Mum and Baby as one; Baby warm, safe and contained
For mum it can help her transition from being pregnant and
being at one with baby to becoming two separate beings- it can feel so good to
still have your baby close to you, near where they have been for nine months,
snuggled up and in easy distance to kiss. In addition, with the right sling you
can wear them skin to skin, increasing bonding and helping establish
breastfeeding. Babywearing is not just for mum, but Dad and other caregivers,
it is a great way for them to start to get to know baby and spend close,
intimate time together.
Babies are designed to be carried, their natural positioning of
their legs as a newborn fits us perfectly, their legs are bowed with feet
turned towards one another so they can hold on fast to their carrier. They have
a grasping reflex which, whilst now only lasts for a short time after birth,
harps back to a time when babies held on to our fur. A baby’s point of focus is
approximately 20 cms in front of them- just the right distance for baby to see
mum’s face when being carried or fed. Babies quickly learn to actively mould to
our bodies, moving with our movement and snuggling up to us.
Embrace your baby close to you
Carrying our babies does not stop having benefits after the
early days, as babies become more curious and are able hold their heads up,
being carried on your hip or back becomes a great place from which they can
view the world. Babies are social and
learn through watching and communicating with others. They learn best when they
are calm and in the sling they are upright and alert with the security of being
near their caregiver. They can join in
with all that the person carrying is up to, interacting with the same people
and learning about the world but always able to tuck into mummy or daddy should it all become too much or they are too tired. It is so companionable to
share all you are doing with your little one from chatting as you walk around the
shops together to cooking the dinner or putting the washing on the clothesline.
Share your world with your little one
Babies are all too soon on the move! First crawling and then
walking. Especially with walking, carrying in a sling is a great way of
allowing a toddler to have the freedom to wonder- both hands free as no buggy
to push- and then when they are tired or in need of reconnecting up they come
into the sling for either a quick cuddle or maybe even a snooze. They now often initiate when they want to be
carried and even how- choosing their sling of preference! Carrying your child
does not have to stop at any particular time, young children still get tired- a
sling in the bag can be a lifeline when you least expect it.
Up for a rest and a chat with mum
Our little ones are only little for a short while- their needs
are constantly changing. Carrying helps enhance communication between mother
and baby so that mum can hear and respond to their little ones changing needs.
It is also a beautiful way to spend quality, cuddly time together and reconnect
as little one slowly finds and moves into their own space and out into the
world more. It is great for them to know that mum is always there to return to,
through having always had that reassurance of closeness from their initial
first days in the world.
