Benefits of Babywearing
Babywearing is nothing new but something that began with simple pieces of cloth using different tying methods to carry young babies and children. Babies have been worn since the beginning of time so parents and caregivers could do their daily chores and keep their little ones close.
In a society where plastic devices like infant bucket carseats, baby swings, bouncy seats, exersaucers, high chairs and other devices are so common: babywearing is not the norm, especially in Western cultures.
I can tell you that babies thrive from being worn. Research shows it helps keep us in tune with our babies and it simulates the womb like enviroment. Wearing your baby gives us a close bond with our children and meets the needs of the infant to be kept warm and close to their Mother. Breastfeeding is also possible while babywearing. For those wanting to be discreet, the tail on a ring sling can provide some coverage. Asian Baby Carriers can simply be lowered to chest level. Babies can be put into a cradle hold in a wrap, pouch or ring sling to nurse.
I hear a whole lot of "that will spoil the child" and other ignorant comments. This couldn't be farther from the truth as you are simply responding to a childs needs. Babies that are worn are less likely to develop a condition known as Plagiocephaly or "flat head syndrome." Wearing your baby instead of using a disgusting shopping cart will keep your child from getting sick and dirty. It's fun for a baby or toddler to be at Mom's view while out and about. Babies can become overstimulated by being facing out in a front pack type carrier. Babies can be put in a high back carrier and be out of your way for housework or gardening and see what you see. Your baby or active toddler will often times snuggle down and fall asleep when they've had enough. Carriers like the Beco have a detachable sleeping hood that can be pulled up and provide support for a little one's head while they sleep.
The time you babywear is such a short span of your life and a wonderful tool to use. The child will outgrow the need to be worn before you are physically unable to carry them. Even though you have your hand's free you will still get the "Boy you have your hands full" comment, which is funny since technically you don't. Hearing this from a Mom holding a baby in hands, while pushing a full shopping cart with a toddler will make you say huh? Why wouldn't you want to hold your baby whenever possible? I know I had such a strong connection to our boys from the very beginning and always wanted to touch them and kiss their sweet heads. Babywearing made this possible all the time. Caring for your active toddler is a much easier task when your newborn is safe and secure in a carrier.
I get a lot of comments from parents saying their children were just too heavy to wear. Most people are not aware there are other carriers besides the commercialized carriers you see in stores. Popular front pack carriers are what most know as a baby carrier and know nothing further about the wide variety out there if you search.
The carriers I carry are ergonomically correct for proper hip and spine development. Front pack carriers that suspend a baby at the crotch are both uncomfortable for the user since it throws your center of gravity off and expensive for how long it can be used for. The German woven wraps, especially the Didymos brand have a excellent resale value. Limited Editions often sell for much more years down the road. Personally, I have seen triple or more on auctions of rare wraps. They are expensive investments but since you can use them fron birth on up to..well, I did manage to rucksack a 110 pound adult at a get-together once. For reference, here is my 6 year old who is about 45 pounds and very tall, carrying him isn't something I do but for a picture I was not uncomfortable!
When you wear your baby from birth, you build muscles that make them weightless. Using carriers like what I retail ensure wonderful comfort and support. The Beco carrier is a wonderful carrier hands down. It places most of the weight on the user's hips and it can be used from birth through toddlerhood. So pricier than a Bjorn but look at how long it can be used. Pouches and ring slings are fashionable and economical. Pouches are trickier to size but they are no fuss having no rings and no adjusting. Ring Slings and Pouches are excellent for quick ups and downs.
Wraps are my favorite carrier! Wraps distribute the weight of the baby/child perfectly but have much more of a learning curve. They come in so many different colors and weaves. Then you can get your wrap dyed!
Mei Tai's are also fantastic and in a perfect world, everyone would babywear and own one of each different carrier. They all serve different situations. Just like other attachment parenting practices, babywearing will benefit both you and your child in many ways and make life easier. I even manged to write this whole thing with my 20 month old sound asleep on my back!