Babywearing Series - Benefits

I love babywearing. In fact, I think Neriah has been in a stroller a total of five times since she's been born, and every time except once, I have taken her out of the stroller and strapped her on or carried her before our outing was over.

There are so many carriers out there, which can be a good and a bad thing. Shopping for the perfect carrier can be overwhelming, especially if your area doesn't have a store that has a variety of carriers you can try on. This also means you probably have to order online. In these series of posts, I'll attempt to make it a little easier for you. :) You're welcome. ;)

First, let's highlight the benefits of babywearing, shall we?

Babies who are worn cry less. I'm sure that sounds good to any mom, especially of a fussy baby! Anthropologists have observed that crying is not 'normal' for a baby. In other cultures, babies cry for mere min. a day, while in western cultures, babies sometimes cry for hours every day. In the other cultures, babies are normally carried/worn, and are only put down to sleep (which happens next to the mom). When the parent cannot wear/carry the baby, the baby is held/worn by someone else.

Babies who are worn learn more. Because these babies are crying less, they have more time to take in the world around them. They are more often in a state of 'quiet alertness', which is said to be the most optimal state for learning. These babies are also in a better position to explore the world visually and can interact better with others.

Babies who are worn are smarter. Babies can better experience their environment while being worn, which stimulates nerves to connect, and helps the brain grow.

Babywearing is convenient. No more lugging around a heavy baby in a heavy car seat! No more trying to maneuver a stroller while shopping or walking down a busy street. No more hauling a stroller in and out of your trunk with a crying baby waiting in the car.

Babywearing promotes attachment. Let's face it. Babies like to be held. Actually, they need to be held, especially right after birth. Wearing your baby creates an environment much like the one they just left: warm, cozy, snug, and close to mommy's beating heart.

Babywearing counts as tummy time. That's right! Babywearing is as good for developing neck development as tummy time is! Good news for mamas of babies who hate being on their bellies!

Babywearing aids in breastfeeding. Newborns will nurse more frequently when they are worn (especially if you wear them skin to skin) which will help greatly with mama's milk supply.

And my absolute favourite: Gross strangers are much less likely to touch your baby when s/he is being worn!

These are just some benefits. Check out more at askdrsears.com or even google 'benefits of babywearing.'

And here's a picture of my usually fussy baby, totally calm and content while shopping: