For example we've had a lot of snow lately and inevitably Timmy got a runny nose and sore throat. The only way I could find to calm and comfort him was to put him in the ring sling and walk/rock him around. The temperature of my skin on his, cooled down his slight temp. Also the rhythm of my breathing matched in time with his was very soothing.
I have always gotten lots of positive response's while carrying Timmy. I now after killing my wrists carrying car seats all over with my first two, I feel sorry for the mommies I see that haven't discovered the joys of wearing.
CARRIED BABIES...
- Cry Less! (43% less overall and 54% less during the evening hours)
- Are Healthier! (gain weight faster, have better motor skills, coordination, increased muscle tone, and sense of balance)
- Get a better view of the world! (babies pushed in strollers or lugged around in car seats only get to see the adult world at knee-level)
- Become Independent Faster! (making them more confident and less clingy)
- Sleep Better! (they fall asleep quicker and sleep for longer periods of time)
- Learn More! (not overstimulated, but calm and alert, observing the world around them)
- And are just plain Happier!
Wearing your baby is incredibly helpful in integrating your baby into your daily life. Not only is it practical to wear your baby but it is wonderfully reassuring to know that you are providing the richest and most beneficial environment that you possibly can.
Carrying your baby-
- creates confident parents -there's no better feeling than when your baby is calm and content because you have met all her needs
- allows you to safely move about with your baby regardless of terrain- you can stroll down uneven sidewalks, narrow lanes, walk up stairs, or climb mountain
- is convenient- there is no awkwardness like when carrying a heavy plastic car seat with one arm!
- enables better communication between you and your baby - (without your baby having to cry!) as you become attuned to her facial expressions and other gestures
- provides security-access to food, warmth, and love
- is good for your soul -it encourages you to get out and get some exercise and some fresh air into your lungs
- makes discreet nursing possible-without having to find a place to sit
- helps you to interact with your other children and hold your baby close at the same time- very practical if you have other little ones
- allows you to decide who may touch or interact with your baby
- aids digestion- the constant motion and the upright position eases acid reflux and colic
- allows you to go places, together!- you can go anywhere and feel secure.
Carried babies-
- learn more- not overstimulated, but calm and alert, which is the optimum state for nervous system development
- are allowed their necessary period of exterogestation which is often overlooked (The Best Place After the Womb: Exterior Gestation and the Need to Be Held)
- become independent faster- when your baby feels loved and cared for then they are confident and trust that you will be there to meet their needs (American Anthropologist research)
- regulate their own physical responses -better motor skills, coordination, and sense of balance from observing you and listening to you (read research on PubMed)
- are calmer - when you are close to your baby and can quickly respond to all of her needs there is no reason to be cranky!
- cry less -less stress hormones from crying means your baby is happier and more peaceful (read The American Academy of Pediatrics' research)
- get a better view of the world- babies pushed in strollers or in car seats only get to see the adult world at knee-level
- sleep better -babies fall asleep quicker and sleep for longer periods of time (Harvard University research)
Your baby will feel loved and secure. You will feel confident and free.
and the best of all...
YOUR HANDS ARE FREE!
You can cook, shop, paint, hike, sweep, read a book with your toddler, go for a stroll or even treat yourself to a nice lunch out in the town.
With babywearing, the possibilities are endless.
This is not me, I wish I looked this cute and skinny! This is my sweet friend from babywearing and her adorable kids. She's totally super babywearing mom here!!
