Babywearing
is the easiest and most practical thing a parent can do. Do you really
enjoy lugging around that car seat carrier? Is it really safe to have
it balancing on the top of your shopping cart? There is a better way to
go out on the town with baby. In simple terms, babywearing means using
a sling or like product, to carry your infant or toddler. Natural
Attachment stresses that parents not use baby back/front packs; these
carriers do not properly support babies' heads and necks nor do they
promote good spine development and babies can lose circulation to their
legs if carried for long periods of time. We suggest using a sling with rings,
a tie on sling
or a wrap
carrier.
Using
a sling at first, can be mildly difficult to get the hang of, but once
you learn, you will never forget and you won't want to be anywhere
without your sling. There are hundreds of resources that show you how
to use a sling, most of which you can find online. We suggest visiting www.peppermint.com, to see great
pictures of how to use a sling and to see most of the types of slings
there are to choose from.
  Dr.
William Sears includes babywearing as one of the eight principles of
attachment parenting. He talks of the many great benefits of using
a baby sling. The motion from being carried in a sling while mom or dad
work, clean house or make dinner, stimulates a baby’s brain
and makes
her feel safe from close contact with caring parents. Most mothers and
fathers say that they would be unable to get anything done if it were
not for having a sling to carry the baby in. The use a sling leaves
both of a parent’s hands free and prevents back strain and
stress
associated with improper posture from carrying heavy car seats.
Let's
not forget about style either. Slings are stylish and they come in
every color/pattern imaginable. Not only will you be able to do more
with your child, but you will look great too!
Infant massage is another way to
shower your baby with attention.
Infant
massage has been practiced by other cultures for centuries. Many
physicians have incorporated this ancient art into their practices,
after observing the positive effects it has on infants. Research of the
benefits of infant massage was started in the mid 1970's. All babies
have shown that they have benefited from the nurturing touch of infant
massage. Learn how to massage your infant or toddler here.
What
are the benefits of infant massage?
- Relaxes Infant
It lessens tension, fussiness and
irritability. Massage aides in digestion, relief of gas and colic.
- Enhances Bonding
Massage is a nurturing tool to covey love,
the essential ingredient for a strong parent-baby attachment.
- Aids Growth and Development
Studies indicate increased weight gain,
muscle development and immune function related to infant massage.
- Promotes Communication
Infant massage encourages parents to become
more aware of baby's nonverbal cues.
Links
To Other Websites About Babywearing And Products
10 Reasons to Wear Your Baby
Ask Dr.
Sears About Babywearing
Babywearing Photos and
Stories
Why wear your baby?
How, Why and Where
How to Baby Wear
MayaWrap Baby Carriers Instructional Video
Mayawrap instructions
Six easy directions on how to wear your baby
Different holds for the baby sling
Traditional Wrap Carries
New Native Baby Carrier Instructions
Baby sling tying tricks
Didymos Sling Directions for Use
How to use a Podegi (Korean blanket carrier)
The
Rebozo Way Project
Rebozo Wrap Instructions "Easy as 1-2-3"
Make Your Own Baby Sling
Make Your Own Rebozo Sling
Make Your Own Padded Sling
Make Your Own Tube/Pocket
Sling
Make a Podeagi Sling
Make Your Kid A Sling
The
material in this website is provided for information purposes only.
This information is not a substitute for, medical diagnosis, medical
advice, or medical treatment prescription. Consult your health care
provider for more information. If you are in Pittsburgh and
need a
midwife, send email to PghMidwife (at) naturalattachment.com
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