Babywearing Benefits

THE BENEFITS

The benefits of babywearing are as great in number as they are in effect. In fact, Jean Liedloff, in her book The Continuum Concept, goes so far as to assert that the ills of Western society, such as crime and self-abuse would be no more if only people carried their babies from birth. If you think that's stretching it a bit far, why not read the book and make up your own mind :)

For me, perhaps the most fundamental benefit of babywearing is how it has allowed me to carry on with my life pretty much as before, particularly when the babies were very small and could be held close throughout most of the day. In this way, they have fitted in with me, rather than the other way around, and are included in every area of my life. And all this whilst knowing that their physical and emotional development is being cared for along the way.

Your baby's entrance into the world has the potential to cause untold chaos, both physically and mentally. Wearing her in a sling enables you to do things, go places, maintain a semblance of 'normality' and therefore lessen the overwhelming experience that new parenthood can throw at you.

So, then, here's a run-down of some major benefits for both parent and child starting with you, the parent:

One hand free... you have at least one hand free to attend to older children if you have them. Especially useful during the 'witching hour' around tea time, when everybody is grumpy and you need 8 hands
Go anywhere... shop doorways, stairs, buses, trains, planes, Mt Everest, indeed anywhere that isn't pram-friendly poses no obstacle
Touch and caress... you can kiss your baby's silken head constantly and stroke her hand. Make the most of it; by the time she's 12, any public displays of affection will be frowned upon ;)
Constant contact... Being in constant contact with your baby allows you to read and respond to her needs, such as hunger, instantly
Enhances breastfeeding... the close proximity of the baby stimulates the hormone prolactin, which means, quite simply, more breast milk
Alleviate PND... a couple of days of feeling inexplicably blue can be quite normal in the days immediately after childbirth; suffering post-natal depression is not. Babywearing can really help alleviate PND by encouraging the parent/child bond

And for your baby:

Babies who are worn more cry less... yes, babies do cry, but it's not a pleasant experience for either them or us. Research shows that babies who are worn an extra two hours a day cry 51% less in the evenings
The womb in continuum... whilst worn, your baby is tightly cocooned, just as she was in the womb; that familiar, safe environment is continued and she is comforted and calmed, gently swaying with your movements, just as she was before birth. If the world gets too much she can snuggle up against you away from external stimuli, reassured by the sound and feel of your loving heartbeat
Security, self-confidence and self-esteem... babywearing promotes your baby's innate sense of well-being
Metabolism, nervous system, vital functions... the holistic aspect of your baby's physical body thrives because it's stimulated through the warmth and movement of the wearer
Sociability and inclusion is encouraged... because your baby is high on your chest, communication is not only easier and more frequent, but happens at eye level
Support for the developing hips and spine... when held in the spread, sit, squat position (the 'm' position), your baby's developing hips and spine are supported in the optimal position for correct development