Written by Brandy Nichols, Contributing Writer
When I had my first child, I thought of babywearing as a way to be present for my child in a culture littered with baby-holding appliances. It seemed natural to me. I didn’t need (or have the budget for) a swing that mimicked my heartbeat. My mother-in-law gave me a ring sling as a gift and I made my first mei tai soon after. Like magic, my daughter fell asleep nearly every time I put her in either one. I didn’t understand it, but it sure was nice to feel her downy head against my chin.
Over the next year, I wore her much of the time, as first children seem to be the ones who don’t want to be put down. We did yard work, cooked (with her on the back), hung out laundry and went for walks to the store. I was able to get things done and offer the kind of presence she needed. I was also able to get her to sleep when she needed a nap. Golden.
Babywearing has many advantages, apart from the fun of choosing a carrier in your favorite color or matching your outfit to it.
Worn babies cry less.
Indigenous cultures simply don’t experience the level of crying that Western babies do. While babywearing may be practical and a matter of safety for them, it can help the rest of us, too.
You can get things done.
Once the post-partum recovery is over, you can begin working your way back to the new normal a little easier using both hands instead of one.
You can keep your baby near.
When he or she isn’t feeling well this is wonderful. You’ll be especially in tune to fevers.
Warmth
Your baby will stay comfortably warm from the heat of your body in cooler weather.
Weight
Babies who are worn are less likely to have issues with weight gain. It’s wonderful for premature babies.
Exercise
You can take walks for exercise without the heft (and often, poor tires) of a stroller. You can skip purchasing a stroller all together, if you want.
Worn babies are more organized.
It’s easier for them to learn in a quiet, alert state when they are carried close to you. They feel more secure and at ease in social settings.
Babywearing is a way for others to bond with and comfort your baby. Grandparents and others can share the joy of babywearing and provide comfort during times when you must be away. Likewise, you can reconnect with your baby after time away at work or otherwise.
Sources for this article:
Ask Dr. Sears : Benefits of Babywearing
Natural Child Project : Ten Reasons to Wear your Baby
Brandy and her growing family live on a little homestead in town where they do their best with what comes their way, often with someone strapped to the back.
My wrap saved my sanity this time around! My little guy only slept great when tucked under my chin and sometimes, when he was in the middle of his colic at 2 a.m., rocking was the thing that FINALLY helped him sleep. The problem was that then we were both sleeping in the rocking chair, I’d jolt awake as my arms relaxed and baby would start to slide off. So then I purchaed a Moby style wrap and would wrap him snug before we’d rock. Problem solved. Yes, I would have rather been cozy in my bed laying down but when you have a colicky baby, you sleep wherever you can!
AMEN to that!
I loved wearing my children but I wasn’t able to do it as long as I would have liked. My smallest child was 9 lbs. 23 inches at birth, my largest 10 lbs. 9 oz. and 24 inches. By the time all of them were about six months old, my back and shoulders were giving me trouble from the weight.
What carriers and positions do you recommend to help carry children longer? I can easily carry a 50 lb. backpack that doesn’t wiggle or want to be on my hip but 25 lbs. was about my limit for the kids.
Hi, Amy. 🙂
An Ergo on the back is much more comfortable. Kinderpacks are specifically made for carrying a wider range of children, seeing as they are sized. You can even carry older special needs children in them. You’ll find that both are made similar to a backpack, with chest and hip belts that are well made and nicely padded.
Oh, the Ergo is a lifesaver for your situation…or at least it was in mine. I’ve got a bad back and shoulder and ring slings just don’t work for me. I use a Moby type wrap when they are tiny (mine tend to be a little over 9 pounds at birth, so that is relative) but it is great for the first couple of months when they can snuggle in and we can be close. Then I go with the Ergo (which could be used from the beginning with the infant insert) and we go front or back depending on the situation. I’ve even carried my two year old for extended times in the Ergo on my back. We have a Kelty which is a structured back pack and that is good too, but my favorite, easy to pack, easy to use, multiple sized kids can use one is the Ergo. My husband likes the Bjorn, but after about 10 minutes I can’t take it! Highly recommend the Ergo for those with back issues.
Hi Amy,
I also had a big baby, 9lbs 10oz. He was comfortable in the Moby for the first few months but after that he started sagging and my shoulders started burning!
I was introduced to the Onya Baby carrier that saved our lives! It has been with us since he was five months old (he is now two). It does run on the larger side, so I had to put a rolled receiving blanket under his bum in the beginning. I was able to continue front carrying him until he was one, with straps that could cross over my back for better support. The shoulders and waistband on the Onya are surprisingly comfortable!
Now that he’s a big two year old, we still enjoy long walks with him cuddled on my back in the Onya (my feet get sore before my shoulders!). One of the best investments we’ve made!