Babywearing has been around since the beginning of time and has huge benefits for both mother and child. There have been many studies to show that baby wearing increases breastfeeding rates, reduces crying, helps to combat postpartum depression, helps baby sleep and feed better and it can also make daily tasks easier - trust me on this one!
A practice that isn't as common in Western civilisation, 'Babywearing Internationals' mission, is to 'make Babywearing a universally accepted practice'.
It needs to be normalised and the stigma of dads and grandparents who babywear, gone.
With so many slings on the market today, there really is one to suit everyone. Choosing your carrier is an individual decision depending on how long you plan to carry your baby, your budget and the style that you find comfortable.
If you wanted to try out different slings before you buy, there are Sling Meets around most local areas for you to test out which one suits you.
I wouldn't advice trying them out when pregnant though. And always be aware of health and safety guidelines.
There are five types of carrier - Ring Sling, Wraps, Pouch Sling, Mei - Tai and Buckle Carriers.
Here are some popular carriers among babywearers:
Ring Sling:
Wrap:
Buckle Carrier:
I personally found baby wearing extremely rewarding and I know that Evan loved being so close to me. It helped in the early days immensely and also for those times when Evan didn't like to be put down and away from the warmth of my skin.
It meant I could get on with bits n bobs around the bungalow when I needed to, keeping Evan close to me was important and of course, still is.
I have to admit that with my dodgy back nowadays, I try and leave babywearing to The Janitor. I know that he loves wearing Evan and sees it as great bonding time. Evan is mutually happy about this arrangement!
It works well when going for walks so we don't have to lug a big pushchair around with us. We are due to move the sling onto the back, so that will be a whole new dimension for Evan and us.
Happy Babywearing....
Hi Amy,
In 1979,when Daniel was born, baby carriers had just become ' the thing ' again. I remember walking around the supermarket with Daniel in the baby carrier on my front and, some woman who worked there told me off. She said it was very unhygienic !!!! I told her where to go !!!! haha
I think that they are brilliant and babies love being carried like that. They also love hearing and feeling the adults heartbeat too.They have changed since 1979. You could only get one sort then but now there are so many different ones to choose from. XXXX
Hi Jackie, wow that is so interesting AND shocking. I am glad you told her where to go! Unhygienic!? I would love to know how she feels about them now?
There really are so many to chose from now, we are spoilt!
I have only tried on a couple but I would definitely try on more next time (if there is a next time!!). Babies really do love to hear mothers heartbeat. I think its so important to be close.
Did you carry Laura? xxxx
Yes , Laura went in the carrier too…….They both loved it. The woman who told me off said that it was unhygienic because of my long hair !!! Silly cow !!!!!!! XXXX
Your hair!? Sounds like she was off her head haha!! Glad you carried on with Laura. xxxx
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