Babywearing mothers have calmer babies and studies have proven that babies who are carried cry less. In cultures where babies are worn on the body close to their mothers, for example Native Americans and in Africa, babies are typically in a quiet alert state and rarely cry for more than brief periods. Babywearing promotes attachment - tested and provenA study by the Department of Pediatrics at Columbia University in New York tested the hypothesis that increased physical contact would make a more secure attachment between infant and mother. Mothers of newborn infants were randomly assigned to an experimental group that received soft baby carriers (more physical contact) or to a control group that received infants seats (less contact). Using a transitional probability analysis of a play session at 3 1/2 months, it was demonstrated that mothers in the babywearing group were more responsive than non-babywearing mothers to their infants' vocalizations. When the infants were 13 months old, (using the Ainsworth Strange Situation test)a much higher number of the babywearing infants were securely attached to their mothers. Attachment parenting, was coined by the famous pediatrician and well known advocate of breastfeeding, Dr. William Sears. A top priority of attachment parenting is keeping the baby close or, in-arms parenting. Benefits of Wearing Your Baby Why Wear a Baby?Wearing your little one in a sling or a carrier provides a gentle way to transition from the calm environment of the womb to outside world. Such gentle stimulation gives babies the chance to learn about their environment at their own pace.Less CryingResearch shows that babies that are frequently held cry 40-50% less. When your baby is close you willbecome aware of his needs more quickly. Carrying your baby can help soothe fussiness, reflux, and colic too.The mother's movements allows the baby to be continuously rocked and Baby remains close to their mother's heartbeat - which helps them to regulate their own systems. Studies have proven that babywearing promotes infant cardiorespiratory stability Healthy DevelopmentWhen babies are held closely, the adult and the baby can see each other - leading to constant verbal and physical interaction. Giving your baby a wide variety of stimuli helps develop their brains, enhances speech development, and emotional learning. Easier For YouWhen you wear your baby, you can rest you arms. A baby carrier distributes baby’s weight across your body, making it much more comfortable than carrying a baby in arms. Many moms find that they are more relaxed because they can get things done and know that their babies are calm and happy. When you and your baby are relaxed, you can take care of the house,your other children, run errands, eat out, and enjoy shopping or taking a walk without struggling with a stroller.Share the CareWhen your baby is used to the sling, wrap, or carrier, Baby's father, older siblings, grandparents, and other caregivers now have a powerful tool to comfort and bond with baby.Help With BreastfeedingBreastfeeding a baby in a sling is a convenient and discreet way to nurse in public as the fabric shields both the baby and the mother from the public view. Newborns need to nurse all the time and with a sling or carrier you can feed on the go. Many moms learn how to breastfeed with both hands free in a baby carrier.Protect Your BabyCarried babies are safer. You can help protect your baby from unwanted touching by strangers which is also a greatway to keep babies safe from germs during cold and flu season. SlingsUsing a sling is simple once you have the knack of it. It can be somewhat difficult to learn to use a sling at first and it's a lot easier if an experienced sling-user shows you the basics. Parents that have become habitual sling-users find that they do not want to be anywhere without the sling, even if they are using a stroller or buggy, as carrying a baby in the sling will often have a calming influence like nothing else. There are different slings for different folks. My favorite baby wrap is called, Tinokis, and it can be tied on in 11 different carrying positions. Baby wraps are made of one giant piece of cotton spandex. I am currently using this carrier with my baby daughter and I wore my son in it until he was a year old. As your baby grows you can change their position and how you wear the carrier. You can wear the carrier front-facing, side-lying, side-sitting or even on your back. Backpacks As your baby grows, you may want to try different styles of babywearing. Babies who support their heads well and can sit independently may enjoy seeing the world from the height of a backpack carrier. After a year, I started wearing my son on my back in the Yamo carrier. Backpacks come in all different shapes and sizes. Almost all backpacks have a stand that allows you place your baby in the backpack, on the ground, as you prepare to wear your baby. Some backpacks are made especially for hiking parents, with extra support straps for comfortable babywearing and a shade to protect your baby from the sun. BabyWearing SafetyNever cook or come into close rage of hot stove tops and ovens while holding a baby! Take caution to avoid dangerous or toxic substances when babies are near. Watch out for baby's head especially when turning corners, entering doorways, and bending down. Watch your back - avoid back pain by using good posture and always bend at the knees not the waist when lifting. It is especially dangerous to smoke or drink hot beverages while holding a baby. Pediatricians also do not recommend using back pack type carriers for babies under 12 months due to the hard rigid structure that is not soft enough to mold to baby's body. It's a good habit to check your baby's position every hour or so to make sure circulation is not being compromised.
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