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Choosing to Advocate Babywearing ~ Countering the
Mainstream
by Anna Noack-Brown
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"The net effects of babywearing may be summed up in one word- harmony"
-Dr Sears in "The Baby Book" |
 Making the choice to parent in
ways that are different to the "mainstream" is never easy. Choosing to wear your baby is an awesome thing for
both baby and parents, but it can draw curious looks, and questions
from those around you, including family members, and even complete
strangers! 20th Century, western parents were conditioned to believe
that picking up and holding your child too much would "spoil" the
child and create "clinginess". It's hard to look beyond that view,
and realize that baby-wearing spans history and cultures.
There really is no way you can "spoil" a child
with too much inclusion and love! A child who is carried in a sling
or a wrap is not being "clingy", he or she is having their
developmental needs met, and having their attachment affirmed.
Still, many people who don't know much about Attachment
Parenting, or ways of peaceful parenting, sometimes may feel the
need to put their own two cents in, and comment on your baby-raising
ways!
As a parent you can be sure you are making the right choice when
you decide to be a baby wearer! Here are some great benefits of baby
wearing. Share them with those around you who may be curious!
- Baby-wearing eases the transition from the womb to the world, and
from pregnancy to post-partum. The baby experiences a warm, close
environment, near to the familiar noises of mama's heartbeat and her
every-day conversations. Baby is familiar with the motion of
walking, and the movement of mama. Mama is transitioned easily from
carrying her baby in-utero, to carrying baby externally! She too is
familiar with the motion of two, not just one!
- Baby-wearing provides a unique environment for baby, at
interaction level. So much pressure is put on parents to buy
products that enrich baby's world, when instead of relying on
these material things, baby could experience a stimulating,
expanded view of the world just by being at a level where the
action goes on! This expanded learning environment is complex
with the interactions that stimulate the senses, as well as
being a chance to learn about social exchanges. This integrates
baby by involving baby.
- Baby-wearing is an opportunity for caregivers and baby to
develop close bonds. Being so close to each other for periods of
time helps the caregivers to recognize cues that baby gives.
Communication and learning starts young, when the when the
care-giver picks up on signals that baby gives, and is able to
respond right away! Parents become more tuned in to their baby's
needs as they recognize cues with more immediacy.
- Baby-wearing makes life easier for hectic lifestyles! Who
isn't busy with one thing or another as a parent? Keep doing
whatever it is that you do, with baby along for the ride! Baby
care is not interfering; it's a part of what you are doing. This
lessens stress for both parents and babies.
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Baby-wearing promotes cognitive development. Baby is exposed
to interaction-level activity, and observes and absorbs the
rhythm of events as they take place. She is a participator as
well as an observer and is a part of patterns of behavior; such
patterns constitute the building blocks of learned social ways.
- Baby-wearing stimulates balance through provoking the baby's
vestibular system. 1
- Baby-wearing stimulates baby's sense of touch by being in
close contact with the caregiver. This develops muscle-tone and
improves circulation. (This is especially important for
premature and newborn babies.) 2
- Baby-wearing comforts children.3 They know they are safe
and secure, within close proximity to their trusted parent or
care-provider. The baby's needs are met, they know they are
important and self-esteem grows! Carried babies know they are
loved.
By making the decision to wear your baby, you are choosing to
respect your baby's need to be held close to you. You are choosing a
practice that connects parents across cultures and time. Living in
this harmony is what peaceful parenting is all about!
About the author ::
Anna is comitted to Attachment Parenting, and helping others
in their peaceful parenting journeys through her
baby-wearing website and workshops. Anna's loves; her
family, hiking, blowing bubbles and chocolate, and
especially when she gets to combine all those together! |
Sources:
1 Sears, William, "Wearing Your Baby" Mothering Magazine 1989
2 Sears, William and Martha, "The Attachment Parenting Book" Little, Brown and Company 2001
3 Study by Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and Presbyterian Medical Center, published in 1991 in Child Development, reported stronger bonding with children carried in soft carriers for several hours a day.
Further Resources:
Bernhard, Emery and Durgis, A Ride on Mother's Back, Gulliver Books, Harcourt Brace & Company, 1996. -This is a children's book with beautiful illustrations and simple text. It makes the simple case that baby-wearing is common and beloved the world over. This is one of my favorite children's books!
Granju, Katie Allison, Attachment Parenting: Instinctive Care for Your Baby and Young Child, Atria, 1999. -This book covers all aspects of Attachment Parenting, including the importance of wearing your baby.
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