| Carrying your baby on your person in a baby carrier is | | | | Babywearing helps stimulate your child's physical and |
| often called "babywearing". There are many types of | | | | mental development. Babies in carriers are generally |
| carrier available to new parents, including wraps (a long | | | | held upright, meaning if that they are awake, they are |
| piece of cloth that you tie around yourself and your | | | | using their neck and back muscles to help support |
| baby), slings (which go over one shoulder and are | | | | themselves. This strengthens these muscles and helps |
| often adjustable), as well as front- and back-pack | | | | develop head control. Also, being upright and close to |
| carriers. There are benefits to using these carriers for | | | | mom's eye level provides a much more stimulating |
| both you and your baby. | | | | environment for baby than being flat on his back in the |
| Babywearing helps foster a close bond between | | | | stroller, looking at the sky. He gets to see the world |
| mother (or dad!) and child. When you carry your infant, | | | | and hear his mother's voice. |
| you are close to him. It's like a permanent hug - and | | | | Babywearing can make a parent's life easier. Many |
| who doesn't love hugging a baby? Also, because your | | | | activities are difficult to perform when you have to lug |
| baby is so close, you can't help but notice him more, | | | | a stroller with you. A flight of stairs becomes an |
| meaning that you become quickly aware of his hunger | | | | insurmountable barrier. Taking public transit can be a |
| cues and other needs. You become very in tune to his | | | | nightmare. Using a carrier makes it easier to negotiate |
| signals. | | | | crowded or awkward spaces. Using a carrier also lets |
| Babywearing calms babies. It relaxes them because | | | | you have your hands free, allowing you to get things |
| they feel safe and secure when they are with their | | | | done while holding your baby. |
| parent. If a mom carries her baby on her chest, he can | | | | In short, babywearing is good for babies, and |
| hear her heartbeat, which is a comforting sound since | | | | convenient for parents. It helps with your relationship |
| he heard it in the womb. Putting the baby in the carrier | | | | with your baby, with your baby's psychological |
| and going out for a walk is a great way to soothe him | | | | development, and with your ability to easily navigate |
| - the combination of the bounce in your steps and his | | | | your environment. |
| closeness to you is a great sleep inducer. | | | | |