Babywearing: what it is and what are its benefits
There are several options for carrying the baby in the sling: many new mothers have chosen it as a daily practice to keep the newborn in contact, without giving up their commitments. Did you know that babywearing can be prolonged even when the baby is old enough to walk Before discovering all the benefits, let's review the developmental stages of a baby in the first year of life; you can find everything in the video below!
What is babywearing
The term babywearing literally means "to wear the baby", but refers to the "custom of carrying the baby on one's body, skin to skin, with the help of specific supports such as swaddling and baby carriers.
These bands have been studied to allow a physiological development, both from a physical and emotional point of view, of the newborn.
When a mother chooses to wrap her baby around herself, she has chosen to look after him by responding as much as possible to his natural need to stay next to her.
Primarily babywearing is based on contact and can be done from zero to three years. Obviously, the start and end times of this practice are based on the individual needs of the parent and child.
Back in vogue in recent years, the babywearing experience actually has ancient roots and has many supporters around the world. It is extremely useful in poorer countries (Africa, India, Asia), where carrying the baby in a sling is still today. a necessity rather than a choice: women must in fact look after their children while they carry out some essential activities in order to survive.
Why is it such a widespread practice? For the newborn, babywearing optimally recreates the womb, and being hugged to his mother, he can hear the smell and noises that have been familiar to him for 9 months, such as his heartbeat and breathing. little one feels protected and contained, one of the most instinctive needs for a newborn baby and therefore of primary importance for an attentive parent.
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The benefits for the baby
Babywearing brings various benefits to both the baby and the bearer, who does not necessarily have to be the mother figure; even fathers can bring their children wrapped in swaddling clothes or baby carriers!
The infant certainly remains the subject who derives the greatest benefit from this practice, an issue on which both pediatricians and psychotherapists from all over the globe agree.
Below we list the main advantages for a baby who is carried in a sling.
Psychological benefits in the child:
- the bond with the mother is strengthened by physical contact;
- sense of security and trust that predisposes to greater autonomy and independence in adulthood;
- reduction of crying, as the close presence of the adult inhibits cortisol, the stress hormone. In short, the baby is more serene and happy!
- the baby carriers and baby carriers allow you to get in tune with figures other than those of the parents, thanks to the close eye contact with the wearer;
- the brain areas related to learning and stress management develop better;
- improves neuro-motor development.
Physical benefits in the baby:
- the flattening of the head (Plagiocephaly) which could arise when always adopting the same sleeping position is reduced. The skull bones of newborns are still very flexible, especially in the first months, and can deform;
- the correct development of the hips is favored in the very young, which, like the head, are still in the process of stabilization;
- the sense of balance develops because his little body must adhere to that of the person who wears it;
- according to some studies it is also possible to reduce the onset of colic in infants and gastroesophageal disorders;
- body temperature is kept optimal, thanks to skin-to-skin contact;
- sleep quality improves;
- it promotes proper nutrition and attachment to the breast.
The benefits for parents
Certainly the benefits of babywearing for parents are more physical and practical, but there is no lack of emotional ones:
- the ancestral need of the little ones for closeness is supported in the best possible way and allows both mothers and fathers to bond with the child;
- it is a valid support for preventing post-partum depression in mothers, as close contact with the baby stimulates oxytocin, the hormone of happiness; thus promoting her innate desire for nursing and breastfeeding;
- from a purely physical point of view, the bearer is able to better distribute the weight of the baby, which, however small, is still a nice footprint to be held often in the arms. Thanks to babywearing, the back, shoulders, arms and knees are less tiring ;
- is a nice help with housework and errands around, the hands of the adult remain free unlike when holding a small child;
- you are free to go out alone for a regenerating walk without other bulky objects, such as the stroller or pram. Consequently, for a mother, these moments can also be an "excellent opportunity to practice some" physical activity.
Different types of bands and differences
In Italy, as in the rest of Europe, various products are available for purchase. All supports dedicated to babywearing must respect the physiology of the very little ones, as well as that of the adult who wears them: only in this way wrapping the little one around him can be a beautiful sharing experience.
