Want to know an easy and
very effective way that Dad can get tons of cuddle and bonding time with Baby while feeling connected and
competent as a father? Here’s our short answer: by baby wearing.
Baby wearing promotes special bonding time for dad:
While it’s true that breastfeeding
is momma territory (and well it should be), a father can carry his baby in a wrap, sling or
baby carrier in order to provide much-needed warmth, comfort, nurturing and
movement to his baby. Baby will also smell Daddy’s own
unique smell and be comforted by that smell and warmth. Baby wearing is also an excellent way for dad to
bond with his baby. It’s well-documented that close cuddling and carrying causes us to produce
oxytocin, a neuropeptide that plays an important role in the formation of
attachment bonds (also known as the “cuddle hormone”). It’s been shown
clinically that men with higher levels of oxytocin display increased trust,
empathy, and social reciprocity When it comes to parenting, bonds strengthened – at least in part – by higher levels of oxytocin,
are excellent for both the father and the mother, as well as for Baby.
Baby wearing can be incredibly empowering for Dad:
We take it as a given that most
fathers want to be involved with their babies, with their families. Oftentimes,
especially following the birth of their baby
(when the baby deeply needs the mother for life-giving sustenance via her
breast milk), it can be hard for a new father to know where he fits in the
newly revised family picture. Baby wearing can truly help the father know how
important he is to his family as a whole. It’s a wonderful
tool to help him fulfill his parenting role in a real and very meaningful way.
He sets the stage very early on for an involved and deeply bonded role with his
child, with his family; one that will only continue to grow and strengthen with
time.
Baby wearing
provides mobility for the whole family:
it’s very hard to just stop everything and
sit – for extended periods – when life keeps going whether we have a baby
or not. This holds especially true when the family has more than one child. It
really is the best of both worlds when a parent can carry
on with life – playing with their other children, completing chores about the
home, even getting out to walk the dog or take a family hike in the woods – all
while providing much-needed comfort, security and safety for the baby by carrying her in a baby carrier.
Baby wearing is
excellent weight-bearing exercise:
We know how important exercise is, and baby wearing
provides excellent weight-bearing exercise. All
weight-bearing exercise is great for building and maintaining bone mass, which
keeps our bodies strong as we get older. Both mom and dad can reap the benefits
of weight-bearing exercise by baby wearing their baby, particularly as their
baby grows
