This entry was posted on Monday, March 16th, 2009 at 7:02 pm and is filed under Baby Slings, Infant development, Parenting Information. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
I’m not sure if the word “babywearing” is in the dictionary, but it is a term that has been coined to desribe wearing your child in a fabric baby sling or carrier, like pictured here. Baby slings and pouches are not new. In the Asian culture people have been wearing their babies and children for centuries, typically on the caregiver’s back. The Mei Tai is the asian-style back carrier, which can also be used in the front-carrying position. There is a newer awareness, however, of babywearing as a way of parenting. Some believe that a baby who is held and carried frequently will become spoiled. Research actually shows that babywearing promotes a sense of security and self-esteem in children. It heightens a caregiver’s perception of the baby’s needs. When babies are responded to quickly then they feel secure and ultimately less demanding or “spoiled.” It calms a fussy baby and reduces overall crying. It provides a great convenience as well because it allows a parent the freedom to continue his or her daily routine while providing the richest, most desirable environment for their child.
