Let’s talk about Baby Wearing
Today I walked with my children to drop Tom (4) off at school. Daniel (2) was in his pram as it is 2 mile round trip. On the way there my all-singing, all-dancing, all-terrain pram had a flat tire which made it almost impossible to push with Dan in it. On the way home it started to drizzle. They type of drizzle that soaks you and freezes you to the bone.
I so wished I had just taken my Baby Sense Sling along with me instead of the pram. I thought back to the days when Dan was very little, walking Tom to school with him in the sling. He would sleep all the way there and all the way back. As he grew I used the sling in all the different positions until he was sitting on my hip supported by the sling. I can safely say that with Dan I used my sling far more than I ever used my pram.
Now that he is 2 he wants to walk but I still get the treat of having him in his sling from time to time. I loved Baby Wearing and when I see other moms using slings and carries with their babies I long to have another baby so I can have that closeness again. Dan was a fussy baby and some days all I could do was carry him to help him to soothe. My sling went everywhere with me.
I would love to hear from other baby wearers out there. What has been your experience of using pouches and slings with your baby?
On the school run today I noticed a Dad in the playground with his baby in a sling. I love to see other people carrying their babies in carriers and slings because I did it for so long with my 2 boys. It is particularily special for me to see a Dad wearing his baby - especially in those early days. New born babies are very much “attached” to their mothers in the early days, especially if they are breastfed. A sling or pouch is a way Dad’s can also get to experience that closeness with their babies. There is something about a man (protective, stong) carrying his baby in this most “maternal” kind of way.
We have become a generations of pushers - with our baby’s out in prams in front of us. Most often these prams face away from us and we can’t even see our baby’s faces. Of course prams are practical at times and I don’t think I could have done without mine. However, developmentally and for bonding there is no question that baby wearing is better. These are my reasons for loving baby slings:
• I can see my baby’s face and respond to her signals
• She can reference off my face and begin to understand language and social nuances
• Her vestibular system is targeted appropriately with wonderful movement which enhances motor development and sleep
• It is a natural way to nurture your baby
• Babies who are worn as definitely calmer and sleep better
When Emily was two she used to come to me, sling in tow whenever she was feeling insecure and fractious. I would pop her in often for the shortest of time and just give her the love and access she craved. This was awesome for her emotional development.
Meg
Hi everyone,
I am a first-time-mom-to-be, trying to read up on as much information as I can - and getting very overwhelmed and confused by it all at times! The baby sling sounds amazing and I have bought one already, but was wondering whether it can be used for newborn babies, or does the baby have to be a few weeks old? No risk for suffocation or anything?
Would love to hear from you!
Ariane
Hi Ariane
Thank you for getting in touch. The beauty about the Baby Sense sling is that you can use it from day one. Newborns and even premature babies can go into this sling. As the fabric is 100% cotton there is no risk to suffocation as the fabric is soft and breathable. Here is a short video clip that will help with further explanations:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrNpBPPNacQ