Babywearing isn't anything new age, and in fact, women have been babywearing for centuries in other cultures. If I am honest, I wasn't entirely sure that using a baby carrier was for me at first. I was a little nervous, and I was convinced that it would be uncomfortable, but after I initially tried it I have fallen in love with it! Here are some of the reasons I love using a baby carrier and why you might too!
It Gives You Freedom
Using a baby carrier gives you additional freedom to use your hands and arms while still being able to hold your baby close. This was particularly useful for me when my baby was younger because he settled best when held close to my chest. Holding your baby is a great way to calm and soothe them, but it does mean your hands are occupied leaving you unable to do much else! This can be especially hard if you have other children that also require your attention. Using a baby carrier allowed me the flexibility to hold my baby close and have my hands free to do other tasks at the same time.
A Great Way to Bond & Settle
Using a baby carrier is a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your baby further. While in a carrier your baby can feel you breathing and listen to your heart beating in a similar way to when they were in the womb. This often makes them feel comforted, content and safe. Using a baby carrier is a great way for Dad's and even grandparents to bond with their babies too!
Good Exercise
Exercise is a great way to release those feel-good endorphins which can really help pick up your mood. Getting out for a walk with your baby is a simple, free and fun way of exercising. Walking while your baby is in a carrier means you are carrying more weight which has the added bonus that you are actually burning more calories too!!
It's Easy & Convenient
With a baby carrier, there is no negotiating narrow doorways or having to find an accessible elevator. You can simply go wherever you need to with little help or assistance! Baby carriers are also great if you'd like to walk on terrain unsuitable for strollers such as fields and woodland. I've found using my baby carrier when walking the dog means I have much more freedom and choice in the route we take!
Sleep, Feed and Explore on the Go
While in the baby carrier your baby can see and explore the environment around them – especially as they get older and can face outwards! This is great visual stimulation and allows them to see the world while also feeling comfortable and safe. Most baby carriers also allow you the freedom to feed your baby without having to remove them, and they can even fall asleep without you having to stop and put them down! In fact, while in the baby carrier my son would sleep far longer than when put down for a nap at home!
Finding the Right Baby Carrier for You
There is an abundance of baby carriers on the market, and it's essential to find the one that works for you. It's also important to make sure that the carrier is fitted and fastened correctly for safety and also comfort. Deciding which carrier is right can be a difficult and expensive choice as the best way to truly know if it will work is to try it first! A great way to save yourself unnecessary expense is to find a local sling library where you can try several different slings and baby carriers to see what feels right before purchasing your own.
Have you tried using a baby carrier before?
