Why fathers should wear the baby
It is good to share with
fathers that there are many ways to connect and bond with their newborns and
young infants. so that the fathers leave feeling excited and positive
about connecting with their children in these very special ways. Wearing your
baby is one of the best things you can do to achieve this
1. Wearing a baby is convenient.
When we carry a baby in a sling, we can walk around freely and not have to
worry about negotiating steps, crowds or narrow aisles with a stroller. Plastic
"baby buckets" and removable car seats are heavy and awkward for
parents, babies often look uncomfortable, and they are kept at knee level. A
sling can block out excess stimuli when breastfeeding a distractible baby, and
it allows for discreet nursing in public places. A sling can also double as a
changing pad, blanket, or cushion when away from home. I've found my sling
especially handy when negotiating busy airports with a small child and several
bags!
2. Wearing a baby promotes physical development.
When a baby rides in a sling attached to his mother, he is in tune with the
rhythm of her breathing, the sound of her heartbeat, and the movements his
mother makes – walking, bending, and reaching. This stimulation helps him to regulate his
own physical responses, and exercises his vestibular system, which controls
balance. The sling is in essence a "transitional womb" for the new
baby, who has not yet learned to control his bodily functions and movements. Research
has shown that premature babies who are touched and held gain weight faster and
are healthier than babies who are not1. Mechanical swings and other
holding devices do not provide these same benefits.
3. Babies worn in slings are happier.
Studies have shown that the more babies are held, the less they cry and
fuss2. In indigenous cultures where baby-wearing is the
norm, babies often cry for only a few minutes a day – in contrast
to Western babies, who often cry for hours each day. Crying is exhausting for
both the baby and his parents, and may cause long-term damage as the baby's
developing brain is continually flooded with stress hormones.3 Babies
who do not need to spend their energy on crying are calmly observing and
actively learning about their environment. Baby-wearing is especially useful
for colicky babies, who are far happier being worn, but placid, content babies
and children will also benefit greatly from the warmth and security of being
held close.
4. Baby-wearing is healthy for you!
It can be challenging for new mothers to find time to exercise, but if you
carry your baby around with you most of the day or go for a brisk walk with
your baby in her sling, you will enjoy the dual benefits of walking and
"weightlifting". A long walk in the sling is also an excellent way to
help a tired but over-stimulated child fall asleep.
5. Toddlers appreciate the security of the sling.
Slings are usually associated with infants, but they can be very useful for
toddlers as well; most slings accommodate children up to 35 or 40 pounds. The
world can be a scary place for toddlers, who feel more confident when they can
retreat to the security of the sling when they need to do so. Toddlers often
become over-stimulated, and a ride in the sling helps to soothe and comfort
them before (or after!) a "melt-down" occurs. It can be very helpful
in places like the zoo, aquarium, or museum, where a small child in a stroller
would miss many of the exhibits.
6. Baby-wearing helps you and your baby to
communicate with each other.
The more confidence we have in our parenting, the more we can relax and
enjoy our children. A large part of feeling confident as a parent is the
ability to read our baby's cues successfully. When we hold our baby close in a
sling, we become finely attuned to his gestures and facial expressions. Many
baby-wearing parents report that they have never learned to distinguish their
baby's cries – because their babies are able to communicate effectively without crying!
Every time a baby is able to let us know that she is hungry, bored or wet
without having to cry, her trust in us is increased, her learning is
enhanced, and our own confidence is reinforced. This cycle of positive
interaction enhances the mutual attachment between parent and child, and makes
life more enjoyable for everyone.
7. Slings are a bonding tool for fathers,
grandparents, and other caregivers.
Slings are a useful tool for every adult in a baby's life. It makes me
smile when I see a new father going for a walk with his baby in a sling. The
baby is becoming used to his voice, heartbeat, movements and facial
expressions, and the two are forging a strong attachment of their own. Fathers
don't have the automatic head-start on bonding that comes with gestation, but
that doesn't mean they can't make up for this once their baby is born. The same
goes for babysitters, grandparents and all other caregivers. Cuddling up close
in the sling is a wonderful way to get to know the baby in your life, and for
the baby to get to know you!
8. Slings are a safe place for a child to be.
Instead of running loose in crowded or dangerous places, a child in a sling
is held safe and secure right next to your body. Slings also provide emotional
safety when needed, so that children can venture into the world and become
independent at their own pace.
9. Slings are economical.
Slings cost far less than strollers, front-carriers or backpacks. Many
mothers consider the sling to be one of their most useful and economical
possessions. Inexpensive used slings can be found in consignment and thrift
stores, and new ones can be bought for about $25 -$50 (U.S.) - not bad for an
item many parents use daily for two years or more! A sling can also be sewn for
the price of a length of cotton, some rings and batting; sling patterns are
available.
10. Baby-wearing is fun.
Who doesn't love to cuddle a precious little baby? And when your baby is
older, having her in the sling makes conversations easier and allows you to
observe her reactions to the wonders of the world around her. It's also fun for
baby, because when she is up at eye level, other adults notice and interact
with her more. Your child will feel more a part of your life when she is in her
sling, and you will find yourself becoming more and more enchanted with this
special little person.
What to look for in a sling:
1. Does it fit your height and build?
Most brands come in different sizes; choose one that is right for you
(consider your shoulder width, bust, and length of torso). A brand or size that
is perfect for a friend may not be the best one for you.
2. How easy is it to adjust the sling?
Most slings have shoulder rings that allow for tightening and loosening by
pulling excess fabric through. The sling will be pulled snugly for an infant,
and loosened over time as the baby develops. Test this in the store, because a
sling that cannot be easily adjusted will not be used as often as one that is
better constructed.
3. Examine the padding.
Some people like slings with padding, while others do not. Try out various
styles, and choose the one that works best for you.
