Baby Carrying And All Its Benefits
The word baby-wearing may be new to you, but the practice has been around a long time. Baby-wearing is simply carrying a baby around on your body, either in a sling or some type of carrier. Not only does baby carrying make parenting easier, but studies have found that there are many benefits to both babies and mothers from doing so. Baby carrying helps develop the physical, emotional, and intellectual growth of a baby.
Wearing a baby boosts physical development
When baby carrying, the baby is in tune with the rhythm of the carrier’s breathing. They are also able to follow the sound of their heartbeat, and movements made. Whether it is walking, bending, or turning, all of these movements help to regulate the baby’s own physical responses. One major benefit of baby carrying is that it helps to develop the baby’s sense of balance. This is also a great opportunity for the baby to exercise core muscle groups by having to move around and hold their head upright. Other holding devices such as mechanical swings do not provide these same benefits.
Baby-carrying helps boost mutual communication
When babies are held close in a sling, parents become more aware of the baby’s gestures and facial expressions. Many baby-wearing parents report they have learned what their babies are trying to communicate to them without crying, This is done by simply reading their facial expression or gestures. When a baby is able to make it aware that they are hungry, bored or need something without having to cry, their trust in their parent increases. The baby’s learning is also enhanced and confidence is reinforced. This positive exchange enhances the bond between the parent and child.
English speaking doctors also recommend slings as a useful bonding tool for every adult in a baby’s life to interact on a more personal level. It is important for the father and other family members to spend close time with the baby as well. This will help the baby become used to their voices, heartbeat, movements and facial expressions. Fathers don’t have the automatic head-start on bonding with the child that mothers do, so this is a perfect opportunity for that experience. Getting up close and personal with a baby in a sling is a wonderful way to get to know the baby in your life, and for the baby to get to know you!
Baby-carrying is healthy for you
Finding time to exercise as a new mother can definitely be a challenge. However, if you carry your baby around with you most of the day or go for a walk with your baby in a sling, you will enjoy the dual benefits of walking and weightlifting. A long walk in the sling is also a great way to help the baby fall asleep. Ask an English speaking doctor in Barcelona for some other work out recommendations.
Babies worn in slings are happier
It has been found that the more babies are held, the less they cry and seek attention. In cultures where babywearing is most common, babies often cry for only a few minutes a day. In contrast to other cultures, babies often cry for hours each day. Crying is exhausting for both the baby and parents. It can also be a danger as constant crying may develop too many stress hormones and cause long-term damage to the baby’s developing brain. Babies that spend less of their energy on crying can calmly observe their environment, which greatly promotes learning.
Slings are safe for travelling
When in crowded places, a child in a sling is held safe and secure right next to your body. This can prevent the child from getting lost or seriously injured. Slings are also great so that children can venture into the world to learn and grow at their own pace. There is little need to navigate where they are going.
Slings are normally seen to be used with infants, but they can be very useful for toddlers as well. When your baby is older, having them in a sling makes conversations easier and allows you to observe their reactions to the world around them.The world can be a scary place for growing children. Slings can make them feel more confident because they can retreat to the security of the sling whenever needed.
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