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Babywearing... the Secret to a Happy Baby

The secret to a happy baby...is really no secret...

Our country is obsessed with buying all kinds of equipment for new babies. From bouncers to swings, walkers and stationary exersaucers, cribs, bassinettes, playyards, pack and plays, floor gyms...the list literally goes on and on...

But why would we need all of these things to simply have a happy and content baby? The truth is, you don't. Most of these items are designed to help your baby be entertained by themselves while you are free to do something else. But what your baby really wants, and needs, is to be held, touched, and nurtured. They need to be near others, not propped up somewhere, trying to learn to content themselves. When they are close to you, they feel safe and secure, hapy and content.

At a local support group for new moms, I have heard the question repeated by many new or expectant moms..."What is one thing that helped you the most while taking care of your baby". Over and over again, I hear experienced moms tell the new moms that what they couldn't have gotten by without was a baby carrier.

Here is a list of reasons why every new mom should have access to a baby carrier:

Promotes Baby's Physical Development: A baby that is held close to his mother will be in tune with the rythm of her breathing, will hear her heartbeat, will become familiar with her movements, and will be aware of her responses. In turn, this stimulation helps him to regulate his own physical responses, and exercises his vestibular system, which controls balance.
Convenient: No big heavy bucket carseat to carry around, No big stroller to try to take on a bus or train, No trying to fit your stroller down a busy street or in a crowded store
Babies That are Worn Cry Less: In a 1986 randomized, controlled study by Hunziker and Barr showed that carrying an infant 2 additional hours per day reduced crying overall by 43%, or one entire hour.
Encourages Good Digestion For Baby: According to Dr. Eckhard Bonnet in a 1998 article published on Didymos explains how upright carrying massages the infant’s abdomen, promoting healthy digestion, and notes that the physical abnormalities associated with infants who spend large amounts of time lying on their backs or bellies (such as hip dysplasia, frog legs, or flattened skulls on the back or sides) are absent in babies who are carried from birth.
Discreet Breastfeeding: Many carriers will double as a nursing cover while you use them, and allows the baby to have easy access for feedings.
Safety: When you are wearing your baby, you do not need to be concerned with them finding a way to get hurt. You know where they are and know that they are safe.
Encourages interaction: Babies that are worn are often being touched and talked to by the person wearing them, but there is also an opportunity for your baby to have discretionary interaction with others. For example: When your baby is being pushed in a stroller, anyone can walk up to him and touch him or talk to him, and there is very little that your baby can do to change the situation. When being worn, a baby can interact with others to a level that is comfortable to him, and avoid situations that are uncomfortable or provide too much stimulation.
Comfort: With the great variety of different types of carriers that are available, it is easier than ever to find a carrier that works well for you and your baby.
Economical: Most baby carriers are designed to carry babies from newborn through toddlerhood. No need to ourchase several different pieces of equipment for each of your baby's developmental stages.

We know that there are a vast number of baby carriers available, and along with choice can often come confusion, or being overwhelmed by all the choices. Please feel free to contact us if you would like us to help you find a carrier that will be a good fit for you and your baby.

The secret to a happy baby, is a simple piece of cloth away!

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