The Art of Baby Wearing
11 May
Babies need a lot of attention and there’s a great way you can have your baby with your all day, hands free. Imagine being able to cook, clean, shop, and play with your other children all while you baby is safely snuggled up against you. Well you can do that and more with the art of baby wearing.
Most people have seen the large backpack carriers that used to be very popular, but babies can now be worn in lots of different positions using several kinds of baby carriers.
There are many different types of carriers that you can get. The kind of carrier you want depends on how you want to carry your baby. There are tons of different choices, so research before you decide which kind you want.
Being worn in a baby sling is good for your baby. Here are just a few benefits your baby gains by being worn during the day:
- Most babies cry less when they’re being worn; up to 50% less. This is because they’re always close to mom. They’re also constantly getting new images to process and understand, so they’re less bored
- The constantly changing stimuli when being carried help stimulate your baby’s brain and promote neural development.
- Babies who are worn by their moms tend to form a stronger bond with her: this is because they always feel safe and secure near her.
- Being able to feel mom’s heart beat and body functioning helps the baby’s biorhythms develop faster. This means they get on a schedule faster and easier
Baby wearing is not only great for your baby: it’s great for you too.
- Wearing your child gives you the comfort of having them there with the convenience of being able to use both your arms.
- With a baby sling, you can breastfeed your child without using your hands.
- You don’t have to haul around and annoying stroller or car seat when you’re out.
- You get a great weight-bearing workout from carrying the extra weight.
- Being with your baby all the time helps you learn their normal cues. Then you can anticipate when they’ll need to be fed, changed, or cuddled.
While baby slings and carriers are considered safe for you and your child, there are some precautions you should take.
- If you carry the baby on your hip or to one side, change sides and directions regularly so you don’t cause yourself back and hip problems.
- Make sure you’re using a carrier or sling that is appropriate for the age of your child and the way you carry them.
- Practice with a doll, teddy bear, before you start carrying your child. This will help you learn to watch their head and to take other precautions to keep them from being injured.
- Don’t wear your baby while in the car: they should be in an appropriate car seat.
If done safely and properly, wearing you baby in a baby sling, or baby carrier can be a great way to bond with them, comfort them, and get all your chores done all at the same time.
. Other baby products will likely prove more long lasting. These might include the infants crib, diaper disposal system and infant play-yard among others.
are one of those baby products that come in every size, shape, color and fashion imaginable. There are huggable diapers, comfort fit, super absorbable varieties and even those specially designed from preemies. One thing you can count on is your baby’s ability to outgrow his diapers at the blink of an eye. While it is good to stock up for the short term, resist the temptation to stock up too far in advance, or you might find yourself with a stash of too small diapers. Also consider “trying out” a couple of different styles and brands before you decide on the one that is best for you and your baby. What works for one baby doesn’t necessarily work for another. Some mothers still prefer to use cloth diapers. In this case, consider looking into a diaper service that will handle the cleaning for you.
. Both generally can hold babies up to 15-25 pounds depending on the model, and thus should last through a majority of the first year and into the second.
are also available that are specially designed to keep baby’s sensitive skin from becoming irritated. Generally the less perfumes and other chemicals added to detergents, lotions and soaps, the better for babies skin. Some of these baby products are even recommended for adults that have sensitive skin.
, 
, 
, 
, 
, 
and 
are just a sampling of the many different baby products available on the market today. Most now come with reviews as well, making the decision making process easier. Not sure what will work best for you and your baby? Check out the kinds of baby products other parents have. Ask a friend which products they felt were “must haves” and which merely made life easier. Undoubtedly you will make the decision that is best for you, but it always helps to have a second opinion.
