Jessica Northup Babywearing: A Natural Fashion Statement by Andrea McMann

abywearing is a growing trend these Dr. Dettwyler theorizes that, long ago, it is liberating to think of babywearing as Bdays, but it is as old as humankind. women of higher classes ceased wearing a parenting skill rather than as a function Although the actual term was coined by their babies as a status symbol. “Only the of a purchased baby carrier. “People all the author, pediatrician and attachment wealthy could afford prams (or) car- over the world carry their babies in parenting proponent Dr. William Sears, riages and where would they be going pieces of fabric fashioned into slings baby carriers likely evolved very early in except to take the baby out for sunshine simply by tying a knot.” history. Perhaps…the need to and fresh air – and the wealthy would support an altricial (completely helpless) likely have the servants do it.” newborn may even have contributed to Thankfully, babywearing is begin- Why Babywearing? the evolution of bipedalism (walking on ning to make a comeback and Susie In 1986, researchers Hunziker and two legs),” says Katherine Dettwyler, Spence, president and co-founder of Barr found that babies who are worn cry PhD., a professor of anthropology at the Babywearing International, believes that 43 percent less than babies who are not University of Delaware. “And some peo- the Internet has played a vital role in its worn. In a 1991 study conducted at Co- ple have suggested that the first ‘tool’ re-emergence. “Before high-speed Inter- lumbia University, with made by early was some sort of net access was prevalent, access to baby were given either plastic carriers or soft sling or net carrying device.” She goes carriers was, for most people, limited to carriers. After a year, 83 percent of the on to explain that the earliest baby carri- what was available in their local big box babies who were carried in the soft carri- ers were probably made of animal skin or stores,” Spence says. “E-commerce has ers were determined to be securely at- plant fiber nets – “both things that do not radically changed the market for baby tached to their mothers (in the psycho- preserve in the archeological record.” carriers and the overall effect has been logical sense), whereas only 38 percent If babywearing has been around so very positive.” of the plastic carrier babies were securely long, why isn’t it more common now? However, Spence says that she thinks attached. w NaturalLifeMagazine.com Page 31 Babywearing Safety stant motion.” day’s busy world, babywearing helps The skin contact provided by parents to take care of their baby while While babywearing can be tremen- babywearing is also crucial to a baby’s managing the tasks of life: making a dously liberating, certain safety guidelines should be observed. health and development. “Researchers phone call, doing a load of laundry, get- • “This may sound obvious, but have found that infants who are touched ting some exercise,” says Ann Seacrest, a babies need to breathe,” says David and carried more produce more lactation consultant in Lincoln, Ne- Kaufman, M.D., a pediatrician with immunoglobin, which protects against braska. Children’s Physicians of Omaha, respiratory infections. Touch improves It’s amazing what a parent can ac- Nebraska. “Make sure your is intellectual and motor development im- complish while the baby snuggles com- able to breathe through their nose mediately from birth,” says Barbara fortably in a carrier! California mom when babywearing.” • Never cook or handle hot liquids or Nicholson, co-founder of Attachment Nicole Bovey used her carrier when trav- sharp objects while wearing your Parenting International. “It also helps eling by plane. “I found it wonderful to baby. regulate a baby’s temperature, heart rate put the baby in the sling and to have my • Adjust your carrier correctly, making and sleep/wake patterns, especially when hands free for handing over tickets, pay- sure your posture isn’t compro- baby is held skin-to-skin. These babies ing and dragging carry-ons,” she says. mised. not only gain weight faster, but they Alan Davis, a database programmer • Do not bend at the waist. Instead, nurse better, are calmer and are able to be from Crete, Nebraska, is a babywearing squat using your legs. This will save your back and keep your baby from more quickly soothed when they cry.” father of six. He says, “I feel a father has falling out of the carrier. to be as much a participant in child rais- For Toddlers Too ing as the . Heck, even more so, because in the ‘traditional’ family model, Carriers don’t lose their usefulness Daddy is gone ten hours a day. He needs David Kaufman, M.D., a pediatrician when babies learn to walk. Toddlers are to make up some of that lost time, and in Omaha, Nebraska, says that baby- heavy and can sometimes be clingy. lugging the baby along in a chestpack or wearing makes the transition to life out- Babywearing saves parents from aching backpack is definitely a step in the right side the womb easier for newborns. “The backs and sore arms. Plus, as Nicholson direction.” majority of infants have just spent the discovered, carriers can keep curious Babywearing fathers enjoy a close past nine months in an environment that toddlers out of trouble. “I…loved having bond with their children and often have is in constant motion with a constant a carrier with me if we were in a store that little sympathy for men who are afraid level of varying noises – from the beat of had many temptations like delicate that they’ll look foolish wearing their ba- mom’s heart to the churning of her stom- breakable things.” bies. As Damon Smith, a produce opera- ach, it is a noisy place to be! It is, there- Baby carriers can also help siblings tor in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, succin- fore, very logical that bond. Terri Korthase often wore her sec- ctly states, “Suck it up, princess. It’s your infants will be calmer ond child when she played with her son, child too.” when in immedi- who was two at the time. “When she was The most important thing to remem- ate contact in the carrier, she was right between us ber when choosing a baby carrier is that with their when we were playing,” says the everyone is different. Each person has care pro- Riverdale, Michigan mom. unique likes and dislikes. “Don’t give up vider and Lysa Parker, also a co-founder of At- until you find something that works for in rela- tachment Parenting International, says you!” says Andrea Gilliland, owner of tively con- that though toddlers are more independ- No Mother Left Behind. “All babies love ent than younger babies, babywearing is to be worn, but it can take some time to still a welcome source of comfort. “It is find a carrier that is right for you.” healthy and a good sign to see toddlers Like , baby carrying re- play independently, then frequently go to ally is best for babies. Babywearing is a their mother or father to touch them, vital tradition that has been passed down show them a toy or seek comfort, then from our earliest ancestors, an ancient art happily run off to play again. If they that still holds tremendous value. So why have been carried since birth, they not wear your baby today? will immediately associate carrying with feelings of warmth, safety and love.” Andrea McMann is a freelance writer from Nebraska. She discovered the joys of Free Yourself babywearing when her second child was born and has never looked back. In addition to One of the best things babywearing, she is an advocate of co-sleep- about babywearing is how ing, extended breastfeeding and gentle disci- much the parent can do with pline. Read her blog about motherhood at his or her hands free. “In to- www.writingfromkiddom.wordpress.com. Jessica Northup Page 32 NaturalLifeMagazine.com Choosing a Baby Carrier

