
Almost 75% of mothers with dependents are in full- or part-time work. If you want to work from home and take care of your children, you need a plan. Instead of moving your baby from room to room, from the car to your home, and everywhere in between, there's an easier way.
Carrying your baby in a sling can help you multitask. You can clean, go grocery shopping, pay the bills, and even fit in a workout.
If you're not quite sure about using a sling, keep reading to discover the many benefits of babywearing!
The benefits extend to both you and your child. There are different ways you can wear a baby sling, too. For example, you can hip, back, or front carry.
You can have your baby face the world or rest their head against your chest.
Ready to learn more? Read on to discover the many benefits of babywearing!
1. Helps Baby Sleep
Is your baby getting enough sleep each day? Some babies get fussy when they're over-tired or away from their parents. You can help your baby relax for a nap by keeping them close in a sling.
Your touch and presence will have a soothing effect on your baby. When they're less stressed, they're less likely to cry. Instead of getting fussy before a nap, you can rock them to sleep in a baby sling or baby carrier.
Meanwhile, hearing your baby cry less can benefit you, too. As a new parent, you certainly don't need any additional sources of stress.
Instead, you can have peace of mind that your baby is watched over, even as they sleep.
In fact, sleeping next to you can help your baby regulate their breathing.
Many parents are concerned about their babies developing flat head syndrome. Also known as plagiocephaly, this syndrome develops when your baby stays on their back too long. It's not only when they sleep.
Your child could also develop plagiocephaly while they're in a:
- Car seat;
- Buggy;
- Swing;
- Bouncy seat.
Premature babies have a higher risk because their skulls are softer than full-term babies.
If your child develops plagiocephaly, you might notice the back of their head is flatter on one side. They could have less hair on that part of the head as well.
One of the benefits of babywearing for a baby is the decreased risk of plagiocephaly. Holding your baby in a sling can reduce how often there's pressure to their head.
2 . Keep Your Baby From Crying
Carrying your baby more often could reduce how often they cry. In one study, infants who were carried more often cried 43% less.
The more often your baby cries, the more stress they'll experience. Stress increases a hormone called cortisol. Too much cortisol could impact their neural development.
Your baby could develop behaviour problems or a stress-related disease when they get older. Meanwhile, toxic stress can shorten a person's lifespan.
You can reduce your baby's risk of producing excess cortisol by holding and carrying your baby early in their infancy.
One of the benefits of carrying a newborn is reduced colic risk as well. Babywearing can keep your baby calm, and human contact can help them cry less as well.
If your baby is colicky, you might feel the need to try anything for a few minutes of quiet, so holding your baby against your chest in a sling often eases the symptoms of colic and helps them calm down.
3. Good for Social and Cognitive Development
Choosing to carry your baby in a sling means they're no longer left to their own devices. You won't have to worry about them sitting in a stroller or car seat unattended. Instead, you can give your baby the chance to become more socially engaged.
By putting them in a baby sling, they're more likely to take in the world around them. That includes you! Your baby will hear you talk to other people (or yourself!) more often.
Hearing you talk can help their language skills and can help keep them stimulated as well.
If you have a premature baby the stimulation provided by babywearing can help with their development. Your baby will feel calm and loved, which could help them grow and gain weight.
4. Feels Familiar to Baby
Your baby spent the last nine months staying close to you. They're accustomed to your heartbeat and breathing. They're even used to how you sway when you walk.
The benefits of babywearing a newborn allow your baby to continue experiencing this sensation. They'll feel more comfortable as a result.
Are you worried about your baby's heart rate and temperature fluctuating throughout the day? Babywearing could keep it in the optimal zone as well.
5. Freedom For You
London has the highest proportion of single-parent families in the UK. In fact, about 2.9 million families (15%) are single-parent families. About 86% of these families are single mothers.
Babywearing can give you the freedom and convenience you need. Of course, your first priority is your baby. With a baby sling, that doesn't have to change.
Instead, you can take care of your baby and get whatever needs done, done.
6. Reduce Postnatal Depression
Postnatal depression can leave you feeling like you're living in a gloom. You could struggle to enjoy moments with your baby you were looking forward to. Many women who struggle with postnatal depression feel guilty about neglecting their children.
You can fight that guilt by discovering the benefits of babywearing a newborn instead.
You won't have to feel like your baby is being cheated out of having a loving mother. Instead, your baby will experience close contact with you. They'll bond with you, even when you feel like some days are tough.
What about the other benefits of babywearing for mum? For starters, you're no longer limited to areas with space for a buddy. In fact, you can leave the buddy at home!
Whether you're on a crowded pavement, at the shopping centre, or want to go for a hike, you have the ease and convenience of your baby sling.
Some find it's easier to exercise and lose weight when they're enjoying the benefits of babywearing, too.
When you're no longer stuck in one room, you can move around the entire house as needed. You can go out for a walk and still hold your baby close. Either way, you're moving more often, which allows you to burn calories and any lingering baby weight.
7. Easier Breastfeeding
You might find it's difficult to breastfeed when you're not at home. Some mums use a blanket to cover up, but it can still prove challenging. With a baby sling, you can cuddle your baby against your chest with ease.
After all, they're already in the right spot!
You'll also have privacy built-in! Your baby can breastfeed whether you're at a restaurant or a friend's house without feeling uncomfortable.
8. Save Money
The majority of mothers in the UK said they changed their employment to take care of a child. If you're looking for ways to save money, you don't need to buy an expensive buggy.
Use a baby sling instead! Baby carriers are a great, cost-effective option, some of which last all the way from newborn right through to toddlerhood.
9. Great For Bonding
One of the best benefits of babywearing for parents - it can help you form strong bonds with your baby. You'll remain with your baby constantly, allowing you to talk or sing to them all you want.
Meanwhile, you'll constantly remain in-tune with your baby's needs.
Do you have older children as well? Carrying your new baby in a sling can make it easier for you to spend time with an older sibling. A sling can free up your hands, allowing you to hold another child as well.
10. Increased Milk Supply
Holding your baby skin-to-skin could benefit your milk supply. Constant contact can remind your body it has a job to do. You might feel able to nurse more frequently and for a few minutes longer than normal.
The Benefits of Babywearing: 10 Reasons It's Great for Mum and Baby
Want to keep your baby close and comfortable? Consider these 10 benefits of babywearing! By holding your baby in a sling, you can experience the many benefits for you and your baby.
Eager to get your baby in their first sling?
We can help! Explore our shop for a wonderful selection of baby carriers and slings, especially for newborns.