Practical Tips For Babywearing
After the accident, I had two main concerns for when our new baby arrived. Those where whether I would be able to breastfeed and whether or not babywearing would be an option for me this time around. Babywearing is one of my favorite things. It gives me the ability to use both hands, makes it easier to keep nosy people from touching the baby risking getting them sick, and for giving me the ability to do other things that need to get done each day. After baby wearing my last 3 children I never want to go back to never having hands to get things done again.
The benefits of babywearing
Babywearing has many benefits for both the mother and the child.
Babies love to be held close to their mother’s chest where they can hear their mothers heartbeat and feel safe and secure. Babywearing can give your baby a sense of security helping them sleep better.
Babywearing allows you to breastfeed your baby hands-free which can be very helpful during growth spurts.
Babywearing allows you to use both hands so you can get things done with a newborn in the house. If you have other children this can make a huge difference in your ability to cair for your family.
Wearing your baby can help protect your baby when out of the house. People love to touch babies and get their faces very close to babies even ones they do not know. When your baby is is a stroller they are easy to access but when you are wearing your baby on your chest no one can reach the baby without you there to block. This can protect your child from many contagious illnesses and is particularly important during flu season and outbreaks.
Wearing newborn
Babywearing a newborn can be a bit different than older babies. They do not fit structured carriers yet so you will need a wrap or sling carrier to hold your newborn close to your body. This will keep your baby snug and safe.
Breastfeeding while babywearing
Babywearing is one of the best breastfeeding tips you will find. Wearing your baby allows you to keep your baby close to your chest giving you a spare pair of hands making breastfeeding a breeze.
Babies often go through growth spurts where they want to nurse all day long. At night cluster feeding is common right about the time you are putting other children to bed. Wearing your baby allows you to nurse them as they need hands free so you can get other things done as well.
Babywearing on your back
Babywearing younger babies is best done on your chest. As your baby gets older and gains full head control you can move your baby to your back making babywearing perfect for going on adventures with your little one. they get a full view of the world and you get to let your arms have a break.
Babywearing safety
- Babywearing is a safe tool for parents but there are a few things you need to be mindful of when you wear your baby.
- Always check your carrier for damage before using it.
- Do not forward face your baby in a carrier as this can put too much stress on their hip joints.
- Look for a carrier that creates a seat that places the hips up to keep the hip joints in alignment.