Today starts the first day of International Babywearing Week! This is a cause near and dear to my heart. I want to share some links with you today in hopes that this will help your family be more firm in your decision to babywear or, if you don’t babywear yet, maybe these links will give you that extra nudge to give it a try. There is a ton of wonderful information out there, including free videos to help you figure out what to do with a carrier that you already have as well as free patterns if you would like to make your own carrier. Babywearing should be assessable to everyone. This is not a new phenomenon. Babywearing has been around for thousands of years and is still practiced all over the world. It may not be as common place in the US, but it is growing quite rapidly. Check out this slideshow for some amazing babywearing pics from around the globe!
I can’t begin to type all the incredible benefits that I have received from babywearing, but I will start by naming a few.
- Bonding - babywearing helps to create a more secure bond between mother and baby. There’s nothing like cuddling a newborn so close to your heart, even while walking around or doing chores.
- Nursing - I can easily meet my baby’s nursing needs during (most) any activity and without searching for a place to sit down.
- Losing the baby weight – It’s wonderful to go on long walks while wearing your little one and know that the extra weight is helping you get back in shape after pregnancy.
- Hands free! – I still don’t quite understand how people can shop or chase a toddler without babywearing. I can wear my baby and do a multitude of tasks while keeping him close and content.
- Navigating difficult terrain – My feet can go places that may be difficult for a stroller. I can go upstairs, over rocks, through the sand and mulch without skipping a beat. Lucky for me, because my toddler can, too!
- Helping others – my hands are free to help other families with the benefits of babywearing, for which I am incredibly thankful!
I know that I am missing a lot of other benefits, like being in reach to kiss my baby any time I please, but I would like to challenge you to find some of these out for yourself!
The list for benefits to the baby is even longer! I will start by saying that my second child was quite gassy. I am so thankful that I was able to wear him tummy to tummy in my wrap and ring sling for most of his newborn days. He was so much more comfortable that way and cried much less than he would have otherwise.
This is a really nice list of babywearing benefits by Dr.Sears. Here is another list by LaLeche Leauge.
Today, my friend Alma woke up extra early to head up to KPFT to appear on the Whole Mother Show. She gives a fabulous interview to talk about babywearing and its many benefits.
Finally, I want to share how to get help if you are in Houston. Please visit www.houstonbabywearers.org. You can also join our yahoo group (it’s linked off of the main site) and have a resource of brilliant mothers and fathers who are ready to help you in your babywearing endeavors. I lead the Central and Cypress babywearing groups and would love to help you get started on a wonderful path of wearing your little one(s). Do not hesitate to ask for help!
This was my first outing alone with a 3 week old Oliver and nearly 2 year old Aidan.
I’m having trouble embedding my slideshow, but if you’d like to see it click here.