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by Laura Simeon, MA.
1. Wearing a baby is convenient
When we carry a baby in a sling, we can walk around freely and not
have to worry about negotiating steps, crowds or narrow aisles with
a stroller. Plastic "baby buckets" and removable car seats are heavy
and awkward for parents, babies often look uncomfortable, and they
are kept at knee level. A sling can block out excess stimuli when
breastfeeding a distractible baby, and it allows for discreet nursing
in public places. A sling can also double as a changing pad, blanket,
or cushion when away from home. I’ve found my sling especially handy
when negotiating busy airports with a small child and several bags!
2. Wearing a baby promotes physical development.
When a baby rides in a sling attached to his mother, he is in tune
with the rhythm of her breathing, the sound of her heartbeat, and
the movements his mother makes - walking, bending, and reaching.
This stimulation helps him to regulate his own physical responses,
and exercises his vestibular system, which controls balance. The
sling is in essence a "transitional womb" for the new baby, who
has not yet learned to control his bodily functions and movements.
Research has shown that premature babies who are touched and held
gain weight faster and are healthier than babies who are not1. Mechanical
swings and other holding devices do not provide these same benefits.
3. Babies worn in slings are happier.
Studies have shown that the more babies are held, the less they
cry and fuss2. In indigenous cultures where baby-wearing is the
norm, babies often cry for only a few minutes a day - in contrast
to Western babies, who often cry for hours each day. Crying is exhausting
for both the baby and his parents, and may cause long-term damage
as the baby’s developing brain is continually flooded with stress
hormones.3 Babies who do not need to spend their energy on crying
are calmly observing and actively learning about their environment.
Baby-wearing is especially useful for colicky or "high need" babies,
who are far happier being worn, but placid, content babies and children
will also benefit greatly from the warmth and security of being
held close.
4. Baby-wearing is healthy for you!
It can be challenging for new mothers to find time to exercise,
but if you carry your baby around with you most of the day or go
for a brisk walk with your baby in her sling, you will enjoy the
dual benefits of walking and "weightlifting". A long walk in the
sling is also an excellent way to help a tired but over-stimulated
child fall asleep.
5. Toddlers appreciate the security of the sling.
Slings are usually associated with infants, but they can be very
useful for toddlers as well; most slings accommodate children up
to 35 or 40 pounds. The world can be a scary place for toddlers,
who feel more confident when they can retreat to the security of
the sling when they need to do so. Toddlers often become over-stimulated,
and a ride in the sling helps to soothe and comfort them before
(or after!) a "meltdown" occurs. It can be very helpful in places
like the zoo, aquarium, or museum, where a small child in a stroller
would miss many of the exhibits.
6. Baby-wearing helps you and your baby to communicate with each
other.
The more confidence we have in our parenting, the more we can relax
and enjoy our children. A large part of feeling confident as a parent
is the ability to read our baby’s cues successfully. When we hold
our baby close in a sling, we become finely attuned to his gestures
and facial expressions. Many baby-wearing parents report that they
have never learned to distinguish their baby’s cries because their
babies are able to communicate effectively without ciying! Every
time a baby is able to let us know that she is hungry, bored or
wet without having to cry, her trust in us is increased, her learning
is enhanced, and our own confidence is reinforced. This cycle of
positive interaction enhances the mutual attachment between parent
and child, and makes life more enjoyable for everyone.
7. Slings are a bonding tool for fathers, grandparents, and other
caregivers.
Slings are a useful tool for every adult in a baby’s life. It makes
me smile when I see a new father going for a walk with his baby
in a sling. The baby is becoming used to his voice, heartbeat, movements
and facial expressions, and the two are forging a strong attachment
of their own. Fathers don’t have the automatic head-start on bonding
that comes with gestation, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make
up for this once their baby is born. The same goes for babysitters,
grandparents and all other caregivers. Cuddling up close in the
sling is a wonderful way to get to know the baby in your life, and
for the baby to get to know you!
8. Slings are a safe place for a child to be.
Instead of running loose in crowded or dangerous places, a child
in a sling is held safe and secure right next to your body. Slings
also provide emotional safety when needed, so that children can
venture into the world and become independent at their own pace.
9. Slings are economical.
Slings cost far less than strollers, front-carriers or backpacks.
Many mothers consider the sling to be one of their most useful and
economical possessions. Inexpensive used slings can be found in
consignment and thrift stores, and new ones can be bought for about
$25 -$50 (U.S.) not bad for an item many parents use daily for two
years or more!
10. Baby-wearing is fun.
Who doesn’t love to cuddle a precious little baby? And when your
baby is older, having her in the sling makes conversations easier
and allows you to observe her reactions to the wonders of the world
around her. It’s also fun for baby, because when she is up at eye
level, other adults notice and interact with her more. Your child
will feel more a part of your life when she is in her sling, and
you will find yourself becoming more and more enchanted with this
special little person.
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