Why should we wear baby close?
Studies have shown that the close physical contact of babywearing promotes attachment and bonding.
Wearing a baby close particularly with a special carrier designed for skin-to-skin contact, may help regulate baby’s heartbeat, temperature, and breathing patterns.
Baby wearing can help from their health to their mood. Parents have found that it reduces crying, and the babies fuss less. Babies that are carried for about 3 hours a day were seen to reduce crying and fussing by up to 51% during the evening hours. It assists in the bond and communication between the parent and baby, and makes breast feeding easier.
It makes life easier for mom by providing comfort to the baby whilst freeing up both hands.
It is important to use the baby carriers correctly. Most safety concerns revolve around keeping baby’s airways clear, along with supporting their back and neck. There are 5 checks you can make to ensure that you wear your baby safely. These are known as T.I.C.K.S.
- T: Baby should be upright and tight enough in a carrier that they are held safely against whoever is wearing them. This helps prevent accidental falls.
- I: In view at all times. Baby’s face should be visible to you so you can monitor their breathing. You can also keep a better eye on your baby’s mood if you can see them.
- C: Close enough to kiss. You must be able to lower your head and kiss the top of your baby’s head with little effort.
- K: Keep chin off chest. Look at your baby to ensure there’s a gap of about two fingers wide under their chin. If they’re in a good upright position with their spine curved and legs squatting, it’s less likely that their
chin will drop.
- S: Support back. While you want your baby to be secure, do not over-tighten. You should have carrier tight enough that there is no gap between your baby and your body, but loose enough that you can slide
your hand into the carrier or a sling.
Be sure that the carrier feels comfortable for you as well. You do not want to create soreness or injury from in-correct wearing, especially after long periods.
There is nothing more comforting and soothing to your baby than a parents hug. Now you can hug your baby for hours, while you free your hands to carry on with your busy day.
The good old fashioned way, in today’s busy world!
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