Why Practice Baby Wearing?

Because Where You Are Is The Only Place Your Baby Wants To Be!

What is Baby Wearing?

This is an unnatural way of caring for a baby. Baby's expectation is that he will be kept close to you. This is why almost all babies will cry and protest if they are left lying by themselves for any length of time. That is, until they get used to it and realize that no one is coming to pick them up.

There is a whole industry of baby products like swings, bouncy seats, and portable car seats, built on keeping us at arm's length (or more) from our babies. These things do have their place--such as when you need to take a shower or use the bathroom. But, they are definitely overused. I shake my head when I see products that are designed to supposedly soothe a baby "just like mom".

How about we use the real thing?!

Human Babies Are Born 3 Months Early

Human infants are much more helpless than other primates at birth. The first 3 months outside of the womb babies are immature--they really are born "early". Because of our large brains and upright stance (walking on two feet), humans must be born relatively immature developmentally. This is so our large heads can fit through a birth canal that is narrower due to our upright stance.

If humans continued to grow in utero to the point where we were as developed as other primates at birth, we would not be able to fit through the pelvis to be born.

Wearing the baby on the body or carrying her, substitutes for the womb which we had to give up early to have our large brains.

Why Wear Your Baby?

The almost constant motion (even if slight), helps babies to breathe and grow better. It helps to regulate their physiology. Babies are used to constant motion from being in the womb and it is comforting to them.

It promotes bonding

It promotes social development

It helps babies develop better muscle control

Babies who are worn are smarter

Babies learn about the world in a more natural manner when they are carried on the parent's body. Baby can see the world from an adult's perspective instead of laying flat in a crib, on the floor, or in a car seat. She is better able to see adults' facial expressions as they interact with one another and can be more involved in conversation.

Baby can smell your scent and feel your body's warmth

It promotes frequent and discreet nursing

You can nurse your baby without even taking her out of the baby sling!

Dad, Grandma, or other caregiver can wear baby too.

It is not hard with a little bit of practice, and Mom can get a much needed break while baby is being soothed.

Babies who are carried or worn cry less

Babies who are worn grow up to be more secure and independent children

Baby can hear/feel your heartbeat

Baby feels enclosed and safe like in the womb

It stimulates baby's digestion

You can go almost anywhere and baby is content

Instead of taking a bulky stroller or car seat you pop baby in the carrier.

Baby wearing allows you to be hands-free!

This can be a life saver. Most young infants want to be held all the time, and so Mom, Dad or other caregiver, can't get much done. Wearing the baby allows you to be hands free to walk, shop, clean the house, cook, and do pretty much anything! At the same time, you are meeting the need of your baby to be close to you.

I put my baby in a wrap type carrier less than 24 hours after she was born. I wore her almost constantly for the next 3-4 months. She was content and peaceful, and I was happy to have two hands!

The sweetness of having that tiny head nestled on your chest, having a happy and content little munchkin, and having the freedom to get things done, will convert you into a fan of baby wearing in no time!

Check out these tips for getting started with baby wearing

Want to know which type of baby carrier is best for you? Check out Choosing A Baby Sling Or Carrier

Are you already an experienced baby wearer? Share with other attachment parenting mamas your rants and raves about different baby carriers.

Return from Baby Wearing to Dare to Give Birth Naturally Home