Holding your baby is a wonderful feeling and babies love it. However, using just one arm to do it certainly can start to feel like it’s weighing you down. Well, don’t miss out on all the holding possible. When you wear your baby in a comfortable sling-type baby carrier like a ring sling or other fabric baby carrier you end up making the weight of the child seem lighter by distributing the weight across your back, shoulders and whole body.
Most parents respond to their baby and hold him or her when needed–when baby is crying or fussing. We advocate holding your baby or wearing your baby as a form of bonding. There is even a term that refers to it. It’s call babywearing. This refers to wearing your baby in some form of baby sling or baby wrap carrier. It’s strongly encouraged by those who embrace the attachment parenting approach to childrearing. It has many advantages especially when it comes to bonding. Babies feel very secure and learn to trust that their need will be met.
Wearing your baby in baby sling carriers is a practice that has been done for centuries in cultures around the world. It has been done mostly out of necessity. Now researchers have shown us how helpful it is. Wearing your baby has emotional and physical benefits for baby. Babies feel more connected to their caregivers which helps them feel secure. Babies who are worn or held more cry less. Therefore they have lower levels of circulating stress hormone in their bodies which we all know is important for health.
There is no doubt about it motherhood is physically demanding. With all the lifting, carrying and bending the demands on a mother’s body are no small consideration. It’s not just the children one lifts and carries it’s also the gear. Well, if you want to take some of the physical burden away then try a sling baby carrier. The wonderful thing about these type of baby carriers is that the child moves with you through your day and through your chores and his or her weight is even distributed across your body. You are also able to read the child’s cues more quickly which reduces everyone’s frustration. Siblings also love it when younger children are worn this way because it frees up mom’s hands to meet their needs as well.
Baby slings, also known as ring slings and wrap baby carriers, have been an integral part of nursing, holding and mothering a child for centuries throughout almost every culture. There is a closeness that a sling provides that no other method of holding a baby can. Fortunately in recent years the many benefits and advantages of holding or carrying your child in a baby sling or wrap have become well-known. Subsequently many wonderful products have come to the market place. Each type of carrier has its advantages and disadvantages. But they all have advantages. The advantages are both for child and parent which makes it such a winning piece of baby gear. For example, baby feels safe and secure being close to his or her caregiver. This leads to good self-esteem and separating easily from the parent as a toddler and preschooler. Forming loving bonds with caregivers helps children establish relationships with others more easily down the road. Mom or dad benefit from the convenience of having baby close and hands free to attend to other children or the multitude of chores and tasks involved in maintaining a home and raising children.
In the Dec/Jan 2010 issue of Parenting magazine there are tips about trying to stay fit for busy moms. The good news is alot of what mom’s do already helps them burn extra calories, such as lifting your baby. Another tip that you might not of thought of is wearing your baby in a sling baby carrier. In Parenting they write “Hug to fit. Carriers are the answer for staying active while being close to your baby. Plus most babies love the motion, which may even lull them to sleep. So you can get a workout in while they nap!”
Being a parent of young children can be exhausting. It’s not just the sleep-deprivation but all the lifting, carrying, and cleaning up! There are ways to make it a little easier. Instead of holding your baby with one arm on your hip try wearing your baby in a baby wrap carrier or baby sling. Baby carriers like these help by distributing the baby’s weight across your shoulders and back. It really makes a huge difference and babies really enjoy being held.
Sling baby carriers are the best baby carrying product on the market. Easy to get on and off. You don’t have to worry about negotiating doors and crowds. Your baby is safe and feels secure. No worries about strangers touching your baby. Baby is close for comfort. Others don’t get too close for comfort. Your hands are free to do anything. Slings are easy to store. Unfortunately they are not easily found in department stores which is why many parents don’t even know about them. Once you realize how great a sling is you’ll agree it’ a baby procuct that’s hard to live without.
Wearing your baby is incredibly helpful in integrating your baby into your daily life. Not only is it practical to wear your baby but it is wonderfully reassuring to know that you are providing the richest and most beneficial environment that you possibly can. There is a wonderful variety of baby carriers (including sling baby carriers, pouch baby slings, buckle and soft backpack carriers). Many carriers can be used for different carrying positions which will accomodate children as they grow. Many carriers can be used up to 35 or even 45 lbs which increases their versatility.
There is one thing you can count on–children grow quickly. There is this window of opportunity to hold your child. In fact, attachment researchers agree that a baby’s emotional, cognitive and physiological systems function optimally with the continued presence of the mother. When a child is worn in a baby carrier the continued presence of the mother is a regulating influence. So the best thing for your baby is also the most convenient for mother. Fortunately, wearing your baby is gaining in popularity which has spawned many wonderful babywearing products. So be it baby ring slings, pouches, or buckle carriers you can wear your baby in the front, hip or back and know you are doing something wonderful for your baby.
