Babywearing
Balancing Parents’ & Baby’s Needs
You are overjoyed and overwhelmed, exhilarated and exhausted. In the first few days and weeks after your baby arrives, the variety of emotions about your new life can make any task seem daunting. You only thought you knew what to expect. Adjusting to this new role after months of anticipation, the needs of a new infant will catch even the most organized parents off guard. Read all the recommended books? Bought all the recommended gear? Forget your daily hygiene routine, your eating schedule, and your need for 10 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Welcome to Parenthood! Now, you will find that the art of balance will become your best friend. If you can find ways to respond to the needs of your baby, nurture that relationship, and meet your own needs, you are on the right path. Fortunately for you, the ancient art of babywearing has stood the test of time, bridging the gap between parents’ and infants’ needs, and giving parents back their freedom and sanity.
When I learned that wearing your baby can strengthen the parent-child bond, soothe and calm baby, and facilitate increased physical and intellectual development while helping me become less stressed, more productive, and more aware of my baby’s needs, I was immediately convinced it was worth trying. It’s not a far stretch to believe that babies who are held often tend to cry less, be more calm and content, sleep more peacefully, nurse better, enjoy better digestion, develop better, and gain weight better. They also benefit from more human interaction by being at eye level with adults who can’t help talking to them. More good news is that the benefits aren’t just for baby. Keeping baby close affords parents the opportunity to anticipate and meet their child’s needs before any crying or screaming ensues. And with the extra mobility babywearing provides, parents who wear their babies are more active and less fatigued. When was the last time you heard that said about your baby bucket or stroller?
Because babywearing has become hugely popular over the last five years, the options for what type of carrier to use seem endless and overwhelming. Don’t let that stop you. You only need to choose your first carrier, and the maze of babywearing options soon will become much clearer and will likely lead you into your next addiction. Carriers can be divided into two main categories: one-shoulder and two-shoulder carriers. One-shoulder carriers such as ring slings and pouch carriers are two of the most popular choices for beginning babywearers because they are simple and easy to use. They are great for snuggling your newborn close and for the toddler who wants to be up and down all in the same breath. Most baby carriers are safe to use from birth to over 30 pounds, but two-shoulder carriers offer more support because they distribute the weight of your child across both shoulders and torso. This makes them a preferred style for wearing during longer periods of time, for outdoor activities, and for wearing heavier and older children. Asian baby carriers such as Mei tais (MAY ties) and soft-structured carriers fit into this category and are easy to use as well. Finally, wraparound baby carriers can be used on one or both shoulders and offer great support and a seemingly infinite number of ways to hold baby close. With the variety of babywearing styles available, parents of all shapes, sizes, and aesthetics are sure to find a carrier they cannot live without.
After the recent recalls of certain popular baby carriers, many parents question whether babywearing is still a safe option. As with any baby gear, proper and safe use is extremely important. Practice first with a doll, and then try your carrier with your baby in front of a mirror and with a partner. General guidelines to follow with any style of carrier include being aware of baby’s breathing, making certain that it isn’t labored, and checking that his chin is not tucked to his chest. You should be able to see your baby’s face and feel every movement. Most baby carriers are sold with instructional DVDs that provide a good overview of how to properly use the carrier, however, even video instruction can be hard to follow when you’ve never used a baby carrier before. There is no substitute for having real live help. There are many babywearing advocacy groups around the world that hold regular meetings where parents can try on carriers and get the hands-on help that they need. Meetings welcome children and parents in all stages to learn the art of babywearing.
In the months after I gave birth to my first my daughter, I struggled to find the right sling for us and was overwhelmed with many the choices. Here are 5 simple steps to get you started slinging:
- Figure out what colors you love to wear and that make you feel special.
- Decide if you want a sling just for you or to share with your baby’s other caregivers
- Choose a fabric appropriate for the weather that would support your baby’s weight
- Meet up with local babywearers and try before you buy.
- Go shopping!
There are literally hundreds of online retailers and many local ones that will be happy to help you with your purchase. The colors and styles available are endless—and that’s a good thing! Choosing a color that makes your heart leap and that you like to wear frequently is your best bet. But the most important part of successful babywearing is connecting with others who also wear their babies. The first sling you buy won't be the last, or the favored one for all time. Your needs will change. The slings I use the most now are very different from the ones I started with, but they've all served their purpose very well. Just get started, then get connected and you can't go wrong. The balance you’ve craved since the birth of your child is only one sling away.
