Fortunately for people who like to hold their children in a baby carrying sling there is a sling for every season. There are fleece slings for the colder months and climates and there are mesh slings for summer and being in the water. Mesh slings are not only breathable and dry quickly when wet but they also provide UV protection. Kangaroo Korner makes great water slings.
Experts agree and research shows that children who are held more cry less and are more content. If you are out and about you’ll see. Children in strollers typically will want to get out. Not true for children carried in a baby sling, front pack or back pack. Parents also have the comfort of knowing baby is close and safe. You don’t have to manuever a baby sling through doors and over curbs. Since baby’s weight is distributed evenly you also don’t have the physical stress of carrying your child single-handedly on your hip. Join the babywearing revolution.
Ever see that mother or father wearing his or her baby in a baby sling. They make it seems so effortless and comfortable. In addition the baby is usually content. Well, of all the baby gear to have a fabric baby sling or wrap should be at the top of the list. It’s easy to transport, put on, and take off. Babies feel safe, secure, and content. It takes some practice and getting used to but once you have the hang of it it’s the best.
Newborn babies want to feel like they are still in the womb. It takes time for them to get used to life in the world. They like the things that simulate the womb. For example, wearing your baby in a fabric baby sling or a wrap provides the warmth of mom’s body, a snug enclosed feeling, the sound of her heart beat, and the motion of her movement. Not to mention the protection from older siblings! It also frees us mom’s hands making it very convenient and is wonderful for parent-infant bonding.
Wearing your baby in a fabric baby sling, wrap or carrier is smart. Not only is smart for mom or dad because of its convenience and ergonomic design but also it helps your baby become smart. Babies who are worn learn more. Brain growth is enhanced by environmental experiences. The nerves in the brain branch out and make connections with other nerves. This process is optimized when you wear your baby because babies are more content. They spend more time in the state of quiet alertness so their energy and attention are directed toward taking in the environmental experiences around them. This builds brain. Babywearing is the best.
Unfortunately, a woman’s birthing experience is not always ideal. There are alot of possible complications that can occur with labor and delivery. If there is concern about the baby’s health or condition right after delivery then the baby may need medical attention that interferes with the bonding opportunity right after birth. Though initially distressing a mom can accept that the baby’s condition needs to be addressed and managed first. The good news is that bonding with your baby is a longterm process, not one magical moment. One way to enhance the bonding process is called babywearing. This refers to holding or carrying your baby in a fabric baby sling. You can do this starting at any age and continue as long as you like. It’s natural to want to hold and carry your baby and you can’t spoil him or her by doing this. In fact, it gives your child a secure feeling that his or her needs are being met. Babywearing is a great way to make up for any lost bonding opportunity after birth.
Babywearing stimulates baby’s brain development and cognitive learning. Babies who are carried in a fabric baby sling spend more time in the quiet, alert state. This is the best state for learning. Babies in the quiet, alert state show increased visual awareness of their environment. This gives them a distict advantage. At the same time they are at the caregiver’s eye level. Parents can do more showing and explaining when baby is at their level. Studies show that more words spoken to a baby, the higher their IQ will be. When parents are going through their day the more speaking, showing, and explaining they can do to their baby. This has been shown to help baby learn.
Babies who are worn or held closely in a baby sling or carrier feel more safe and secure. Wearing your baby or toddler in a baby sling helps your child feel safe and secure. The familiar experiences of mother’s heartbeat, rhythm of breathing and motion replicate what it was like in the womb. This increases baby’s sense of security. Not only do babies feel physically secure but they also learn that their needs will be met quickly because a parent is more closely in tune with the child. This helps a child feel emotionally secure. In addition, if there are older siblings who may be experiencing some jealousy the baby who is worn is less vulnerable. This also helps the baby feel safe.
Baby slings are great for dads, grandparents, and other caregivers. Typically everyone wants to get their hands on a baby. If a baby is breast-fed then a big part of caregiving is being done by mom. It’s important for others to care for baby and build an attachment of their own. This is especially true for dad who doesn’t get the automatic headstart on bonding that comes with being pregnant. Holding and caring for your baby this way also gives mother a break. Wearing a baby in fabric baby sling, pouch, or carrier helps your baby become used to your voice, heartbeat, movements, and facial expressions. Cuddling your baby in a sling is a wonderful way to get to know your baby and for baby to get to know you.
Wearing your baby in a fabric baby sling, wrap, or pouch increases bonding. Bonding doesn’t take place in one magical moment but rather is a process of building a strong, loving, secure parent-child relationship. In the beginning this takes place by meeting your baby’s needs and one way to meet a baby’s needs for connectedness is by holding him or her a lot. Babywearing makes it easy and enjoyable.