10 Reasons to Love Babywearing

There are so, so, so many reasons to love babywearing. It was hard to pick these first 10 for this blog post, and I suspect I will have to write another 10 reasons to love babywearing very soon! Have a read and see what you think - are these some of the reasons why you love babywearing too?

You're hands free
Pop your baby in the sling, and then you have two hands free! You are then free to do whatever you choose - whether that be housework, shopping, grabbing a quick sandwich, or sitting down with a book! All while you get a lovely cuddle and chat with your baby, and they might even grab a quick nap while you're busy getting on with day to day chores.


Catching some zzzz's
It's often said that slings come with sleepy dust, and it's pretty much guaranteed that your baby will nap in the sling. The combination of your warmth, the sound of your heartbeat and your smell is overwhelmingly comforting to them. And for you, having their warm, soft little bodies carried close is an oxytocin releasing delight that will calm, soothe and make you feel lovely too


Have baby, will travel
Wearing your baby makes getting from home to your destination (and back) super easy.. You don't have to worry about folding buggies or fighting with complicated buggy systems through crowded shops. You can browse round the shops, fit in to that tiny boutique tea room, stroll along the beach or hike through the woods without a second thought.


Bonding with Baby
Babywearing strengthens the bond between carer and baby. Babies spend 9 months cocooned inside you, and babywearing makes your baby feel like they are in the womb again. Having your baby close to your heart lets the hormone oxytocin do it's job - helping to keep postnatal depression at bay and promoting the breastfeeding relationship.


Affordable and accessible to all
Look in the right place, and you can get a sling from as cheap as £20, all the way up to a couple of hundred for handwoven wraps. But for the average day to day babywearer (providing you don't get obsessed and end up buying lots of slings), a sling is a far more economical option than a buggy. Plus they hold their resale value - win win! For an even cheaper option, you can hire from your local sling library or babywearing consultant 


Workout without Breaking Out 
Babywearing is great exercise. It helps to engage your back and core muscles without you even realising you're using them. I started wearing less than a week post caesarean section after my second baby, and the gentle stimulation of my tummy muscles helped my recovery greatly. You aren't limited by pushing a buggy either, so the world is your oyster when it comes to hill walking, munro climbing or even just running round the park after your older children


It aids development 
Wearing your baby can aid their physical and mental development. Pretty awesome huh? They spend less time laying flat so their risk of flat head syndrome is reduced, it promotes neural development and aids in balance by providing a sensory experience combined with movement, AND it reduces the risk of SIDS. On a basic level, it lets babies see the world around them and see/hear you speak. They don't need to be forward facing out to do this either - they get a far better view in an ergonomic position than they ever would in a buggy.


Hey, Good Looking!
Step in to the babywearing world, and you will be amazed at the array of designs, patterns and colours of slings. You will be spoilt for choice - you can even get slings to match your outfits! Just check out Oscha slings - their designs are so gorgeous they have branched out in to scarves and home furnishings


 Dads can do it too
There's often a massive misconception that dads can't bond with their babies unless they are involved in feeding. Pffft. Get them snuggled up with baby in a sling and send them off for a walk to the shop. Your other half will feel like an awesome, strong, manly hunter gatherer/tiny human protector and you'll get a chance to shut your eyes/lay in the bath/use the bathroom in peace. That's if you can get over how god dang hot he looks - it's not fair but babywearing dads suddenly become impossibly attractive, regardless of how little sleep they've had!


Find new friends
Us babywearers are a friendly bunch - we love to talk about slings and help people experience how lovely it is to carry their babies.  Some of my best chums have been made through the 'world of babywearing' - it really is a great way to meet other parents. And when you have a new baby, it's other parents you get you through those tough early days. Making an appointment with a babywearing consultant in pregnancy or soon after your baby is born will mean you are able to get out and about with baby as soon as you feel ready, with your baby snuggled happily next to you.