Babywearing: A Better Way to Move Through Life

Both moving with smiles!

Bringing your little one along for the ride is better for the both of you.

Have you heard?

Carried babies…

• Cry less. 43% less overall and 54% less during evening hours. 1
• Are Healthier. They gain weight faster, have better motor skills, coordination, increased
  muscle tone, and sense of balance. 2, 5, 7
• Get a better view of the world. Babies pushed in strollers or lugged around in car
  seats only get to see the adult world at knee level.
• Become Independent Faster. Making them confident and less clingy. 3
• Sleep Better. They fall asleep quicker and sleep for longer periods of time. 4
• Learn More. Not over stimulated, but calm and alert, observing and taking in the
  world around them. 5
• Are Happier. They feel loved and secure. 6

but it’s also great for you.  Read on.

Carrying your baby or toddler…

• Enables better communication between you and your baby- (without your baby having to cry) as you become attuned to your baby’s facial expressions and other gestures.
• Creates confident parents — there’s no better feeling than when your baby is calm and content because you have met all of his or her needs.
• Is convenient — nothing is more awkward than carrying a heavy plastic car seat with one arm!
• Allows you to safely move about with your baby regardless of terrain — you can stroll down uneven sidewalks, narrow lanes, walk up stairs,or climb mountains.
• Does wonders for your spirit— encourages you to get out and breath in the air and let the sun shine warmly on your face with your little one
• Encourages weight bearing exercise- lactating mothers will lose less bone mass by carrying with them the extra weight of their babes.
• Makes discreet nursing possible- without having to find a place to sit.
• Helps you to interact with your other children- while holding your little one close at the same time.

You get emotional and physical benefits for both you and your baby. You can move through your days together.

It’s a joyous way to live.

References

1 Kostandy et al., “Kangaroo Care (Skin Contact) Reduces Crying Response to Pain in Preterm Neonates: Pilot Results,” Pain
Management Nursing 2008: 9:55-65
2 Lawn et al., “‘Kangaroo Mother Care’ to Prevent Neonatal Deaths Due to Preterm Birth Complications,” International Journal of
Epidemiology” 2010: April.
3 Whiting, J.M.W., “Environmental Constraints on Infant Care Practices”. In Handbook of Cross-Cultural Human Development
edited by R.H. Munroe, R.L. Munroe & B.B. Whiting, New York: Garland STPM Press, 2005.
4 Ferber et al., “The Effect of Skin-to-Skin Contact (Kangaroo Care) Shortly After Birth on the Neurobehavioral Responses of the Term
Newborn: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. Pediatrics 113 2004:858-865.
5 Charpak, N., “Kangaroo Mother Care: 25 Years After,” Acta Paediatric 94 2005: 5, 514-522.
6 Powell, A. “Harvard Researchers Say Children Need Touching and Attention,” Harvard Gazette.
7 Ludington-Hoe, S. Kangaroo Care: The Best You Can Do to Help Your Preterm Infant. New York: Bantam Books, 1993.