Baby wearing: What is it?
You may have seen parents in
the city with babies tied to their chests or backs. Baby slings are a great way
to bond with your baby. It can also free up your hands so you can carry your
baby and continue doing chores around the house. Other benefits include
soothing a colicky baby and helping breastfeed more inconspicuously in public.
People have been carrying
their babies for thousands of years. While there are many benefits of baby
wearing, you should also take certain precautions.
What are the benefits of baby wearing?
Baby wearing can benefit both
caregivers and babies. Some of the benefits include:
Happy children.
This is one of the most important reasons why many people begin to carry a
child. Studies have shown that babies who are carried in their arms cry less.
Carrying a baby for at least 3 hours a day has been shown to reduce crying.
When irritability peaks around 6 weeks, babies who are held more often cry 43%
less during the day. They also cried 51% less during the evening hours.
Encourages breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding, the proximity of the baby to
the breast can make breastfeeding easier. This can make breastfeeding easier
and more natural. In one study, women who wear slings were twice as likely to
continue breastfeeding when their baby was 5 months old than women who did not.
Baby wearing can also help you
practice responsive eating. Jet feeding involves feeding your baby based on
early signs of hunger rather than feeding him on a schedule or waiting for him
to cry. The study found that mothers who are carrying their child are more
likely to practice adaptive feeding and are more likely to exclusively
breastfeed at 6 months of age than mothers who do not.
Healthy children.
Research has shown that skin-to-skin contact can promote a child's development.
Kangaroo care, which consists of holding the baby skin to skin against the
breast, helps babies:
- Sleep more
- Stabilize heart rate
- Decrease crying
- Gain weight
- Breastfeed longer
- Improve breathing patterns
- Improve oxygen saturation levels, which indicate how well oxygen is getting to a baby's organs and tissues
Of course, you can practice kangaroo
care without a baby, but carrying a baby with you is much more convenient. A
baby wearing or carrier makes it easier for you to work and take care of
yourself by keeping your baby close and giving him all the benefits of kangaroo
care.
Is baby wearing safe?
The biggest problem with baby wearing
is choking, especially for babies under 4 months old. Babies do not hold their
heads very well during the first few months after birth due to weak neck
muscles. If your child's mouth and nose are blocked, he won't be able to
breathe. If you keep your baby curled up in position C, it will also make
breathing difficult.
Take full advantage of baby
wearing and protect your baby. This includes:
- Tight. The sling or carrier you use should be tight enough to keep your baby close to you.
- In view at all times. You should be able to
see your baby's face by glancing down and without having to move the fabric.
- Close enough to kiss. Your baby's head should be as close to your chin as
possible.
- Keep chin off chest. You should be able to
fit at least a finger between your baby's chin and chest.
- Supported back. Your baby's back should be supported so that they are not
slumped or curled into a C shape.
What are the different types of baby carriers?
There are many types of baby
carriers and slings to choose from. You may find that different methods work
better depending on what you are going to do and the age of your child. Some
parents change the carrier every day, while others use it for everything from
cuddling a newborn at home to active days with a toddler. Whichever media you
choose, be sure to read the instructions that come with it and learn how to use
it safely.
- Baby wraps.
This is perhaps the most versatile type of support. A sling is a long piece of
fabric that you use to tie your baby to your chest or back. Scarves are
available in stretch knit or woven fabric. Once you learn how to use them, they
become very comfortable. Elastic bandages are great for newborns but may not
support toddlers. Woven slings are strong enough to be used with both older
children and newborns.
- Pouches and ring slings.
They are worn on one shoulder like a belt. The material is tough to provide a
pocket for your child. Ring slings have a ring that can be used to adjust the
sling for a better fit. Pockets are not adjustable.
- Soft-structured carrier.
They are similar to a backpack, although they can also be worn on the front.
They have a structured waistband and padded shoulder straps. They also have
buckles to adjust the fit.
- Meh dais.
These are Asian-style carriers made of a rectangle of fabric and straps that
tie at the waist and shoulders. These are versatile baby carriers that can be
worn on the front, back or hip.