Babywearing is becoming increasingly popular in Western society, a fact that is unsurprising when we consider the many benefits that carrying your baby brings.
From a practical perspective- slings are a fantastic enabler! Becoming a mummy without a doubt the single best thing that has happened to me- and I don't know another mum that does not say the same! I wanted (and still do) time to stop still so that I could spend my days holding and loving my baby like a mother should.
Unfortunately daily life gets in the way of this ideal, washing, cleaning, cooking, answering the telephone, looking after other children and so forth...
until you are introduced to the world of slings that is! Babies needs to be held, parents want to hold- it's that simple.
By carrying your baby you are able to complete all the jobs that have to be done while still providing the close contact that your baby needs.
It is true that babies want to be carried by instinct and are much less likely to cry when they are held.
It is important to remember that you are not over indulging your baby if you hold them to avoid them crying, as crying is a negative act that lets us know that a baby is unhappy.
Notice that a crying baby nearly always stops once they are picked up.
It really is about time that Westernised society has caught up with the logic of the third world where babies are carried as a matter of course by their mother or sister.
Unsurprisingly, babies in the third world rarely cry in comparison to babies in Western society.
Baby wearing also facilitates the bonding process, helping babies to recognise your smell and voice and be reunited with the familiar sounds of your heartbeat and your breathing experienced in the womb.
This closeness provides the baby with a sense of security, and before you know it they will be longing to explore the world that they now feel part of.
Colicky babies undoubtedly benefit from being carried.
As well as the comfort gained from simply being close to mummy (or daddy!) the motion will sooth the baby and assist in breaking down gas bubbles.
When combined with an upright carrying position this will promote digestion and in turn reduce colic.
It is clear therefore that baby wearing provides a much more suitable alternative to push chairs, avoiding transferring your little one from their car seat to a pram with little contact from the ones they love.
From a practical perspective, you cannot underestimate the advantage of being able to fit through isles in shops without knocking half the shop over!