Baby wearing is the practice of keeping your baby or toddler close and connected to you as you engage in daily activities; this can be done using a variety of different carriers and can greatly benefit both children and caregivers.
Anyone who cares for a newborn or infant can benefit from baby wearing whether this is mum and dad, grandparents, siblings or babysitters and there is a safe and effective carrier option for every budget and taste.
We carry our babies for almost a year whilst pregnant, keeping them warm and safe with our breathing and heartbeat. They're a constant companion and when they're born, its a whole new world for them (and us too!). Luckily baby wearing can bring our little ones closer again whilst also aiding the babies physical and emotional development.
The first few months after birth is sometimes referred to as ‘The Fourth Trimester’ and for good reason, our babies need us more than ever as they make the transition into this big new world and as mentioned earlier, the people closest to us can baby wear too allowing them to build a stronger bond between your child and the people who love them.
Why might people want to Baby Wear?
Parents may want to use the carrier for different reasons; some for when out and about instead of alongside the pram, others may use it for around the house to keep their hands free while doing housework or cooking.
Parents or parents to be who haven’t used a carrier before can be a little nervous at first about putting on and walking with baby in a carrier. Usually after a few tries they become more comfortable and confident.
Benefits of Baby Wearing
There are lots of benefits of baby wearing both for you and your little one, here we list just 5.
1. Strengthens the bond between parent and baby, as you maintain a closeness throughout your day, especially during the "4th trimester."2. Baby wearing makes for easier skin to skin contact which help with babies breathing, heat regulation, temperature control, and brain development. Babies who are carried and have regular skin to skin release Oxytocin, a hormone which contributes to brain development.
3. Allows breastfeeding to be done on the go, and discreetly too, if you want to be covered up. Plus breast milk production is boosted with close contact with baby.
4. Promotes early language development. Babies learn by watching faces, and baby wearing puts your little one at conversational height- "the best seat in the house."
5. Allows parents or caregivers to be "hands-free," while baby is in the carrier, and promotes exploring, discovering and navigating safely and easily without having to maneuver a stroller.