As a new mother, you may feel like your baby wants to be held all the time. But it can be hard to get anything done during the day when you’re holding a baby in your arms! Using a sling or other baby carrier can keep your hands free, while also providing the close physical contact babies thrive on. Sometimes referred to as babywearing, the practice of using baby carriers has many benefits for both mothers and babies. Babies who are held tend to be more content and cry less. Mothers are able to breastfeed hands-free, even while shopping or on the phone! Carrying your baby is good for its mental development. When babies are carried in a sling, they see the world from your point of view, stimulating their senses and encouraging their social development. However, they also have a safe place to retreat if they feel over-stimulated. Being carried is also beneficial to baby’s emotional development. Having close physical contact enables babies to develop a sense of security and attachment. And with a baby carrier, you don’t have to be at home for nap time - most young babies sleep quite happily in a sling!
Babywearing is good for you as a mother, too! Carrying a baby in your arms all day can be tiring, leading to achy arms and backs. Using a sling relieves your body, while still allowing you to provide the closeness your baby needs. Not sure what kind of baby carrier is right for you? There are literally hundreds of options, including backpack style carriers, soft ring slings, Asian style carriers, and fabric wraps that can be used dozens of different ways. The options can be dizzying, so to choose a carrier, do some research. Check out websites devoted to babywearing for reviews of carriers. Talk to friends with babies to see what they like. Check out baby boutiques that stock baby carriers. If there’s a group in your city devoted to babywearing, attend a meeting where you can try out your many options!
You may find that it’s helpful to have different carriers at different points in your baby’s life. While a stretchy wrap is wonderful for a newborn, something like a soft structured carrier is more suitable for a heavy toddler. Additionally, some people find that they benefit from owning several different carriers. A one-shouldered ring sling or pouch is wonderful for running errands, but if you plan to wear your baby for several hours at a time, you may prefer to use a carrier that spreads your baby’s weight over two shoulders. Experiment to see what fits your needs best. Before baby arrives, practice using your baby carrier. Many carriers come with instructional booklets or DVDs showing different ways to use them. Websites devoted to babywearing often have online tutorials available. If you’ve practiced using your carrier beforehand, you’ll be ready to go when your baby arrives!