Babywearing – Why carry your baby?
Babies are designed to be carried. Even newborn babies lift up their knees and stretch out their arms when they’re picked up, automatically adopting the right position to sit on their parent’s hip. Being carried correctly in a sling supports the spine, keeping it in the rounded ‘C’ shape that babies’ spines need to be in while they are growing.
As babies’ hip joints are not fully formed at birth, it’s also important that babies’ legs are flexed when they’re in a sling so that the hip joint sits securely in the socket. The baby’s knees should be higher than their bottom and their legs should be supported up to the knee so that an ‘M’ shape is seen when looking at the baby:
Benefits of Babywearing for Parents:
- Parents who carry their babies enjoy a close relationship with their baby and learn to pick up on their cues. They have a lower incidence of post-natal depression.
- Breastfeeding may be easier. Mum can read baby’s cues and react quickly to his needs and having her baby close will help her milk supply.
- Using a sling means that parents will have their hands free. This makes tasks such as washing up or cooking much easier. If you have another child, using a sling can reduce sibling rivalry and frustration as you’ll have your hands free to play.
Benefits of Babywearing for Babies:
- Babies who are worn in slings tend to be more settled and sleep for longer.
- They have improved digestion from being held upright and they cry for about half the length of time of babies who are not worn.
- They spend most of their time in a state of ‘quiet alertness’, able to take in what is going on around them.
- Premature babies gain weight faster when worn and have better temperature regulation.
Sling Safety:
There are some simple safety tips which can be used to make sure that your baby is always carried safely. A good sling should have these features (remember the TICKS acronym)
T – Tight
I – In view at all times
C – Close enough to kiss
K – Keep chin off the chest
S – Supported back
Babywearing Options:
There are many different kinds of slings available although not many of these are sold by High Street stores.
Here are the main types:
(hover over images to see description of each)
Choosing a Sling or Baby Carrier:
When choosing a sling or baby carrier, it may be useful to ask yourself the following questions:
- How old is your baby/child? Different slings are more suitable for different ages of babies although babies’ and parents’ preferences also are very important. Stretchy wraps, for example, are ideal for newborns but less suitable for an older baby or toddler.
- Who will be using it? If more than one person will use a sling, you’ll need to buy an adjustable sling or carrier unless you’re both exactly the same height & size. If choosing a wrap, make sure it’s long enough for both of you and make sure you’re both confident using whichever sling you choose.
- How often will you use it and for how long? Think about how the sling distributes weight and try to choose one that spreads the weight through both shoulders and your back if you’ll be using it for long periods of time.
- How easy do you want your sling to be? Wraps are very versatile but take some practice to learn how to tie them. Some people prefer tying slings while others are happier using ones with buckles or rings.
To enable you to make an informed choice, Baby Bliss offer one-to-one & group consultations. These sessions allow you to learn about babywearing safety in a relaxed environment, experiment with each of the types of slings listed above & to find the one which best meets your requirements. Consultations are in your own choice of venue (usually home) & cost £25 for up to 1 hour.
Please email linda@baby-bliss.co.uk to discuss your requirements.
