3 Reasons to Invest in Babywearing

Human babies are meant to be close to their primary caregivers. Being close is both natural and necessary. With only 25% of their adult brain growth at birth, babies are helpless and rely on us to feed, clothe and care for them.

Babywearing is one way to keep our little ones close and easily tend to their innate needs. But babywearing offers so much more than this – the benefits of babywearing extend beyond babies – caregivers, primary or otherwise, benefit from the experience too.

1. Babywearing helps with security, attachment and growth.  

Creating strong attachments early in life sets babies up for a well founded, secure future. It is well known that babies will respond more easily to other caregivers, for their sleep and caregiving needs, if they create a bond with them early on. By carrying your baby, they become accustomed to your smell, your body and voice, and will subsequently associate positive feelings with you.

Keeping your baby close facilitates nurturing touch, which positively encourages baby’s physical, emotional and mental development. Plus, studies show that babies whose needs are met quickly exhibit more independence, confidence and adaptability, as they grow. 

Feelings of attachment and bonding are equally important for parents – you are laying the foundation for your lifelong relationship with your child.

2. “Babywearing Takes Us Places”

Whether it’s to the kitchen to make yourself a meal, to the coffee shop to meet a friend, or on a trip across the country to see family, babywearing allows you to navigate your daily life “hands-free”. Going places will also help you connect with others. The simple act of wearing your baby invites conversations and social interactions. Going outside and getting fresh air and vitamin D, will help with mood and perspective. You might not even go as far as your kitchen, but babywearing will give you a tool to take care of your little one and yourself.  Even if it’s as simple as making a snack.

3. Babywearing makes you feel good. 

Being close to a baby or child that you care for not only releases oxytocin in babies, but also in caregivers (and this includes caregivers that are not the primary parent). That means you’ll feel happier, loved and more secure yourself. Plus, positive touch helps to reduce stress, regulate heat, breathing and heart rates, and it can also act as natural pain relief – for babies and their caregivers.

Babywearing offers families a tool that can benefit everyone, in immediate and long term ways. We’ve offered 3 reasons but the list of benefits truly is expansive. 

Let us know - have you been wearing your baby or toddler? What is your favourite element of babywearing?

 
Want to know more about babywearing?

You can reach out to Allie, Owner and Operator at Little Zen One, a retail store and educational consultancy in Toronto that specializes in babywearing.

Her tagline is “Babywearing Takes Us Places”

Additional information for this blog was sourced from:

http://www.pinterandmartin.com/why-babywearing-matters.html