What is Babywearing?

Babywearing is a form of transport for your baby, who is wrapped with material that holds them firmly to the mother or whoever wants to carry the baby. It has been around for centuries and now has a place in the homes of many mums for their babies. One of the most wonderful discoveries I have made as a mother would have to be the art of baby wearing. Not only is baby wearing completely convenient it is a special time between mother or father and baby.

There are so many benefits to wearing your baby and research has proven that wearing your newborn helps them to adapt sooner to life outside the womb and having them close helps them to feel comforted and thus more settled. YES!  It has been proven that babies who are worn for two extra hours a day cry 43% less overall and 54% less in the evenings. Babies being carried/worn also spend more time in a quiet yet alert state, the ideal state for learning! They are able to watch and observe the goings on around them whilst feeling safe secure and settled.

Just as premature babies who are touched and held gain weight faster and are healthier than babies who are not, babywearing provides physical contact for baby thus assisting in growth and well being.

That’s not to mention the convenience of hands free snuggles! Cooking dinner while baby snuggles or sleeps, cleaning, gardening, shopping, reading or playing with your older children while still interacting with your baby!

When I started baby wearing with my first two babies I used a sling that held baby in a cradle carry when tiny and as they grew on my hip. With my third baby the whole world of baby wearing opened up to me and from birth I experienced a number of wraps and carriers that made the journey so much more comfortable and exciting for me and my baby!

So a quick guide to the options out there to wear your baby!

Stretchy wraps

These are ideal for newborns and up to around 4-6 months of age.

Soft structured carriers

Ones such as the Ergo provide optimal positioning for baby and comfort for the wearer, using buckles to fasten and adjust they are perfect for children from 4 months to 4 years.

Mei Tai

This is an asian style carrier made up of a body panel and straps that are tied, suitable for babies and toddlers of all ages. There is such a diverse range of amazing Mei Tais available.

Woven wraps

These may be intimidating at first glance as they are one long piece of woven fabric, but they are so versatile, perfect for babies through to toddlers and likely my favourite way to wear my baby.

Ring Sling

is a piece of fabric with rings sewn into one end, it is great for baby of all ages.

Whatever carrier you choose there are a couple of guidelines to remember; Legs/knees should be positioned higher than babies bottom, carriers that allow babies legs to ‘hang’ do not provide the correct support and positioning for baby. An example of this is the Baby Bjorn, although very popular on the market (and very expensive) they do not offer the best positioning and support for your baby. There is a universal guidelines for baby wearing called T.I.C.K.S

T Tight

I In view at all times

C Close enough to kiss

K Keep the chin off chest

S Supported back

So next time you head to the shops and pull out your pram, why not consider wrapping your baby up on your front or back and enjoying a snuggle and a stroll.