Baby Carrying Consultancy
Having discovered the pleasure and versatility of “baby wearing” with my first child, and honed my carrying skills and sling collection with my second, I have always advocated for and supported the use of slings and carriers with the parents I work with.
The benefits of baby wearing, for both babies and carers, are clear:
- Encourages bonding with the parent and helps to meets baby’s strong need for a sense of security and attachment, which will lead to greater confidence and independence later in life, as well as greater resilience and better long-term physical health.
- Helps regulate babies’ temperature, heart and breathing, and emotional and physical growth. This can be especially useful for premature babies or children who are unwell.
- Promotes and encourages the establishment of a successful breastfeeding relationship, in part due to the oxytocin release from skin to skin and soft touch.
- Helps babies regulate their circadian rhythms better and distinguish the difference between night and day sleep.
- Reduces babies’ crying, both frequency and duration, and can improve sleep. Less crying means more time to be in an alert, calm state, promoting learning and positive interactions with the world.
- May help to settle babies with colic, and also the parent/carer may feel less helpless. There is no evidence to suggest that babywearing actually reduces colic itself.
- Can reduce the symptoms and discomfort of reflux.
- Allows the vestibular balance apparatus to develop more rapidly and enhances neuromotor development and muscle strength.
- Encourages sociability and language development.
- Allows the baby to snuggle into the parent’s body for comfort when needed.
- Can increase parental confidence. The parent may be more “in tune” with their baby, promoting responsive parenting.
- Provides “hands-free” parenting, allowing the parent more choice about how to use their time.
- Provides greater access to the world; in a good sling the only limitations are where your feet can take you.
- Can provide comfort and nurturing for older children as well.
I write this as my baby sleeps soundly in her sling which is testimonial alone – My sling consultation with Lucy was not only incredibly helpful, supportive and informative but also lots of fun! Lucy took the time to find out about me, my pregnancy, birth, my baby, our needs and our hopes and expectations of the consultation, so she was able to ensure the session was tailored specifically for us. Lucy shared lots of information about baby wearing and it’s benefits. Working with the sling I already owned, she was able to help build my confidence using it and by the end of the session I was wearing my baby completely hands free! Which, with a contact sleeping baby, has been incredibly helpful on a daily basis since. She also showed me different slings that are available and based on our conversations explain why they might be a good choice for me. Throughout the session Lucy made sure I was happy and comfortable but also ensured my baby’s needs were always met, pausing any time she needed care and attention. I cannot recommend the sessions enough, without Lucy’s help the sling would have just lived unused in a drawer.
Sarah
