May 6th, 2010 by mothershipster

People often ask about babywearing, as BOING BOING was the first shop to ever carry a wide selection of carriers. After years of study, observation and personal experience, I can whole heartedly recommend wearing your baby no matter what. When I hear parents say their baby doesn’t like to be carried; I know they just haven’t found the right carrier yet! Would you let a hand me down bra put you off wearing bras forever? No. Don’t deprive yourself and your newborn from one of  the most essential gift you can give them. I will forever remember carrying my children in their sling, and hopefully you will to. From walking home from the hospital with my nb in a sling, to switching off between carrying my 2 year old toddler and nb, my slings remain part of our heritage; and one I am proud to share with you.

Number 1 – It’s fun to wear your baby

When people ask how long they can use the sling, I like to quote a customer of mine. “Until it’s no longer fun.” There is nothing lovelier than having your baby’s heart beat next to yours:) Watch as she experiences the environment at the same level as you, so you can speak gently to her; teach her the world…With slings, they also have the option of tucking into you, when the world becomes too much. This is Brooklyn,after all, and we all must  use our common sense. Newborns don’t benefit from always facing out as in Baby Bjorns. They cannot shut out the stimuli you and I can. Slings provide an option to switch that stimulation on and off, and you are there to comfort them and explain he world to them. When they’re ready, you’ll be right there to explain what a “Lady Gaga” is.

Number 2 – Wearing your baby promotes physical development

When you’re wearing your baby, she is feeling the rhythm of your breathing, hearing your heartbeat and is being stimulated by the various movements you make when you walk, bend, climb stairs – every tiny movement as you go through the motions of the your day. Being in this environment is almost like being in a transitional womb. This stimulation and thermo regulaton helps continue her natural physical development, regulating her own physical responses and exercising her vestibular system, which controls balance. Studies also show that that rocking movement helps babies walk earlier. After 15 years of watching slingin babies, I can attest to that. How amazing to see a baby who has been happily worn for months lifted out of his sling at 9 months old and toddle over to me!

Number 3 – Babies who are worn are happier

Touch. Everybody needs it. It promotes well being and the release of oxytocin. Every baby, from the colicky, high-need to the most content, will benefit from the closeness and security of being held close to you. Many studies have shown that the more babies are held, the less they cry and some studies are now investigating how distress, like crying, may affect a baby’s developing brain because of the associated stress hormones. Crying is physically exhausting for both the baby and the caregiver. If your baby is not wasting his energy on crying, he is able to calmly observe his environment and learn from what is going on around him.

Number 4 – Babywearing helps you and your baby communicate better

When you’re often holding your baby close, as with babywearing, you become very in tune with his facial expressions and gestures. Babywearing parents often get to a point where they can tell if their baby is hungry, wet or sleepy before hearing them cry or get distressed. Being able to recognize your baby’s needs and respond quickly builds trust in your child, is cyclical, as your own confidence continues to grow, and this mutual enhanced communication will evolve as your child moves towards talking.

Number 5 – Daddies love babywearing too!

Cuddling up with your baby is an amazing way to get to know each other, and using a baby carrier is a great way to bring this rich experience into the lives of fathers, grandparents and other caregivers. It’s such a great opportunity for your baby to become engaged on this level with his father’s voice, heartbeat, movements and facial expressions. Men’s voices are often lower, giving babies a special bond unique to Daddy. That’s why it’s important that Daddy has a sling he likes, and one that fits him properly. Don’t pinch pennies here! Hold off on that $5,000.00 mural, and get Daddy a Kangaroo Korner pouch. They look just like gym shorts, and men love them!

Number 6 – Carry your baby, not your stroller!

Who wants to drag a stroller up your three story walk up? Not me! And there’s no reason to.  Just grab your sling and go! This is Brooklyn, we ain’t driving everywhere, so why are people carrying these 30lb plastic car bucket seats? Snap n Go? I think not. Snap n Stay is more like it. The same women who say their back pain prevents them from using a sling are carrying around these Snap n Gos, and straining muscles they should never use in that way. Your strength builds naturally as you and your baby grow when you use a carrier. You won’t have to worry about navigating narrow aisles in your local shops, or schlepping up the Brownstone steps of your BFF from your new mommy group:)

Number 7 – Toddlers appreciate the security of being carried

Before my son could talk, he used to bring me “his” sling when he wanted to go for a walk. Slings are not just for babies. An easy up on the hips, and we were off to explore our world. I had different slings for both of my children, and have fond memories sewn into the folds.  Toddlers love the security of a baby carrier, and being able to be close to you when they need to. This is a time when your child will want to explore a new place but may become overwhelmed and look to you for comfort. Many baby carriers will accommodate a child up to 60 lbs., (even if they say 35lbs. because of our litigious state) and you’ll be able to have an option for your child to have a safe place to retreat to, where they can continue to experience the environment with your reassuring touch. Carrying your toddler is also incredibly convenient, when you can whip out a soft carrier you’ve stashed to give him a lift when he gets tired, without having to worry about toting along a stroller.

Number 8 – Babywearing is great exercise

We all know how hard it is to find time to exercise when you’re a new mother, and being able to pop your baby in a carrier and go for a brisk walk is great, easy way to get active each day. As your baby gets older, the additional weight helps add resistance to your walk, and will keep challenging your body as it grows stronger.

Number 9 – Babycarriers are are a safe place for your baby

There is no safer place for your baby than being held safe and secure next to your body. There are often instances when a stroller is helpful to have, but it’s so much healthier for your baby to not be at ground level, breathing in exhaust fumes from cars, or being strapped into a stroller with little human interaction. Since the beginning of time women have known and practiced this. Don’t let all the labels, classes, DVDs, and alarmist sensationalized news keep you from what all moms have known forever. It’s safe here. Enjoy the ride:)

Number 10 – Babycarriers save you money

Using a baby carrier saves you money. Even if you get  your favorite two carriers (I recommend a sling and a soft pac)  you easily spend less than what you normally would on a $1,000.00 bugaboo monstrosity. Slings are a  tremendous value for a product that will be used every day for  years. I’ll never understand how people complain about spending less than $100.00 for something that will make their life easier every day, while pushing a huge stroller that they couldn’t even fit through the door. Their own door.

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