You may already have reasons to want to carry your baby, but you are still missing one last "plus" to take the plunge? We explain its benefits! Are you ready? There are many because yes, carrying has an undeniable impact on baby's health, development, fulfillment... and yours!
1. Babywearing helps ease baby’s transition to life outside the womb
Carrying your baby against you means first of all bringing your presence to him in the most concrete way possible, namely the contact of your body. Being against each other will allow him to perceive your heartbeat, one of the most important sound elements of his life before birth. In addition to the familiar sound of the heart, there are the movements of our gestures and movements. The heartbeats and the rocking make acclimatization to life after birth less harsh for the baby who recognizes elements of his life in his mother's womb. A reassured baby is immediately calmer and less stressed and therefore cries less often. Being comforted and calmed more quickly will generally make him a less anxious child and, in the very long term, a more confident person in life.
2. It regulates baby's body temperature
Thanks to this physical proximity, body heat is shared. For an adult, maintaining their temperature requires little effort. For a newborn or premature baby, thermoregulation is a great expenditure of energy and this sharing of heat is a great help. Thus, premature babies have a better chance of surviving. Full-term babies gain weight more quickly with skin-to-skin contact , a technique related to babywearing, because fewer calories are dedicated to maintaining their temperature. Did you know that babywearing in a sling or Snüg is an ideal way to have skin-to-skin contact with a newborn?
3. It will facilitate the proper development of the baby.
When baby is carried, the baby is constantly in an upright position. This position makes the risk of flat head very low because if he is carried regularly, the baby spends much less time lying down. This position will also help the proper development of his spine and neck muscles because he is in a position in which it is easier for him to move. A good carrying position will also prevent dislocation and hip dysplasia by promoting their proper growth. Another lesser-known effect of this position is to improve digestion: gases from the digestive system are more easily released.
4. His senses are stimulated. Baby discovers the world!
The sensory stimulation that babywearing brings to your baby is important. We've already talked about the sound of your baby's heartbeat and the movement of your baby's steps, but as your baby grows, he'll even be interested in what you do during your day! From the music in the store you visit to the smell of what you're cooking, your daily life will bring him a thousand discoveries that will enrich the time he spends with you. With all these moments spent with you comes another bonus: he becomes aware of the words you use and tames language.
5. Strengthen your attachment bond and interactions with your little one!
Spending your days together will also affect your daily experience. When you are carrying your baby, you will perceive your baby's needs more quickly and you will be able to respond to them quickly, which will give him a greater sense of security and keep him calmer. And yes, carrying is a solution to consider to calm your crying baby! Having your baby glued to you will make you want to interact with him even more by talking more often and showing him more things that will arouse his curiosity, during your daily tasks. Beyond his intellectual enrichment, it is also your relationship that will be solidified by these exchanges and your bond of attachment will become all the stronger .
6. Carrying allows you to maintain your independence as a parent!
For your part, babywearing has an instant benefit by giving you back the freedom to act and move. It can transform your day! Going out with the baby carrier rather than the stroller makes it easier to access places without elevators or crowded places. Tasks that require your hands can be done even if your baby also needs your arms! This newfound freedom of movement even allows you to practice light sports while babywearing . A good way to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine with baby!
7. Carrying: a happy baby… and you too!
Ultimately, you will have better days because your baby will also have better days with you. A baby who gets the attention and care he needs is calmer, and because he is crying less often, you will be less stressed yourself. You will then be in perfect control of yourself: calm, present, attentive and caring, ready to share life with your little one.
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Do you have questions about babywearing? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions .
We often organize Facebook Lives on different topics related to babywearing and motherhood. To watch our replays, go here . Otherwise, for the next Facebook Lives, stay tuned by subscribing to our Facebook page .
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