I am a huge fan of babywearing! I get so excited and passionate about this topic. I feel like babywearing could change your life.
I want people to realize that a newborns life is disrupted by birth. I mean the environment in utero is automatically regulated to the baby and suddenly (or 4 hours of pushing later) the environment changes. Besides having to breath and eat by themselves, babies are now in a bright, noisy world…..They are no longer being gently rocked back in forth with the soothing sound of their mothers voice present. Imagine being carried in a sling or an ergonomically correct carrier? Really it is similar to being in the womb. Mom is walking, baby is rocking and comforted by the sound they have heard all along, the sound of their mothers voice and their mothers heartbeat. You grew this baby inside of you for 9 months and change is hard. Don’t expect your tiny brand-new baby to adjust to the world so quickly.Ease them into it.
Others benefits of babywearing are:
Babies that are worn, cry less and therefore they learn more. They are learning more because babies spend more time in a quiet alertness and they are able to connect with the new world around them when they are not crying. Dr. Sears also says “It may be called the optimal state of learning for a baby. Researchers have also reported that carried babies show enhanced visual and auditory alertness.” Parents are more confident. With your baby close to you it helps you get to know them. You’ll learn their cues before they want to eat, sleep and poo. Because you are so close you notice their facial expressions and body language. This is all part of the attachment between a parent and child. It helps the baby learn that their parent follows their prompts and they are rewarded with a snuggle, milk or a clean diaper.
Convenience- as your baby gets bigger and you feel motivate, inspired, empowered, ok fine…… obligated to clean the house. This a challenging as you are breastfeeding or caring for siblings, but in a carrier you still have your hands free (YES, you can breastfeed with practice in a carrier with no hands!) This gives you time to eat, pee and check your Pinterest account.
Baby carriers are also surprisingly enjoyable to use with older babies and toddlers. Some carriers are designed to carry up to 45 lbs. There are many times where I pull my Ergo out of my car in a panic because I am late and have to walk somewhere quickly. I can get out of my car, put my 3 1/2 year old in the ergo, run up a flight of stairs, zig-zagging across the mall dodging shoppers faster with the carrier than if I had my stroller. Hiking and navigating through busy airports all can be done with ease when you use a baby carrier.
Lastly enjoy… Your baby/toddler/preschooler will not want to be carried across the stage at their High School graduation. So relax and take pleasure on holding your child close to you and cherish the little moments.