The first time that you hear the term ‘baby wearing’, it might sound a bit strange; however the concept has been around for centuries. By definition, it means just like what it sounds like. A newborn baby is carried by the mother or other caregiver in a sling type apparatus that is worn around the body, hence the name it has been given. There are a variety of types of carriers or other garments that babies can be gently placed in, which will position the infant near the chest area of the adult.
The most common advantage of baby wraps is convenience when breastfeeding. The baby is near the chest area of the mother, and this makes it extremely easy to position the infant quickly. Because the sling will hold the baby securely, this also frees up the hands of the mother to continue with other necessary tasks. Another major advantage of ‘wearing the baby’ is the bonding and attachment that forms from parent and child spending so much time together. Babies that have been raised in this manner tend to be calmer, have fewer illnesses, and many even meet developmental milestones earlier.
One must not forget about safety considerations, however. The adult should be mindful at all times of the positioning of the infant, in addition to practicing extra care when there is more likelihood of falling, such as going up and down stairs or walking on slippery surfaces.
Because the concept of carrying an infant in a baby wrap is becoming more and more widespread and accepted, it certainly should be considered by parents and caregivers that desire to give their new infant the best start in life.
