Reasons for Babywearing
One new trend that has been reappearing over the last few of years in the Western World is wearing your baby in a sling, wrap, mei-tai or any other kind of soft baby carrier. Nowadays there are hundreds of companies that make them so you can literally wear your baby whenever you want. Many different styles ensure that you will find the best fit your likes and needs, but what are the reasons to wear your baby?
First of all, a great benefit is that your baby is always close to you. They spent many months inside their mother’ body, feeling warm, secure and connected to her, so they are used to being and love being there: near you. Your baby can hear your heart beat, feel your warmth and smell your scent as well. It is great for moms and dads to wear their babies close and be able to look down at them often and talk to them, helping to develop that deep attachment. The love and care they feel from you is something that they will thrive on, and the closer they are to you physically and emotionally, the more they can thrive.
Another benefit is they can easily be nursed and you are always ready to feed them. Most carriers allow you to easily slip them inside a protective pouch for some discreet breastfeeding. Even if you do bottle feed you can use the sling to help you hold them with no hands. Your baby will feel cradled and loved in these positions and possibly fall asleep from in comfort.
The slings and carriers that are coming out inspired in the traditional cultures around the world are actually good for your back. There used to be carriers without ergonomic design and they did wear on your back, now though with the slings available they put the weight of the baby in just the right spot so there is less stress on your back. Even as they grow older, up to 25 pounds or more (depending on the kind of carrier) the slings are better for your back than carrying them around on your hip.
After the birth, one of the things that seems to cross every moms mind is getting rid of belly fat. You can’t wait to shed those pounds. This is another benefit of carrying your baby all the time: babywearing adds to the calories you burn.
One last huge benefit of baby wearing is it gives dads, brothers, grandparents and other family members the chance to be close to baby and bond with them. If you are breastfeeding it can be tough on the others that waited with you for this special bundle, especially dad. Have him choose a sling of his like and let him carry the baby to get some of that ultra bonding time with the new member of the family.
Using a sling or soft carrier is a great experience for mom, dad, and baby. It could even be part of what you and your mother in law have in common. 
Dig a bit on your family history and find out what kinds of slings were used to carry your parents or grand parents. You might be surprised of your family babywearing history.
