In the mid 1900’s a very clever campaign by MaClaren pushchairs somehow convinced us the best way to transport our babies is in a pram or pushchair. The practicalities of prams mean that our little ones are away from our bodies and away from our social contact too.
As an OT, I firmly believe that the ancient art of baby wearing is a way better approach to transporting and caring for our babies. These are a few reasons that it’s the best we can do for our little ones:
- Being held in a snug carrier takes newborns and prem babies back to the nurturing womb world and limits crying and fussing. The transition from the womb to our busy world can expose little babies to over-stimulation, which results in fussing in the first few months. Being nurtured in a soft carrier against mom or dad’s body soothes the immature sensory system.
- Held against your body, your baby has the benefits of your touch. Human touch is not only comforting but also wonderful for the development of body awareness.
- Moving with your body, your baby will benefit from vestibular information too, which not only calms your little one but also enhances muscle tone and motor skills in time.
- Babies who are worn are more socially adept as they have loads of experience meeting other people at mommy’s level. You baby will reference other people’s faces as well as perceive your response to others socially too.
For these key reasons I believe that using a carrier is a fabulous solution for transporting as well as soothing new babies. I recommend parents look for a comfortable carrier that is soft like the womb world, fully adjustable and can be worn so your baby can see out or face inwards.
Written by Meg Faure for Snuggletime SnuggleRoo.