Benefits of Babywearing

Okay, so I've seen people out and about wearing their babies. Then I see you have this blog about babywearing. What's so great about it anyway?

Well...

• Happy Baby = Less Crying. A study showed that babywearing for 3 or more hours per day reduced infant crying by 43 percent overall, and 54 percent during evening hours. (1) Hello? Who wouldn't be excited about less crying!
• Babywearing helps baby maintain a natural C-shaped spine. Babies don't have the same S-shaped spine that adults have. It develops over time. A baby's spine is actually C-shaped. So by wearing your baby, you're keeping their spine in a C-shape. The key to this, however, is that baby needs to be facing you, not facing out. This keeps the spine in the right position, and allows baby to hide her face if external stimuli gets to be too much.
• Helps baby learn to regulate his breathing and heart rate. With baby so close to mum or dad, he is able to sense your breathing and heart rate, helping him learn to regulate his own.
• Helps baby learn how to respond to outside stimulation. Baby looks at mom's face, and bases her response to an unknown interaction on how mom reacts.
• Bonding tool. Baby has been with mom for at least 9 months, 24/7. By wearing baby, dad or grandma or other caregivers have the opportunity to develop their own special bond with baby. Baby gets to learn the sound of dad's voice, grandma's facial expressions, and that he is safe with other people.
• It's convenient. I mean, seriously. It is. Babywearing allows you to keep your baby close (where baby prefers to be anyway) and still go about your day. You have your hands free to interact with your other children, get some laundry folded or dinner cooked. Oh, and did I mention that you don't have to lug around an extra 15-20 lbs of carseat?
• Ok, this one is selfish. Babywearing helps mom stay in shape! Think about it. You're adding an extra (insert however much your baby weighs) pounds to your daily activities. You're going for a walk? You're going to burn more calories while wearing baby.
• Security. This goes several ways. You're in a crowded place like the zoo or the aquarium? You don't have to worry about where your baby is. Baby overtired or overstimulated? Being in a sling can give her a place to retreat when the outside world becomes too much to handle. It's also a handy place for a nap.
• Economical. Yes, I hear you. "Those slings are expensive!" Just like strollers, there are slings at all different price points. But think of the savings. Instead of a stroller and a bouncy seat and a johnny jump up and all the other baby accessories that you only use for a few weeks or months because babies grow so quickly, you purchase one sling that will last you from newborn well into toddlerhood. Most slings are capable of carrying children up to 35-40 pounds. And you don't have to have an expensive carrier! One of my favorite carriers is a mei tai made by Infantino that cost about $30 at Target. You can also make your own (more on sling options, DIY, and where to buy later).
• Babywearing if FUN! Who doesn't love cuddling a baby? And as your baby grows, being close to you in a sling allows you to interact easily and help baby learn about his world. Wear baby on a walk, and narrate what you're seeing as you go along.

These are just a few of the many benefits to babywearing. I'm sure other mamas who wear their children could come up with several more. The best benefit to babywearing is what you make it. However you choose to wear your child, the important thing is that you care enough to wear them!

(1) Hunziker UA, Garr RG. (1986) Increased carrying reduces infant crying: A random-ized controlled trial. Pediatrics 77:641-648