the sling connection
Yes. Babies simply belong in our arms or worn close to our bodies. Babywearing lowers the level of stress in the infant and the parent - while providing pleasure, warmth, security, and sound, all essential to healthy development. A sling baby is secure - able to feel, smell, hear, and see the parent. He or she is an active participant in the walking, talking, laughing, movement, and working of the parent. When held or worn, children are at the center of activity rather than being the center of attention, which is a healthy atmosphere for development of empathy, affection, and a healthy sense of self. . .
Consider the following excerpt from Babywearing: The Benefits and Beauty of This Ancient Tradition by Maria Blois, MD:
“Biologically, babies need to be carried in order to thrive. Studies have shown that otherwise well nourished and cared for infants who are deprived of human touch fail to thrive and can even die. Good things happen when baby is carried. . . Babies who are held experience human touch and movement. This stimulation has been shown to have a positive effect on the baby’s development. Carrying baby enhances motor skills by stimulating the vestibular system (used for balance). Baby constantly readjusts as mother moves around, using his developing muscles to hold his head up, kick his feet and use his arms to cling to mother. Because soft carriers keep pressure off the back of the head, carried babies are at much lower risk for plagiocephaly (asymmetrical head shape). Carrying baby naturally limits the time baby spends in hard plastic carriers, such as carseats, automatic swings, and such. Holding baby while moving counts as ‘tummy time.’”
Also, the benefits of skin-to-skin contact (“kangaroo care”) for newborn babies has been extensively studied. Holding infants has shown to be incredibly beneficial for their development, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Learn more here.
Babywearing reduces the risk of SIDS. Learn more here.
A good book to read on the topic: The Vital Touch: How Intimate Contact With Your Baby Leads To Happier, Healthier Development by Sharon Heller
An illustration from The Baby Book by Dr. Sears
Do sling babies develop better?
