The Ancient Act of Baby-Wearing Grows Into a Modern Day Movement That Benefits Both Parent and Child

Generations of parents and caregivers from many cultures have comforted children by "wearing" their children - nestling them safely on their hips, their backs and around their necks using simple cloth slings. This method was born ages ago, as many great ideas are, out of simple practicality; women were expected to both tend to a new child and return to work almost immediately after giving birth. Perhaps these early mothers also felt intuitively what experts now believe to be true, that Baby-Wearing has mental, development and physical benefits for both mother and child.

Western pediatricians and researchers have noted that Baby-Wearing, or Attachment Parenting, stimulates babies both mentally and physically by simulating the gentle movement and comfort of the womb. Baby-Wearing has also been found to increase a newborn's neural development. Studies show that children carried in slings are noticeably calm and content. They cry less often, develop a greater sense of balance, and benefit from spending time in the rich learning environment of the adult world.

Interestingly, anthropologists and psychologists have both observed that mom and baby shape each other's behavior when they are together. The two move together, interact and listen to each other, and experience the world from similar points of view. In addition, Baby-Wearing is an incredibly helpful method for integrating a baby into daily life. Carrying a child in a sling allows today's multi-tasking mother to accomplish tasks easily, while still nourishing the bond with her baby because slings allow a baby the reassurance and contentment that comes from being comforted by their parent, even as the parent is concentrating on other activates or tasks. Leading Attachment Parenting experts, Dr. William and Martha Sears, note that, "Baby-Wearing does good things for babies, and makes life easier for mothers." As one New York City working mother attests, wearing her one-year old son while at work provided "closeness even when I can't give him one hundred percent of my attention."

Parents also experience a boost in confidence from Baby-Wearing. Laura Simeon, MA, MLIS and author of Ten Reasons to Wear your Baby, explains that, "When a baby is held close in a sling, a parent becomes finely attuned to baby's gestures and facial expressionsÉ. Every time a baby is able to let his parent know when he is hungry, bored, or wet without having to cry, his trust in the parent is increased, his learning is enhanced, and a parent's confidence is reinforced" Baby-Wearing also offers fathers, grandparents and other extended family members an opportunity to better connect with baby. And says Simeon "the more confidence parents have, the more they can relax and enjoy their children."

The La Leche League International promotes the practice of Baby-Wearing to breastfeeding mothers, noting that it is easier to nurse more often and better acquaints a mother to their child's early feeding cues, therefore helping babies gain more healthy weight.

Modern day mothers and fathers are also discovering that Baby-Wearing makes leaving the house much easier. No large strollers to stuff into the car or navigate through crowded streets. A sling is also far more economical and can be easily folded and stored in a diaper bag, requiring no assembly and no fumbling with belts, buckles or locks.

And while some worry that a baby that is regularly held will become fussy, spoiled and coddled, the opposite is true. A recent North American study found that babies cried less the more hours a day they were carried, and the feeling of security created by the constant interaction with family boosts the child's trust and self-esteem.

Hot Mama Ink was created with Attachment Parenting in mind. We hope you will find that that our baby slings are the ultimate way for you to express your personal style while bonding with your baby. It might take some practice to get used to wearing a child, but once a comfort and balance has been found, the benefits are priceless.