Top 10 Benefits of Baby Wearing
1. Fewer Tears! – Research showed that baby’s who were carried for just 3 hours a day would cry 43% less overall and an astonishing 54% less during the evening. (Pediatrics Journal)
Interesting fact! – In aboriginal regions where baby-wearing is a strong part of their culture, it was found that their baby’s would cry for just a few minutes a day!! In contrast, Western babies were found to cry for a few hours every day.
2. Build a Family Bond – A baby carrier or sling is a great bonding tool for dads, adoptive parents, and grandparents. Baby will be able to familiarise themselves with their carer’s voice, heartbeat, facial expressions, which all helps to form a strong bond and attachment between the two.
3. Helps Baby to Adapt – Babies (especially premature and special needs babies) are born with a delicate nervous system. By carrying baby close in a sling or carrier, they are not only comforted by the familiar sounds of your heartbeat, breathing, and your warmth, but this encourages baby’s development as they learn to regulate their own responses.
4. Read Your Baby – By carrying your baby close you will quickly become familiar with their facial expressions, and movements, meaning you will know if baby is hungry, fed-up, or wet without baby having to cry. Being able to recognise these signs also builds your confidence as a parent, (parenting confidence is crucial for mothers who are suffering or are at risk of postnatal depression.)
5. Learning on the Move – As baby cries less when being carried, they are in what is called a ‘quiet state of alert’. During this ‘quiet, alert state’ Baby spends more time taking in everything around them, and learning a thing or two!
6. Hands Free! – It is easier to walk around using a baby carrier rather than worry about getting the buggy up the stairs, through small doors, or steer a tight bend! It’s fantastic for popping to the shops, walking the dogs, and even at home. Wearing a carrier at home means you can do the dishes, or even play with your toddler without leaving baby out!
7. Baby Wearing is FUN! – It’s lovely to be able to cuddle your baby, and give them a kiss whenever you want! Babies love being carried too, they like being able to interact at the same level as everyone else.
8. Cost-Conscious – You can purchase a baby carrier or sling at a fraction of the price of a buggy! You can purchase a good basic structured baby carrier which will last for about a year from around £40! Fantastic news for cost-conscious parents! Thriftier parents can even try their hand at making a sling, very economical!
Medical Benefits of Baby Wearing
9. Colic Relief – Babies commonly suffer from Colic, it is advised to hold them and walk around or use an upright baby carrier to relieve them of their symptoms.
10. Reduces Risk of ‘Flat Head’ – Baby wearing significantly reduces the risk of Positional Plagiocephaly (Flat Head) which is the result of baby spending too much time in their cot, car seat, or buggy.
