Natural Mommy Talk: Baby B #3: Babywearing

Baby wearing is exactly what it sounds like, wearing your baby in a baby carrier. Whether it's in a sling, wrap, or a front carrier, put your baby on and go about your day.

Besides making getting your chores done around the house easier, it makes running errands and traveling easier too.

What are the benefits to the baby though? Here are just a few:

1. Makes Nursing Easier: Your baby is always in close contact with you

2. Makes Discreet Nursing Easier: With baby wrapped in your arms at all times nursing can be done with baby right in the carrier with no one the wiser

3. Enhances Speech Development: When carried, your baby is right on your level to not only hear, but see what you are saying.

4. Teaches Baby About the World: When babies are carried they are in a "quiet alert" state and are more able to observe the world around them.

5. Helps with Vestibular Connection: "The gentle motion a baby experiences during babywearing stimulates the vestibular system, and scientists are finding that this stimulation helps babies breathe and grow better, regulates their physiology, and improves motor development."

Source: Attachment Parenting by Martha and William Sears
So, how do you babywear?
Step 1: Find the perfect carrier for you. Go to a store and try on the different carriers to see what works best and feels right for you and your baby.
Step 2: PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. Babywearing can take time and practice to get used to (for both you and your baby).
Step 3: Enjoy wearing your baby!

Here are a few suggestions for great carriers:

Wrap Carrier