The baby slings are divided by age and weight of the child:
- elastic band, supports well up to 6-8kg of the newborn, therefore up to about 9 months of the child. It is the first type of support that is recommended for those who want to approach the babaywearing method. It is a cotton jersey band, usually 50cm long and 70cm high; allows you to carry only "belly to belly", therefore ideal even from the first weeks of life;
- rigid band of fabric, usable from 3-4 months of life of the baby, when he has developed the ability to turn his head well. With this band different ligatures are possible such as the one on the side, heart to heart and on the back. The fabric bands are the most durable because they can be used throughout the babywearing process. There are many types, with different lengths and construction materials (bamboo, cotton, silk ..). Opt for a 100% cotton: it will be ideal both in summer and in winter;
- mei tai, a cross between a baby sling and a structured baby carrier. The advantage of mei tai is that it combines the advantage of creating very close contact between the baby and the bearer with the convenience of having it ready for use. This support can be used from 3-4 months and you can choose to place the your little one on the tummy or back, but not on the hip.
- structured baby carrier, suitable for babies who are learning to sit alone (from 6-7 months of age). The baby carriers respect the physiology of the child and have adjustable buckles and belts, with a fabric bag. Carried in front or on the back;
- ring or ring sling, extremely quick to tie and ideal for short journeys. This type, however, does not optimally support the weight of the child and is carried only on the side. Choose it if you already have babywearing experience and your baby needs to get on and off often.
Where to buy baby wraps
Cuddlebag - babywearing sling on Amazon special offer
Ideal for babies and children up to 16kg. High quality blend fabric with 95% cotton and 5% spandex. It's as gentle on the skin as a t-shirt but strong enough to support the baby's weight. Equipped with easy-to-follow instructions, you will learn how to put it on after a few attempts and you will be ready in an instant thanks to the instructions dedicated to each type of harness.
Kalpas - adjustable headband for babyweraring on Amazon at a special price
Suitable for children from 4 months up to 15kg, this band is very easy to wear: thanks to 4 rings the band is adjustable and once worn you can adapt it to your needs, strengthening the bond between the child and the parent thanks to the physical proximity.
Shabany 100% Cotton Babywearing Headband - for sale on Amazon
Ideal for babies and children from 3 to 15 kg. Excellent comfort thanks to the breathable cotton and the very fine and soft fabric. The ring adapts perfectly to your baby's back ensuring a beneficial effect.
Breeze wrap ergonomic babywearing wrap - find it at a special price on Amazon
It is worn like a t-shirt and can be used for children up to 15kg. It has been approved as “hip-healthy” for hip health: the baby is brought into a natural position, with the knees bent and the hips open, which allows for correct posture and healthy development.
Fastique Kids - soft babywearing headband on Amazon on special offer
It allows you to have your hands free, while strengthening the bond with the baby. Say goodbye to shoulder and back pain. The harness wraps around your and baby's spinal columns, making it easier for you to counterbalance the baby's weight with your back. You will no longer be tired and your muscles will no longer be fatigued.
Precautions to have when you decide to wear the band
As we have just seen, there are several models of slings and baby carriers in circulation, and the choice can fall on one or more of these special supports, the important thing is that it is ergonomic for the child and that the child is correctly inserted during the session. : the right position is the so-called 'M' position of the knees and legs, i.e. when the 'popliteal cavity' is formed. The 'M' position in fact provides that the baby's bottom is lower than the knees.
Another fundamental feature of the support product is its fabric: it must not crush the spine, rather it should preserve as much as possible the natural 'C'-shaped curve of newborns, which disappears with growth.
It should be remembered that babywearing does not have a fixed start and expiry date; It is a good idea to keep in mind that around the age of 3 a child is very capable of walking alone and therefore it may be time to abandon this practice.
In addition, it must not be a stretch for the child: not all the little ones like to be carried in a swaddle, and if after a few attempts the child clearly makes it clear that he feels uncomfortable, better abandon the idea.
Always familiarize yourself with the support tools before inserting the child and experiment with the help of a counselor or partner.
