Benefits of babywearing to babies

Parents, ever notice how your babies, who’re about to cry into tears when placed in the stroller, in the crib, or in the car seat, calm up immediately when you decide to carry them? Non-parents, ever notice how those screaming babies who annoy you in public places become quiet once their parent/caregiver picks them up. The baby stops crying, or maybe never even starts.

For ages, women carried their babies on them. Only few had the luxury of keeping nannies to carry their babies. Strollers came later, and was considered a thing for West and unsuitable for the bumpy Indian roads. Our great grandma’s, grandma’s and may be our moms too, carried babies in a wrap made of saree or a long piece of cloth.

Modern baby carrying or Kangaroo Carrying, as some may call, has become classy, sassy and sometimes fashion statement. There are dozens of prints, various designs in which one carry’s the baby. If you are still hesitant about babywearing, though read this blog for why you should consider wearing your baby or toddler right away:

Benefits to the baby:

• Increased socialization

Babies need socializing. They are going to be part of the soceity, community and wearing them and carrying them around along with you as you go by your daily chores and socialising will introduce them to the world in a safe way. You are not keeping them closed in a stroller and taking them with you around willgive them more exposure to facial expressions and learn speech quickly. That's how babies learn language, right?

• Improved development of vestibular system

Vestibula system is the brain system that detects motion and controls balance. It is one of the earliest system to be developed. When a baby is worn or carried rather than lying in a stroller, its more known to idea of constant motion. A worn baby is moving as you move. To her, the idea of moving on two feet is amazing, unheard of.
And it will help the baby develop balance, motor skills, and general movement ability.

• Improved Attachment

It isn’t called “attachment parenting” just like that. Being physically attached to your kid, through wearing or carrying, increases the bond between parents and child. Physical attachment breeds psychological attachment. If you maintain physical contact with your baby as much as possible, she have a stronger, more lasting bond with you.

Babywearing is particularly beneficial for preterm infants. These lttle babies need close physical contact with their parents more than anyone – remember, they’re still “supposed” be in the womb.

Benefits for preterm babies -

• Lower stress 

Wearing your preterm baby will help lower stress and modulate the infant’s cortisol response, which tends to be exaggerated in that group.

• Improved pain tolerance

Babies who got kangaroo care showed improved behavioral and physiological responses to physical pain.

• Improved brain development

 Preterm infants are at risk of impaired neuronal development, but the neonates who were given skin -to-skin contact, displayed brain motor function comparable to adolescents who were born at term, while the neonates given standard care did not.

• Better breastfeeding

It’s crucial for preterm babies to get breastmilk, since, well, it’s the perfect food for them, and early skin-to-skin contact between mom and baby helps the youngest neonates breastfeed.
We all know, how important breast milk is for our babies. And just like co-sleeping, baby wearing also helps a mother to increase her ability to breastmilk her baby, simply because of the proximity. The closeness of the baby to you helps producing more milk. It increases the changes of exclusive breastfeeding and not to use that Formula Milk ever again!

Babies need to be touched in a Loving and comforting way. And Soul Slings is one brand I trust completely when it comes to babywearing. Their carriers are soft, comfortable and made of completely pure Indian fabrics. Fabrics from cotton, jacquard to linen. These fabrics get better with use and get softer. Check out their range here.

When you wear your baby, wear it in a right way. Will soon be doing a post on what to do and what not to do while babywearing.
Let me know if anything you want to share or know!