Babywearing is Natural

I have a lot to say this weekend. I have several posts partially written because I just have so much I want to say in the face of some news and conversations about babywearing I've been part of this weekend.

This one I can write easily. It's so clear to me, so obvious - as it is to most babywearing parents, it seems. But there's always that nagging of old "wisdom"...or old in-laws. Are we going to spoil them by holding them all the time? By picking them up every time they cry? Will they ever learn to walk if we carry them in these "things" all the time?

Here's your ammo - your support to prove you are right...you do know what's best for your baby!

Human babies are designed to be attached to a parent (primarily mama who has the food, but daddy is critical too). We are born with a natural reflex to grasp onto our mamas, we naturally raise our legs into the ideal position for hip/spine development when picked up - the same position that is ideal for being carried on mama's hip. Human babies require an additional 9-12 months of additional time to fully develop their brains, senses and bodies AFTER birth. Humans are not designed to be "complete" and independent at birth the way other mammals are (like a calf who's up and around on his own feet shortly after birth, can regulate his body temperature, escape predators and go to mama for food). We can't walk. We can't see well. We have no concept of object permanance - if we're not touching you, we don't know you're there. We feel abandoned and know we're in danger.

Human babies need to be nursed on demand, always carried along for safety - a baby left alone is at risk and signals their needs and fears with cries. Babies only have one way to communicate a need and need us to respond immediately to meet those needs - including providing security, comfort and warmth.

Babywearing meets all of these needs and many more.

Babies who are worn feel secure. They become independent and confident children. Human babies require touch to thrive.

Babies who are worn have constant and immediate interaction with an adult. They can read your face and learn communication skills earlier, are expressive, sensitive, empathetic, curious, engaged, sociable.

Babies who are worn experience natural human movement. Their muscular and skeletal systems are strengthened with every movement of the parent. When worn in a correct spread-squat position, their hips and spines are able to develop securely. They will walk and run and be more sure-footed than the kids who learned "movement" in a battery powered swing.

Babies who are worn sleep deeper, regulate their heart and breathing rates better, gain weight faster.

So, take a deep breath. Remind yourself that you do, in fact, know your baby best and know what's best for your baby.

Have those nagging voices read the BCIA's position paper and point out all of the doctors who agree with you! Point out all of the scientific research that supports babywearing as a NEED. If they're up for entire books, offer them Ashley Montagu's Touching, the Human Significance of the Skin and Jean Liedloff's The Continuum Concept. If they read German, give them Eveline Kirkilionis' Ein Baby will getragen sein and Bindun staerkt.