I often get asked about babywearing and that is certainly a topic to be thoroughly explored at a later date. Right now I’d like to briefly cover the highlights.
Babywearing is FANTASTIC for both you and baby. Every single touch baby receives strengthens her nervous system. There’s been plenty of research that demonstrates touch as a basic need for babies. One such research took two groups of babies. Both were adequately fed, cleaned and clothed, but one group was held and touched while the other was done so to a very limited extent. The group that was not touched actually lost weight and began to demonstrate signs of failure to thrive! Amazing isn’t it? This is part of what it means for a baby to Think Well. The power of touch is one reason people receive such amazing benefit from chiropractic care, but again, that’s for a later date.
Considering how important touch is, I’m an advocate for holding your baby as much as possible. I do believe it’s more important than the dishes and laundry…but it is important to eat sooo…introduce the baby carrier, hands free baby holding. *Note, do not wear your baby around open flame, hot food items and other kitchen appliances like blenders, or while using sharp knives. But you can make a sandwich.
There are a ton of different types of carriers, and in Pittsburgh, we’re fortunate to have some resources. Laura McCarthy is our expert and is available for private instruction at http://shininglightprenatal.com/laura-mccarthy-babywearing/
There is also a Pittsburgh Babywearers group on Facebook. They meet at the Squirrel Hill Library. This is a great group because you get to try out different carriers before investing in one. Which is great, because some carriers can get pricey!
When choosing a structured carrier, it is highly recommended that you choose a carrier in which baby faces the wearer. This helps to be better able to engage with the baby, and usually, these carriers offer the best hip support. Choose a carrier that supports the baby’s hip from buttock to knee oppose to one that holds baby at the crotch and leaves the legs dangling. The reason is without proper support, baby is more susceptible to developing hip dysplasia.
I’m a big fan of the Ergo. I love the padded shoulders and how it distributes baby’s weight evenly. I had previously used a Boba wrap and moving to the Ergo I 
noticed a huge reduction in the amount of muscle fatigue I experienced.
I strongly suggest my moms wear their babies and go for walks frequently. I MUCH rather see a baby be worn than pushed in a stroller. First, there’s almost zero social interaction in the stroller. I put my daughter in a stroller after she was a year old to push her around the amusement park and I felt like she was so far away and completely separate from the rest of us. It wasn’t long before I put her back in the carrier and used the stroller to just carry our stuff. Now, I admit I didn’t feel this way with my son, but with him we never used a baby carrier, so I didn’t know any different.
Second, in a stroller the baby is stuck looking at only what is in front of her. The sides and straps limit her from being able to turn her head to look around, There’s nothing to reach for and touch – nothing as fun as mom’s hair, face, clothing. Those toys and gadgets that attach to infant seats aren’t nearly as wonderful as the world around them.
PLUS, since mom is carrying extra weight around, it helps you grow stronger which is especially important as your baby is growing with amazing speed! It won’t be long before it’s a real struggle to pick her up and carry her for any distance. So start strengthening those muscles now! And savor the time spent being close to your baby. I know, the days are long and you’d be happy to hand her off so you can take a break, but I’m sure you’ll be missing being able to carry her in 5 short years.
I have more to say on the benefits of carrying your baby, so pleas stay tuned for another post!
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