Newborn Carrier: 5 Benefits of Babywearing for New Moms
So you might be wondering – what is babywearing exactly? Simply put it’s the practice of carrying your baby or toddler in a baby carrier wrap, sling or soft structured carrier. Though it may seem like the latest trend, babywearing has been around for centuries – and for good reason too. Most newborn babies love the feeling of being held close to their parents, and, let’s be honest, the parents love it too. Not only does it give new moms and dads a feeling of closeness with their baby, it also makes life a little easier for them too. Once your baby is secure in their carrier, you then have your hands free to accomplish some of the things you need to do – laundry, cooking dinner, shopping etc. And while parents might love the convenience of baby wearing, there’s also a number of benefits for baby too. We’ve compiled the top 5 benefits of babywearing for both you and your baby, with tips on how to choose the carrier that works best for you. It might just convince you to start babywearing too!
Thinking of Babywearing? 5 Reasons Why You Should Give It a Try
1. Babies who are carried have been shown to cry less.
Being carried and feeling the safety of mom or dad can have a soothing effect on your baby. It can also help babies who are colicky as babywearing allows you to carry baby in an upright position that may help ease their symptoms.
MORE TIPS FOR NEW MOMS: 5 Reasons Why Your Baby Might Be Crying, and What To Do
2. Babywearing is good for babies physically.
The baby wrap or sling holds baby’s body in a comfortable, ergonomically correct position much the same as when baby was in the womb. It supports baby’s hips and spine in a natural position. Carrying your baby in an upright position also helps to promote healthy digestion as it can massage baby’s abdomen. It can also help to prevent physical abnormalities like hip dysplasia or a flattened skull which can occur when a baby spends too much time lying on their back or belly.
3. Babywearing is good for baby’s emotional development
With baby nestled close to you, you’re meeting their primal need for warmth and comfort, while also providing easier access to breastfeeding. Babies who feel this comfort tend to cry less and are generally calmer.
4. Babywearing makes life a little easier
Wearing your baby in a carrier allows you to have your hands free to do whatever it is you need to do – whether it’s chores, playing with an older sibling or doing some grocery shopping!
MORE TIPS FOR NEW MOMS: How to Survive Life with a Newborn: Parenthood Advice
5. Babywearing promotes bonding
Babywearing allows you to create a sense of attachment with your little one and helps you meet their needs more quickly. It can also help mothers of premature babies or those who are suffering from depression nurture and bond with their baby by keeping them close and giving mom the opportunity to kiss, smell and touch their baby.
Choosing the right carrier for you and your baby
It’s important you research your options and choose a carrier that works for both you and your baby. What works for one doesn’t always work for all. There are a number of babywearing choices out there so take your time before you decide on the right one for you. Here are some guidelines to help you decide:
- Make sure the carrier you choose is suitable for the age of your baby (i.e. some are more appropriate for older babies, others are designed more for newborns).
- Does your child meet the height and weight requirements of the carrier?
- Is there an insert required for newborns? Often this is not included with the original carrier so keep that in mind.
- Always read the manufacturer’s instructions and ask questions if you’re unsure
- Purchase your carrier directly from a store to make sure that it is authentic and follows safety guidelines.
- Every once in a while check your carrier to make sure that all the seams and fasteners are intact and working properly.
- Try a few different carriers on before you buy and try different types too (wraps, slings, structured carriers).
- You may even want to purchase a couple of carriers for the various stages of baby’s development. Wraps and slings are ideal for newborns while structured carriers are great for older babies and toddlers.
Babywearing is the ultimate way to bond with your baby and provides them with a safe and comfortable place to learn about the world around them. Babies who are carried are generally happier and, let’s face it, a happy baby = a happy parent. Whether you choose a baby carrier wrap, sling or structured carrier, know that you are providing your little one with countless benefits to their overall emotional and physical development. Not only that, it gives you the convenience of being hands-free, allowing you to get what you need to do done. And it’s an easy way to promote bonding, not only between the new mom and her newborn but for dads too.
Babywearing can help soothe your little one to sleep and once they’re there, try using a comforting sound machine and night light to help them stay asleep. Bubzi Co.'s Soothing Sleep Owl sings 10 gentle lullabies and projects colorful stars onto the nursey wall to softly calm and settle your baby into a deep sleep.
Photo credit: Bigstock, Pixabay
