Baby Wearing Benefits for Mom, Dad and Baby
Hands Free Slings and Wraps Keep Your Child Safe, Close and Happy
Chances are, you have recently seen a mom or dad carrying their baby in a “new” and interesting way. Slings, wraps and other baby carrying devices have suddenly become very popular in our culture, as an integral part of Attachment Parenting, but slings and wraps have been used for centuries in most other countries.
Attachment Parenting, introduced by Dr William Sears, is centered around an overall attentiveness to your baby. Babywearing provides a method for giving your child this contact and attention.
Babywearing Gives Caregivers More Freedom and Mobility
Slings and wraps let mom’s arms have a break, without having to put baby down.
A sling can hold an infant in a discreet nursing position while mom pushes a shopping cart and many babies and young toddlers will nap in their sling.
Some slings can even be used to wear multiple babies.
Babywearing Facilitates Closeness and Bonding
Using a sling or wrap allows parents to easily provide the warmth, comfort and closeness that is so important to early development, while still doing daily tasks. Rather than leaving baby in a playpen or a walker while she works, mother can slip him into a sling, providing constant contact, affection and communication.
Experts say that “Attached” babies communicate earlier and learn to speak earlier. This is quite likely because they are often carried in slings at eye-level, letting them follow conversations more easily.
Babies that are Worn Benefit Emotionally
Babies that are worn build a deep connection with their caregivers early in life and enjoy a feeling of strong sense of safety and security that will be the basis for emotional health in every relationship they will ever have. What better gift could you give your child?
Being close to Mom, AP (Attachment Parenting) babies never have to wait long for their needs to be acknowledged, and thus, never have reason to question their safety or value. Your close proximity and resulting attentiveness make your child feel safe in a way that little else can.
Babywearing Helps Sick and Pre-Mature Babies Get Healthy Faster
Even infants branded as “failure-to-thrive” babies show improvement when worn by their parents. Dr Sears contributes this to the motion of mom’s walking, which can help to calm sick and weak babies, allowing them to focus their energy on growing and getting healthy, rather than wasting it on crying.
Likewise, being close to Mother’s heartbeat has a calming effect and can also help keep baby’s breathing regular.
Also, the close proximity to mommy’s breast is obviously a huge benefit for babies who need to gain weight.
Babywearing Insures Close Supervision and Safety
Numerous babies each year are gravely injured due to lack of supervision – even for a moment. Many accidents can be prevented by carrying your infant in a sling, rather than laying them in a crib or playpen.
When you are wearing your child, you are aware of her every movement – from dirty diapers to choking. The sooner you see an emergency, the quicker you can help.
Babywearing Benefits Everyone
- Babywearing gives caregivers freedom and mobility.
- Babywearing builds bonds between parent and child.
- Babywearing builds emotional health and security in babies.
- Babywearing helps sick and pre-mature babies thrive.
- Babywearing keeps babies safe!
Remember, there is a sling or wrap for every baby and every caregiver. You may have to try a few before you find it, but it will be worth it when you do!
Dads Can be Babywearers
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An Infant in a Wrap
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A Toddler Hanging Out in a Sling
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