What is baby-carrying?

 

Carrying your baby close is what nature intended

Maternal infant bonding/attachment is a psychological process that develops from birth. It is the first attachment an infant creates and can affect the outcome of all future relationships. Many aspects can determine how this bond develops but possibly the most important influence is physical contact.

The attachment mentioned is not referring to a parenting style, rather a biological requirement that maintains body temperature, facilitates breastfeeding and encourages maternal responsiveness. A study found ‘Infants under 6 months of age carried by a walking mother immediately stopped voluntary movement and crying and exhibited a rapid heart rate decrease, compared with holding by a sitting mother.’

 

The fourth trimester

 

The fourth trimester refers to the first three months spent out of the womb. During this time, baby has a psychological and physical need to be close to their caregiver. Using a carrier helps facilitate this. The constant motion of being carried helps stimulate parts of baby's brain that regulate automatic functions, like breathing, that in turn reduces the risk of SIDS.

Babywearing also promotes bonding during this delicate time; sleep deprived, busy parents are easily able to meet their baby's needs whilst still getting things done. Being close to the familiar heartbeat, smelling those familiar smells can make a huge difference in how they adjust to life outside the womb. 

 

 

 

So what is babywearing?

Babywearing is a tool that promotes babycarrying. It is the use of a carrier, to support the weight of the infant or child, allowing hands to be used freely.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stephen C. Gammie

Mother–Infant Communication: Carrying Understanding to a New Level

Current Biology, Volume 23, Issue 9, 6 May 2013, Pages R341-R343