The benefits of Babywearing

Regain the use of both of your arms

One of the most appealing benefits of babywearing- you can multi-task! Wearing your baby means that your hands are free to do other things that perhaps your little bundle of joy previously might have been objecting to. How often have you tried to sit down to eat, only to find that your baby has other ideas? If you wear your baby in a sling or carrier, you are providing the comfort they are craving, but you can still continue with your other tasks. Pretty nifty, huh? Babywearing means taking your baby with you wherever you go without worrying about folding and unfolding heavy strollers or unclipping car seats. It means that you can have two arms free to do the grocery shopping. It means no more frantic face washes in the morning while the baby cries in the car seat by your feet. In this way, babywearing helps reduce stress- for both you and baby.

Keeping baby close

Babywearing helps you bond with your baby simply because you hold them closely a lot more. This helps combat the ‘baby blues’, and studies have also found that symptoms of Post Partum Depression can be eased through babywearing. On the flip side, babywearing means that baby feels safe and secure, too, thus strengthening the two-way bond and helping to develop the parent-child relationship.

In addition to bonding, having a baby close to you helps you become a responsive parent because you are constantly on hand to recognise and address your baby’s needs. If you breastfeed, you can do so while baby is in a sling, providing warmth, comfort, and nourishment.

Less crying

It makes sense. Babies who are held close to their parents cry significantly less than babies who are not- and a settled baby tends to mean better sleep too.

Health benefits

Keeping baby securely wrapped or held upright against your chest can also have many health benefits, ranging from easing symptoms of colic and reflux to regulating baby’s body temperature and heart rate. Studies have found that premature babies benefit from kangaroo care (essentially keeping baby close for skin to skin contact), and babywearing can be considered very similar. Babywearing can also help improve baby’s communication and gross motor skills and help you out physically. Think of all the extra walking you’ll do so that you can keep your baby close rather than strap them into a car seat.

Tips for babywearing

If we’ve convinced you, there are a few babywearing rules you need to consider before you get started. Not all wraps or carriers are the same, and there are specific ways to carry your baby depending on their age. The Babywearing Institute has lots of safety information online to help you decide which type of sling or carrier is right for you and guidelines for use. Please do take a look. Similarly, the Ergo blog has many posts and articles on safe babywearing and tips to get the most out of it.

Ultimately, you need to make sure that babywearing works for you and your baby. While there are so many benefits to babywearing, that’s not to say that it will be the best solution for everyone. Spend some time researching the different slings and carriers available and if you can, try them out first. Make sure you are confident in your decision of sling and how to use it.