It’s You and Me Baby

All mothers know that most infants spend about 65% of the day asleep (well, if you’re lucky!).  But sometimes it can seem like infants wake up and start fussing at the most inopportune times.  When traveling or in transit, it can be a real hassle to have a fussy infant with you.  For this reason, cuddle wraps are the ideal baby carriers for infants from a couple days old to several months.  The cuddle wrap is designed to support the infant and provide them with a comfortable place to rest.  Most infants can’t resist falling asleep in a cuddle wrap, and mothers who own cuddle wraps often find that their infants tend to sleep more soundly and wake up less frequently. 

You’ll be amazed at all the time you can save by wearing a cuddle wrap to support your infant.  Instead of tending to your infant because they are uncomfortable or not warm enough, you can have your hands free to take care of all those everyday tasks.  In addition, you’ll find it much easier to cuddle with your infant when you do have the time! 

Babies worn is slings are more content.  Studies show that the more time babies are being held, the less time they spend crying.  In many cultures babywearing (i.e. wearing your baby in a fabric baby sling) is the norm.  Babies who are worn cry for only a few minutes a day versus babies in Western culture where the “normal” amount of crying is measured in hours.  Crying is exhausting for both parents and babies.  It may be damaging to the baby’s developing brain which is getting flooded with stress hormones during crying.  Babies who are content can spend their energy calmly observing and learning about everything around them.  Therefore, babywearing is especially useful for colicky or high-needs babies who are much happier when they are worn.  However, even more content babies benefit from the bonding opportunity that babywearing offers.

Let’s face it, some baby carriers can be quite uncomfortable with all the chafing, back strain, and poor weight distribution.  Carrying your baby should be enjoyable and shouldn’t limit your movement, which is why an ergonomic baby sling is the best choice.  An ergo baby sling is quite comfortable, and offers your infant the support they need while preventing chafing and strain to your shoulders and back.  Ergo baby slings have been around for centuries, and are modern versions of the simple fabric slings mothers used to carry their babies in the ancient world.  An ergo baby sling is the ideal baby carrier for mothers whether making dinner, shopping, or just visiting friends.  In addition, you can sit down with your ergo baby sling and not have to worry about you or your baby being uncomfortable (a real problem with some baby carriers). 

You can find ergo baby slings at most retailers of infant products, but it’s a good idea to ensure that the sling bears a specific description of being ‘ergonomic’.  This indicates that the sling was designed for maximum function and comfort. 

I don’t think there is a greater joy or feeling of fulfillment for a mom or dad than to cuddle and hold his or her baby closely.  When babies are very young they want to be held alot–some want to be held all the time.  You can’t spoil a baby by holding him or her.  If you want to facilitate the bond with your baby consider wearing him or her in a baby sling, pouch or wrap.  It’s a trend referred to as babywearing and the benefits to child and cargiver are tremendous.

At birth a baby is already accustomed to a parent’s rhythms and sounds and knows a parent’s scent.  By wearing your child in a fabric baby sling, carrier or wrap you are spending time in close contact.  This helps a child feel secure–maintaining the familiar rhythms, sounds, and scents that a baby is already in tune with.  It also provides the familiar motion that resembles what it was like in the womb.  It’s called babywearing and provides a wonderful opportunity to bond with your baby while meeting their needs.  It’s a win-win situation.

 Over the last several decades, the baby products industry has developed a wide range of products that promote separation not closeness.  For example, infant swings and bouncy seats.  These devices basically hold your baby for you while you try to eat or even go to the bathroom!  If you choose to wear your baby in a fabric baby sling, pouch, or wrap then you have the opportunity to get all the benefits of having your baby close, plus the convenience of having your arms free to take care of your own basic needs.   There are important benefits to you and your baby being in close contact through babywearing.  For example, by wearing your baby you provide 3 familiar elements:  1) steady heartbeat, motion, and closeness.  When carried a baby shares in rocking, walking, and talking with the caregiver which reduces fussing.  The rhythm of the parent’s breathing stabilizes baby’s breathing and the warmth of the caregiver helps the baby regulate his or her own temperature.  Being held increases calming hormones and decreases levels of stress hormones in the baby.  Most important is the bonding that takes place when you hold and comfort your baby.

When it comes to carrying my little girl, Dawn, I want to ensure that she is comfortable and warm at all times.  I’ve found that Dawn cries if I put her in a stroller or a traditional baby carrier or basket.  Thus I started using a baby sling wrap, and since, Dawn just falls asleep right in front of me and seems at peace.  I can take Dawn just about anywhere, and whenever she’s in her baby sling wrap, she just cuddles up against me and sleeps.  It’s great when I need to go to the store or even go into work for a few minutes because Dawn will just sleep and I can do all I need to do without interruption. 

I think Dawn and I even have more fun playing when we are together because she doesn’t fuss when I need to do stuff around the house or out and about.  I’m so thankful I have my baby sling wrap! 

Ergonomics is the scientific study of human needs, and ergonomists theorize about methods in which to accommodate those needs.  For example, one of the most commonly recognized ergonomically developed products is the ergonomic keyboard.  This helps keep the hands from cramping or developing carpel tunnel syndrome for people who spend large portions of the day on their keyboards.  Much of ergonomics is focused on studying situations humans find themselves in often, such as in front of a computer, inside the car, or carrying an infant.  You will find automobile interiors designed to ergonomic standards, as well as ergonomic baby carriers that can support the weight of infants and still leave the mother or father’s back aligned. 

There are hundreds of issues that are caused by people straining themselves in seemingly common situations; conditions like neck pain, back pain, and tiredness can all be attributed to something simple like a non-ergonomic chair. 

There’s no doubt about it children love to be held.  Whether it’s a newborn, infant, or toddler they love to be in the arms of their caregivers.  If your child won’t let you put him or her down and your arms are sore then consider wearing your child in a fabric baby carrier.  There are many baby carriers (also called slings) on the market to help you wear your child.  Some popular brands are Kangaroo Korner adjustable pouches, Hotslings, Maya Wrap, Moby Wrap, Cuddly Wrap, Mei tai-style carriers and others.  If your not sure which would be best for you see our post on How to Choose.  Wearing your baby this way is much more comfortable, ergonomic and versatile.  Plus it gives your child the advantages of being close to you–they feel the rhythm of your heart beat and breathing, are protected from overstimulation, can nurse discreetly, and can see the world from your vantage point.  It’s much more enjoyable for both of you.

Once you have a child your life is never the same.  With each additional children added to a family the dynamics among family members change.  Sibling rivalry is a natural phenomenon.  It’s inherent for survival that each child knows that he or she is still loved and adored just like a new sibling.  As a child gets older he or she becomes more independent so is less dependent on mom or dad to meet every single need.  But all children still strive to be loved and nurtured.  So is there anything you can do to help the situation when a newborn comes along?  Well, young infants want to be held alot so you can accomplish two things by wearing your young infant in a fabric baby carrier like a Maya Wrap, Moby Wrap,  Cuddly Wrap or Kangaroo Korner adjustable pouch.  It takes care of the holding of the young infant while freeing up your hands to play with, hug or attend to your older children.