical. Most slings cost far less than strollers,
front-carriers or backpacks. Many mothers consider the baby sling to be one of their
most useful and economical possessions. Inexpensive used slings can be found
in consignment and thrift stores, and new ones can be bought for about $25 -$50
(U.S.) - not bad for an item many parents use daily for two years or more! A
sling can also be sewn for the price of a length of cotton, some rings and batting;
sling patterns are available.
10. Baby-wearing is fun. Who doesn’t love to cuddle
a precious little baby? And when your baby is older, having her in the sling
makes conversations easier and allows you to observe her reactions to the wonders
of the world around her. It’s also fun for baby, because when she is up
at eye level, other adults notice and interact with her more. Your child will
feel more a part of your life when she is in her sling, and you will find yourself
becoming more and more enchanted with this special little person.
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About the Author:
Laura Simeon is a mother of one and school librarian. She can be reached by
email at Laura.Simeon@alumnae.brynmawr.edu.
Take a look at our selection of baby slings, baby carriers and infant carriers. We're sure you'll find one that's perfect for you and your little one.
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