What is Babywearing?
Nowadays we hear more and more about the benefits of babywearing, but the majority of young parents still don’t know about it. It was not until the 18th century that the stroller was invented. Until then, young children were carried by their parents wherever they went. In many countries, children are still worn throughout the day (in Asia, Africa, Latin America ...). (Source:http://www.native-languages.org/cradleboard.htm)
Some of the most popular types of carriers include:
- A stretchy wrap.
- A ring sling.
- Framed backpacks.
- Soft carriers.
- Bei Dais or Meh Dais (formally known as mei tais.)
- Pouch wraps.
- Woven wraps.
Quick Tip: Each type of carrier has drawbacks and benefits. You’ll find that you’ll likely need more than one baby carrier for your child. What works for an infant may not work for an older baby. Your infant will need head support, while an older baby will be more independent and capable of more positions. Each wrap will also be able to hold a varying degree of weight, so you’ll have to keep a close eye on that.
Benefits of Babywearing:
Babywearing helps to meet your baby basic needs: the youngest child is in continuous contact with his parents, which reinforces the bond of attachment, while securing the child. Here are some of the biggest perks of babywearing for your child:
- The skin to skin decreases 74% of the stress hormone in the baby. (Source : Porter bébé, avantages et bienfaits)
- An American orphanage introduces the TLC (Tender Loving Care), a method that favors tenderness and a daily regime of maternal care: babies are worn, taken in arms to be comforted ... The death rate falls from 35 to less than 10%! (Source : La Peau et le toucher d’Ashley Montagu)
- Wearing your baby for the first few months can result in 43 percent less crying as a whole and 51 percent less in those precious evening hours when you’re also trying to get some sleep (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3517799)
- Wearing your baby in a carrier will be reminiscent of carrying it around in your belly (Source: https://boba.com/blogs/boba-reads/the-second-nine-months-exterogestation-and-the-need-to-be-held)
- Babywearing can reduce colic. The exact reason isn’t completely proven, but experts believe it may be the additional human touch that makes a colicky baby cry less (Source: https://gofatherhood.com/2009/05/are_slings_a_simple_solution_for_babies_with_colic/)
- Connect With Other Like Minded Moms: In my experience, parents who babywear are often delighted to meet and connect and share their tips, tricks, and experiences with other babywearing moms and dads. Babywearing meetups can be easily found in your city (or online: https://wrapyourbaby.com/babywearing-groups/), and there’s even the annual International Babywearing Week which aims to raise awareness and normalize babywearing in society.
How to wear your baby safely:
Babywearing can be a great thing for both you and your baby, but you need to pay attention to certain safety precautions when you’re doing it. Here are the components of TICKS (Source: https://www.beststart.org/bcpresources2016/handouts_for_parents/PQCHC_TICKS-RuleForSaveBabyWearing%20(English).pdf) for a safe ride with your baby:
- Tight: Your carrier has to fit you tightly to keep your baby supported enough for a safe ride. If fabric isn’t pulled tight enough when you’re wearing a wrap, your baby can shift positions and slide down, which may affect its breathing. If your baby shifts too far downward, it can put unnecessary strain on your back.
- In View Always: You have to be able to see your baby’s face at all times. You shouldn’t have to push aside fabric to spot their face. If you do, that could mean they aren’t getting enough air.
- Close Enough For A Kiss: When you’re wearing your baby on your chest, its head should be positioned close to your chin, so close that could lean your head down and give them a kiss.
- Keep Their Chin Off Their Chest: If your baby’s chin is on its chest, you need to readjust their position immediately. That can make it harder for them to breath. An easy way to check if there is enough space is to give it a hand test. If you put your hand under their chin, there should be room for at least one of your fingers between their chin and chest.
- Supported Back: A baby’s back should be supported — you don’t want them leaning back, sagging away from you. They should be tucked up against you, with their tummy and chest touching you. If they are leaning back, slumping, it can make it more difficult for them to breath.
Do you have any tips or stories you would like to share about your babywearing experience? I’d love to hear them!