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What is babywearing?

“Babywearing” is the lost art of carrying a baby close to your body in a baby sling, wrap, or other type of baby carrier. Babywearing is far from new and has been practiced for many centuries around the world. In some countries, it is the norm and fussy babies are less common.

What are the benefits for babies?

Babies cry less - Research has shown that babies who are carried in a sling cry almost 50% less than babies who are not carried. This research makes sense! The environment of the womb was perfect. The baby was constantly hearing, feeling, and smelling its mother. Then all of a sudden, the baby is born and the environment has drastically changed. Babywearing helps re-create the womb environment so that babies can hear their mother’s heartbeat, feel her warmth, and feel secure. This allows moms to be in tune with the baby’s needs so babies cry less.

Babies learn more - Less time spent on crying means more free time to learn. Babies carried in a sling spend more time in the state of quiet alertness, which is the ideal state for learning. They get to experience every day life from the parent’s perspective. They get to see the activity around them and learn about the world. This extra stimulation benefits their brains! Researchers have reported that carried babies show enhanced visual and auditory alertness.

Colic and reflux are reduced - Babies who are often called colicky or fussy often do better if the time they are carried is increased. The rocking motion and the tight swaddle effect of some baby slings is just what they like. Babies with reflux also benefit greatly from being carried. When babies are carried in an upright position they are less susceptible to vomiting and excess spitting up.

Babies are emotionally healthier – When babies are carried in a sling they quickly develop a sense of security and trust in their caregivers. They become more confident and often become independent at an earlier age.

Keeps baby safe and discourages unwanted attention - When babies are carried in a sling they are protected from the unwanted touches of strangers. This is a great way to keep babies safe from germs especially during cold and flu season.

What are the benefits for parents/caregivers?

• Frees your hands! When carrying your baby in a sling your arms and hands are free to accomplish everyday tasks and chores such as prepare meals, do laundry, clean the house, and even tend to gardening.
• No more heavy car seats or strollers to carry around! Give your tired arms a break. It is much easier to transport a baby in a sling than to lug around a heavy car seat or stroller.
• Makes breastfeeding easier. Wearing your baby in a sling allows for breastfeeding on the move. You can discreetly breastfeed your baby wherever you are. When worn in the correct position, the baby is free to nurse as he or she pleases and no one will know the difference!
• Resumes your social life sooner. There is no need to stay home and become a recluse! Wearing your baby allows you to go out and enjoy social or adult gatherings while the baby is content or sound asleep in the sling. Not only can you enjoy your baby, but you can have your life too!
• Reduces sibling rivalry. With your hands free you can attend to your older children’s needs as well as your baby’s needs simultaneously.
• Provides instant exercise. Wearing your baby in a sling is an effortless way to get much needed exercise everyday.

How do you find the right baby sling or carrier?

There are many factors to consider when choosing a baby sling or carrier. Different slings or carriers are appropriate for different needs. If you are new to babywearing, choosing a baby sling or carrier can be overwhelming. There is no need to fret; Posh Baby Palace has done the work for you already. We only offer a small, carefully chosen selection of the most popular, comfortable and stylish baby slings and carriers available.  Please refer to the following comparision chart to help you make your selection:

Baby Sling & Baby Carrier Comparison Chart

	Ring Sling	Pouch	Stretchy Wrap	Mei Tai
One Shoulder	Yes	Yes	Only for hip carry	No
Two Shoulder	No	No	Yes	Yes
Front Carry	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
Back Carry	Possible	Possible	Possible but not recommended. (my opinion)	Excellent
Hip Carry	Excellent	Excellent	Possible	Possible
Baby can face forward	Yes	Yes	Yes	Possible, but not as comfortable. Use only for short periods of time.
Recommended for	Birth to 20 pounds (my opinion)	2 months to 20 pounds (my opinion)	Birth to 20 pounds (my opinion)	5 months-35 pounds (my opinion)
Newborn use *	Excellent	Moderate	Excellent	Moderate
Baby use*	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
Toddler use *	Great for quick carries.  Longer carries may be uncomfortable.	Great for quick carries.  Longer carries may be uncomfortable.	Not suitable	Excellent
Fits wearers of different sizes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Adjustable	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Ease of nursing	Excellent	Varies	Excellent	Moderate
Learning curve	Moderate	Low	Moderate	Moderate
Quick on/off	Excellent	Excellent	Moderate	Moderate
Easy to leave carrier on and pop baby in and out	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Not recommended

*All of these baby slings and carriers are safe from birth to 35 pounds according to the manufacturers.  However, this table shows the age or weight that typically works best with each type of carrier.  These are the opinions of Posh Baby Palace based on my personal use.

What are the basic types of slings or carriers?

Wraps
Pouches
Ring Slings
Mei Tais (pronounced “may ties”)

Consider this: “Biologically, babies need to be carried in order to thrive. Studies have shown that otherwise well nourished and cared for infants who are deprived of human touch fail to thrive and can even die. Good things happen when baby is carried!” Maria Blois, MD

Many parents are discovering how convenient baby wearing is and how well it works in their lives. Why not give it a try and see for yourself? Purchase a baby sling or carrier from Posh Baby Palace today!

Pictures courtesy of Posh Papoose™
Photography by Shlomi Cohen