Babywearing
by Cordelia Uys, September 2020
In this article we explore the numerous reasons why many parents find babywearing - carrying their infant in a sling or baby carrier - enormously helpful and convenient.
Human infants are born very immature compared to other mammals and regulate their biological systems most easily in an adult’s arms. An easy and convenient way of replicating the cosiness and gentle movement of life in utero and providing the close bodily contact that babies need, is by carrying them in a sling or baby carrier; this is referred to as babywearing. Anthropologists classify humans as carry mammals; our babies have evolved to be carried.
Babywearing is a fantastic parenting tool for both mothers and fathers.
Babywearing supports breastfeeding
A recent study by Little E. et al., (2021) found babywearing parents were more likely to be breastfeeding or feeding expressed human milk at 6 months postpartum (68%) compared to parents in the control group (40%).
The positive effects of babywearing for infants
It regulates your baby’s heart rate, breathing and temperature.
It releases the feel-good hormone oxytocin in your baby, instigating wellbeing and optimal brain development
It reduces crying and calms fractious babies; the movement relaxes your baby and helps them fall asleep.
It provides the closeness babies need to feel safe, and promotes bonding and secure attachment.
Having a close-up view of their parent is believed to encourage sociability and language development in infants.
Being held upright helps reduce posseting.
It improves neck and head control.
Kangaroo care, in which parents wear their premature baby skin to skin, has been shown to increase survival rates.
The positive effects of babywearing for adults
Baby wearing is liberating:
Parents can keep their baby safe and content while getting on with their daily lives, with their hands free.
It allows easy access to the outside world.
Going for walks while babywearing provides great exercise.
It instigates the release of oxytocin in you, helping you feel calm and happy.
It can lessen the chance of new mothers developing mood disorders.
It promotes bonding, which in turn helps parents feel more confident in their parenting skills.
It’s a very easy way of calming babies and helping them to fall asleep.
With a little practice, many mothers can breastfeed their baby in a sling, allowing them to feed on the move.
Tip
If your baby cries when first placed in a carrier, walk around a bit and they’ll soon settle.
Choosing a baby carrier - if possible, book a session with a sling consultant
Buying a sling is like buying a pair of shoes, they’re not ‘one size fits all’. In addition, there’s a vast array of carriers to choose from, and not all are safe. The best way to find a safe and comfortable sling, that suits you and your baby, is to visit a sling library or even better, book a session with a sling consultant - please see the link below.
Getting guidance from a sling consultant is not only really helpful for making sure your baby is safe, but also for making sure your back is properly protected when you are babywearing.
A good carrier will
Support and protect your baby’s developing spine, hips and the back of their head.
Allow your baby’s back to be rounded but not slouched.
Allow their hips to be spread in the M position, with their bottom lower than their knees.
How to babywear safely
It is not recommended to wear babies facing outwards as this forces their back straight and their legs to dangle.
Upright positions are safer and more suitable for your baby’s developing hips and spine.
Avoid bag slings – they’re dangerous.
Follow the T.I.C.K. rules for safe babywearing:
✔Tight
✔In view at all times
✔Close enough to kiss
✔Keep chin off the chest
✔Supported back
TIGHT – Slings and carriers should be tight enough to hug your baby close to you as this will be most comfortable for you both. Any slack/loose fabric will allow your baby to slump down in the carrier, which can hinder their breathing and pull on your back.
IN VIEW AT ALL TIMES – you should always be able to see your baby’s face by simply glancing down at them. The fabric of a sling or carrier should not close around your baby so you have to open it to check on them.
CLOSE ENOUGH TO KISS – your baby’s head should be as close to your chin as comfortable. By tipping your head forward, you should be able to kiss your baby on the head or forehead.
KEEP CHIN OFF THE CHEST - a baby should never be curled so their chin is forced onto their chest as this can restrict their breathing. Ensure there is always a space of at least a finger width under your baby’s chin.
SUPPORTED BACK - in an upright carry a baby should be held comfortably close to the wearer so the baby’s back is supported in its natural position and their tummy and chest are against you. If a sling is too loose, they can slump, which can partially close their airway. (This can be tested by placing a hand on your baby’s back and pressing gently - they should not uncurl or move closer to you.) A baby in a cradle carry in a pouch or ring sling should be positioned carefully with their bottom in the deepest part so the sling does not fold them in half pressing their chin to their chest.
Links:
NCT guide to babywearing:
Why Carrying Matters website:
https://www.carryingmatters.co.uk/why-carrying-children-matters/
Baby Wearing UK:
https://www.babywearing.co.uk/
Baby Wearing UK Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/BabywearingUK
Study: The power of babywearing to improve breastfeeding rates:
Breastfeeding in a sling:
https://www.carryingmatters.co.uk/breast-and-bottle-feeding-safely-in-a-sling-3/
Directory of sling and carrier support services:
https://www.carryingmatters.co.uk/sling-pages/