The Benefits of Babywearing
As a family, we have discovered the joys of babywearing and happily share our experiences with other parents eager to try something different. However, for those who prefer a more 'scientific' explanation, there is a whole world of literature out there to support the benefits of baby carriers and babywearing. For the purposes of our website and for those with limited free time to research the subject, we have condensed this for easy reading! This brief guide refers to the 'parent', but we are aware that others may also participate in the babywearing (we have a grandmother who can testify to this!).
- Babies cry less when carried
Recent research has shown that babies who are carried up to 4 hours on a daily basis cry around 43% less. This is considered to be due to the increased level of contact between parent and baby and the natural comfort that is obtained from this closeness.
- Babies learn more when carried
Babies that are 'worn' are in an alert state of learning and can easily interact with and take in their surroundings. They are able to observe their environment from a position of safety whilst interacting with their parent. From this vantage point, babies are better able to observe people's everyday activities and the complicated skill of communication.
- Babywearing helps babies' physical development
Whilst being carried, a baby is close to its parent's chest and the familiar sounds from the womb are replicated. The parent's heartbeat and rhythmic breathing help the baby to regulate its own systems. For these reasons, babywearing is considered to particularly aid premature babies in their development.
- Babywearing helps babies' emotional development
When carried, a baby develops a greater sense of trust and security with the parent. The close proximity to their caregiver when they need it most can lead to a more confident and independent child as they grow up. Babywearing also creates a close bond between parent and baby. This is particularly useful for women who may be feeling low post-natally, or for men who want to develop a closer connection to their baby.
- Babywearing is practical, inexpensive and gives greater parental freedom
Babywearing allows parents to continue interacting with their child whilst grocery shopping, washing up and carrying out any other domestic duties that usually pile up. It also eliminates the stress involved in heaving a bulky pram on to public transport or through crowded places. Baby carriers are also a fraction of the cost of most pushchairs, although they are rather more addictive! As many carriers allow for the weight of an older child, the pushchair may begin to gather dust! Not only can parents free up their hands with this mode of transport, but some carriers even enable the mother to discreetly breastfeed whilst on the go. With so many varieties of baby carrier available, such as slings, wraps and Mei Tais, there is something to suit every parent's and child's individual needs.
Source: TheBabyWearer.com
- Babies cry less when carried
Recent research has shown that babies who are carried up to 4 hours on a daily basis cry around 43% less. This is considered to be due to the increased level of contact between parent and baby and the natural comfort that is obtained from this closeness.
- Babies learn more when carried
Babies that are 'worn' are in an alert state of learning and can easily interact with and take in their surroundings. They are able to observe their environment from a position of safety whilst interacting with their parent. From this vantage point, babies are better able to observe people's everyday activities and the complicated skill of communication.
- Babywearing helps babies' physical development
Whilst being carried, a baby is close to its parent's chest and the familiar sounds from the womb are replicated. The parent's heartbeat and rhythmic breathing help the baby to regulate its own systems. For these reasons, babywearing is considered to particularly aid premature babies in their development.
- Babywearing helps babies' emotional development
When carried, a baby develops a greater sense of trust and security with the parent. The close proximity to their caregiver when they need it most can lead to a more confident and independent child as they grow up. Babywearing also creates a close bond between parent and baby. This is particularly useful for women who may be feeling low post-natally, or for men who want to develop a closer connection to their baby.
- Babywearing is practical, inexpensive and gives greater parental freedom
Babywearing allows parents to continue interacting with their child whilst grocery shopping, washing up and carrying out any other domestic duties that usually pile up. It also eliminates the stress involved in heaving a bulky pram on to public transport or through crowded places. Baby carriers are also a fraction of the cost of most pushchairs, although they are rather more addictive! As many carriers allow for the weight of an older child, the pushchair may begin to gather dust! Not only can parents free up their hands with this mode of transport, but some carriers even enable the mother to discreetly breastfeed whilst on the go. With so many varieties of baby carrier available, such as slings, wraps and Mei Tais, there is something to suit every parent's and child's individual needs.
Source: TheBabyWearer.com
