7 Science-Backed Benefits of Baby Wearing
Mums and dads have been practising babywearing for thousands of years, and the science is finally starting to catch-up and prove what ancient cultures have always known: that baby wearing is good for babies, and good for mums, dads & caregivers.
Traditionally, babies were carried on their mother’s chest for most or all of the day, however that is not always the case nowadays. Changes to our daily routines, working habits and an explosion of new prams, rockers, chairs, play mats and other gadgets have led to a sharp decline in the time babies spend being carried or worn closely by their caregivers.
Recent studies show that babywearing enhances mental and physical growth and makes babies happier. Ancient cultures knew this truth, and research has backed them up with facts supporting the practice.
Let’s take a look at some of them
1. Promotes security
A major study looked at the effects of physical contact between mum and their baby. From the results, it was found that babywearing enhances mother-baby attachment. The high level of body contact helps the two bond. As a result, the baby becomes secure in its new environment. Another controlled study showed that babies cry less if their parents’ practice babywearing. Babywearing can enhance a babies sense of security and make them calmer.
2. Enhanced growth and weight gain
In today’s world, infants are often placed in their cot to self-sooth. Modern education tries to show the benefits of a sleeping routine, but it could also promote anxiety and stress. While the baby is self-soothing, they feel insecure and anxious because of parental separation. The body releases a stress hormone called cortisol, which inhibits growth hormones and leads to increased anxiety and fussing. A study showed that carrying your baby on your chest makes them feel calm, relaxed, and secure, so they use their energy to grow.
3. Fewer reflux symptoms
Babies who are carried in an upright position experience less vomiting, coughing, and other breathing problems. This is according to a 2012 study on the efficacy of the vertical position on Gastro-Esophageal reflux.
4. Help depressed mums
The benefits of babywearing are not one-sided. While the baby benefits the most, the parent also gets some benefits from the close contact. For example, if the mum is feeling depressed or struggling to bond with their little one, babywearing may help. Using a carrier helps the mum experience human closeness, which is comforting and relaxing. The brain gets the same soothing effect as when you are meditating or sleeping. The warm touch and baby scent induce oxytocin and reduces cortisol in the brain.
5. Ease the transition to the world
The uterus is such a safe and warm place for your little one. Once they are born, every parameter changes and they are thrown into a strange and scary world. Babywearing is the best way to make this transition smoother for you baby. They will experience the same rhythmic walk, heartbeat, breathing, and scent they felt in the womb. Everything the baby feels when their mum is carrying them on their chest is a comfortable reminder of the womb. Without baby carrying, babies may develop coping mechanisms such as thumb sucking, colicky cries, fussing, jerky movements, and irregular breathing.
6. Reduced risk of flat head
Imagine a baby who is always on their back. They are fed and placed back on the cot to stare at the ceiling until they fall asleep. Wearing the baby for a couple of hours, coupled with some ‘tummy time’ is all your little one needs to prevent a flat head. Once they are asleep, put them back in the cot where they can sleep comfortably.
7. Encourage learning
As stated earlier, sling babies are generally calmer and more alert. In this state of calmness, the baby will be busy observing and feeling the world around them. This is the optimal state for learning sounds, sights, and even smells. You can easily communicate with your child and teach them a few things. The kid learns their parent’s faces, dad’s voice, and scent. If they hear a loud scary noise, they are within reach where mum or dad can comfort them and make them feel safe.
If you want to try babywearing, borrow a baby carrier and get tips from experienced mums your local babywearing group is a great place to start. There are now groups throughout Australia, and they often have different wraps, carriers and slings to try and borrow, as well as advice and guidance for people who are just getting started.
Melissa Riley is a mum of two energetic young boys, and a passionate advocate for babywearing.
She runs https://www.bubcarrier.com.au where you can find an extensive range of baby carriers, wraps and slings to purchase online, along with a selection of helpful articles and guides.
