the benefits of carrying babies shared by experienced moms and two easy ways to remember carrier safety.
read about the benefits of babywearing for moms that carry in blacksburg,va, but wait! what is babywearing? babywearing has been around for centuries and has made a recent comeback in the US. it can be defined as carrying your baby close to your body using a sling or another form of carrier.
benefits of babywearing – for the baby
Cuddles BONDING touch hands free for hugs SOOTHES
Social Interaction Comfort hugs BENEFICIAL awareness
INTERACTION WITH ENVIRONMENT alert quietly observing family
WOMB-LIKE caregivers can carry motion cognitive development
LESS CRYING aids digestion builds trust eases colic helps reflux
Breathing Regulated listens to your heartbeat STRENGTHENS SPINE
SAFE PLACE Protected comfortable closeness breastfeeding
physical development upright position seeing from different perspective
spouse can carry family participating snuggling LOVED
SENSE YOUR PRESENCE social development hear your voice
babywearing benefits
benefits of babywearing – for the mom
HANDS FREE safety protected ease of breastfeeding
decreased risk of postpartum depression MEET FRIENDS hold
builds confidence shopping INTERACTION WITH BABY coffee dates
social interaction spouse can carry builds trust CONNECTION
reassurance respond to baby cues STAY ACTIVE smell baby
COMFORTABLE closeness touch baby interact WALKS
fresh perspective meal prep shared experiences SAFE PLACE
BONDING play with older children SEE BABY hug
comfort awareness SNUGGLE baby close in busy places
MULTI-TASKING keep strangers at a safe distance oxytocin released
COZY easy to carry eye contact secure CONFIDENCE
two safety tips: check for T.I.C.K.S. and C.A.R.R.Y.
check for T.I.C.K.S
T is for tight. the carrier should hug your baby close to your body snugly.
I is for in view at all times. baby’s face should be in view at all times.
C is for close enough to kiss. baby’s head should be right below your chin.
K is for keep chin off chest. keep chin raised for best breathing.
S is for supported back. baby is upright against your chest with his tummy for supported back.
C.A.R.R.Y. your baby
C is for careful. be careful when choosing activities while carrying your baby. roller blading is out. horseback riding is out.
A is for airflow. check baby’s airflow. look at baby’s nose and mouth. make sure baby’s chin is raised, not tucked down, to increase airflow.
R is for ride high. baby is positioned to ride high, resting on your chest , not your belly.
R is for right fit. make sure your carrier is the right fit for you and your baby.
Y is for your instinct. trust your instinct. see if you baby looks comfortable, safe, and supported.
during my research for this topic, i was so excited to discover babywearing benefits the new parent because it decreases the chances of postpartum depression. oxytocin can be released while carrying your baby.
the baby is happy and feels safe in this womb-like position. this calm baby falls asleep on your chest and your confidence as a new parent increases immensely, thus decreasing the chances of postpartum depression sneaking in.
but if those baby blue feelings do creep in, there is a local resource, postpartum.net, with mom peer groups and a birthing professional to facilitate and a number to call if you need to talk 24/7. the warm line is 1-800-944-4773.
i would love to hear your babywearing experience. share in the comments on the blog.
let me know if i can help as a postpartum doula. here is my contact information ~laura
more about grammie doula
i am a full-time postpartum doula in middle tennessee and my clients call me grammie doula. i have 25 years as a labor and delivery nurse and then 10 years as a a birth photographer. during the pandemic, i was able to take doula training and now i can support clients in-person and virtually. i am a mom to 3 grown children, 5 grandchildren and 1 baby in heaven. i live in a house with a view and my grey-bearded husband plus four pets that prefer his company over mine!
