Life as a new parent can be hectic and overwhelming, especially if you’re doing this parenting thing for the first time. There’s a lot to learn, a lot of joys, a lot of frustrations. New parents quickly learn that a certain amount of sacrifice comes with the territory and that life will forever be different.
This can be a huge struggle for some, especially when they come to grips with the reality that doing things with a newborn in tow can sometime take 3 times longer than it used to. Gone are the days of having two hands to do everything.
Being “hands-free” is another great benefit of babywearing. While your baby is safely secured to your body, you have the freedom to go about a more normal life with little to no interruption. I absolutely adore that I can still get out to walk to San Clemente state beach in South OC with my baby in the ring sling and my toddler in tow.
Multitasking!
Most babies, especially those still in the newborn stage of life, prefer to be held. They are used to the consistent rocking of the mamas body from being in the womb, as well as the calming & rhythmic sound of her heartbeat, so it's no wonder that they prefer to be in your arms. Babywearing offers all of that, while allowing the wearer to still be able to get their to-do list managed.
Babywearing allows Mom or Dad to get things like cleaning, chores, shopping, or cooking done with ease.
Extremely Practical
Those who care for multiple children know that it's never easy to meet the older child's (or children's) needs when arms are occupied, holding a baby. As we mentioned above, the hands-free option makes multitasking easy & actually possible! This then allows you to cut up some apples for your oldest as a snack, or assist big brother in climbing up and down the slide at the park. This can actually help reduce sibling rivalry... thank goodness for that!
For some, babywearing may even allow you to work at the same time! I've seen professional photographers rock their baby on their bod while snapping photos! (babies really do make the best accessory)!
Ability to Breastfeed hands free & on demand
I love this quote by Sears, "When a baby is near his source of milk and comfort, he does not have to use much energy to get his mother’s attention; he can use this energy to grow instead."
The option to breastfeed while babywearing is also useful for those who may feel uncomfortable breastfeeding in public, for whatever reason. Babywearing allows for more discretion and convenience. Babies tend to be less distracted while be worn as well, which makes nursing much easier for mama. And let's be real, sometimes you just need to get things done, and lying around nursing a baby for hours at a time can make the impending to-do list even more daunting.
So, what is your favorite thing to get accomplished while wearing your baby?
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post on how babywearing can contribute to your child’s development. Thanks again for joining us in celebration of International Babywearing Week!
photo: Topher Delancy Photography