--Wearing a baby promotes physical development: When a baby rides in a sling attached to his mother, he is in tune with the rhythm of her
breathing, the sound of her heartbeat, & the movements mother makes walking, bending, & reaching. This stimulation
helps him to regulate his own physical responses, & exercises his vestibular system, which controls balance. The sling
is in essence a "transitional womb". Research has shown that premature babies who are touched & held gain weight faster
& are healthier than babies who are not.
--Babies worn in slings are happier. Studies have shown that the more babies are held, the less they cry &
fuss. In indigenous cultures where baby-wearing is the norm, babies often cry for only a few minutes a day –
in contrast to Western babies, who often cry for hours each day. Crying is exhausting for both the baby & his parents,
& may cause long-term damage as the baby’s developing brain is continually flooded with stress hormones. Babies
who do not need to spend their energy on crying are calmly observing & actively learning about their environment. Babywearing
is especially useful for colicky or "high need" babies, who are far happier being worn.
--Babywearing is healthy for you: It can be challenging
for new parents to find time to exercise, but if you carry your baby around with you most of the day or go for a brisk walk
with your baby in her sling, you will enjoy the dual benefits of walking & "weightlifting". A long walk in the sling is
also an excellent way to help a tired but over-stimulated child fall asleep.
--Toddlers appreciate the security of the
sling: Slings are usually associated with infants, but
they can be very useful for toddlers as well; most slings accommodate children up to 35 lbs. The world can be a scary place
for toddlers, who feel more confident when they can retreat to the security of the sling when they need to do so. Toddlers
often become over-stimulated, & a ride in the sling helps to soothe & comfort them before (or after!) a "melt-down"
occurs. It can be very helpful in places like the zoo, aquarium, or museum, where a small child in a stroller would miss many
of the exhibits.
--Babywearing helps communication: The more confidence we have in our parenting, the more we can relax &
enjoy our children. A large part of feeling confident as a parent is the ability to read our baby’s cues successfully.
When we hold our baby close in a sling, we become finely attuned to his gestures & facial expressions. Many baby-wearing
parents report that they have never learned to distinguish their baby’s cries – because their babies are able
to communicate effectively without crying! Every time a baby is able to let us know that she is hungry, bored or wet
without having to cry, her trust in us is increased, her learning is enhanced, & our own confidence is reinforced.
This cycle of positive interaction enhances the mutual attachment between parent & child, & makes life more enjoyable
for everyone.
--Slings are a bonding tool: Slings are a useful
tool for every adult in a baby’s life. The baby is becoming used to voice, heartbeat, movements & facial expressions.
Fathers don’t have the automatic head-start on bonding that comes with gestation, but that doesn’t mean they can’t
make up for this once their baby is born. The same goes for all caregivers. Cuddling up close in the sling is a wonderful
way to get to know the baby in your life, & for the baby to get to know you!
--Slings are a safe place for a child to be: Instead
of running loose in crowded or dangerous places, a child in a sling is held safe & secure right next to your body. Slings
also provide emotional safety when needed, so that children can venture into the world & become independent at their own
pace.