rings. Pouches can be worn in cradle or Asian Baby Carriers hip carries. “The (ABC) is my favorite carrier of all, Benefits especially for toddlers. I love the support • Easy to use for my back and find it easiest to wear • Very portable my child and nurse at the same time. It’s • High level of “portability” (baby can also the most versatile, in my opinion, be “popped” in and out of carrier with such ease for a front or back carry easily) and little need for constant adjustments,” • Most can be worn from birth through says Stephanie Precourt of Valparaiso, toddlerhood Indiana of her Asian Baby Carrier. Asian • Facilitates breastfeeding Baby Carriers (ABCs) are rectangles of Disadvantages fabric with a strap at each corner. They • Fitted pouches may not fit numerous can be worn in front, back and some- caregivers times on the hip. • Adjustable pouches can be bulky and Benefits difficult to adjust • Can be used through toddlerhood • May not securely hold a child in • Sleek, portable vertical positions • Comfortable

• Fairly versatile Jessica Northup • Facilitates breastfeeding Super Slings Disadvantages Yvette Davis of Crete, Nebraska loves • Takes a bit of practice to use slings. “Baby can nap, nurse, sit up and cloth that are tied a particular way • ABCs with thin straps are uncomfort- when kiddo is older, slings can be used around the parent’s body. They can be able for carrying babies over 20 to help hold a toddler,” says the mother used in front, back, cradle and hip car- pounds of six. Slings are fabric carriers that fit ries. • Can’t be used in cradle positions over one shoulder and under the other Benefits arm, like a sash. They are adjusted by • Extremely versatile Exciting Ergos pulling the fabric through rings at the • Comfortable shoulder. Closed tail slings feature • High degree of “portability” Tobi-Dawne Smith’s husband uses his padded shoulders and a strap that can • Can be used from birth through ergo almost exclusively. “He loves how be pulled to adjust the sling. In open tail toddlerhood comfortable, safe and stylish the ergo slings, the fabric passes through the • Once tied, can be worn all day baby carrier is,” says the Saskatoon, rings instead of a strap. Slings can be • Facilitates breastfeeding Saskatchewan mom. Ergos are similar used in cradle, front, back and hip Disadvantages to ABCs, but are more structured, with carries. • Can be difficult to learn how to use snaps and buckles. They can be used Benefits • Stretchy wraps won’t support babies as a front pack or backpack, or some- • Extremely versatile over 20 pounds times as a hip carrier. • Usually very comfortable • Takes time to tie Benefits • Open tail can be used for privacy • Can be uncomfortable on hot days • Very secure while breastfeeding • Comfortable enough for day-long • Some open tail slings feature a handy outings pocket Learn More • Fairly versatile • Can be used from birth through International Disadvantages toddlerhood www.attachmentparenting.org • Most can’t be used with babies under • Portable Babywearing International five months • Facilitates breastfeeding www.babywearinginternational.org • Often intimidating to new babywearers Disadvantages Help Give Us Slings (HUGS) • Some can only be used as front packs • Slings with padded shoulders can be www.yuki-michelle.com/hugs • Can’t be used in cradle positions uncomfortable • Open tail slings take a bit of practice No Mother Left Behind www.nomotherleftbehind.com Precious Pouches to use • Some users feel that slings put too The Mamatoto Project, Inc Smith uses a pouch carrier with her much stress on one shoulder www.mamatoto.org daughter, Lily-Ann. “It’s ideal for a nov- Babywearing by Mary Blois (Pharmasoft ice baby wearer: easy to put on and no Publishing, 2005) way to really mess up.” Pouches are Wonderful Wraps closely related to slings. Fitted pouches “It’s soft, comfortable and uses both of A Ride on Mother’s Back: A Day of Baby are tube-shaped and sized to fit a partic- my shoulders and back for support,” Carrying around the World (children’s ular wearer. Other pouches can be ad- Becky Scott of San Diego says of her book) by Emery Bernhard (Gulliver justed with snaps, zippers, Velcro or wrap carrier. Wraps are long pieces of Books, 1996) -NL- NaturalLifeMagazine.com Page 33