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Baby Carriers, Slings, and Attachment Parenting

Babywearing has been common practice in many cultures for centuries. In China, mothers have been wearing their babies for thousands of years, usually in what is now known as the Mei Tai wrap (a long piece of fabric that can be tied to hold the baby in various positions).Throughout Africa and Asia babywearing is the norm.

As babywearing gains followers in North America, parents are learning more about the symbiotic relationship between babywearing and Attachment Parenting.

Attachment Parenting, a term first used by Dr. William Sears, is a parenting philosophy encouraging secure parent-child attachment as a precursor to self-respect, independence, and healthy, mutually beneficial adult relationships. Babywearing is a cornerstone of this philosophy, as it enables parents to include even the newest baby into daily activities without sacrificing closeness. It also facilitates breastfeeding, as well as quick response to babies' needs, since the parent is readily available when the baby is being worn. Proponents of Attachment Parenting believe that responding to babies when they cry, rather than allowing them to cry it out, actually fosters independence. Infants learn that their needs will always be met, and feel safe enough to take risks and venture out on their own as they grow. Additionally, babies enjoy the gentle rock of the parent's body, which simulates the motion they experience in the womb, and constant body contact is soothing, comforting, and familiar to the baby. An infant's only experience is as part of his mother's body; babywearing recreates that experience, allowing him to hear his mother's heartbeat, share her body warmth, and sway with the rhythm to which he has become accustomed. The most natural way to carry your baby, babywearing is also the easiest way to soothe a fussy infant while attending to life's daily demands. Simply put, a parent wearing a baby sacrifices nothing and gains everything – freedom, closeness, and the immeasurable benefit of a happy, confident baby.

Slings and Soft Structured Carriers are two types of carriers preferred by most babywearers, and are often used interchangeably. Below are definitions, along with some features of each type of carrier.

Ring Sling: A fabric carrier with 2 rings, usually metal or nylon, attached to one end. The wearer threads the fabric through the rings to create a pouch for the baby. The tail is used to adjust the size of the pouch.

Pouch: A sling design created by a tube of fabric, folded in half and worn over one shoulder. Some pouches are adjustable; some are not.

Soft Structured Carrier (SSC): A type of carrier based on the traditional carriers of Asia. Some are structured and fasten with buckles (e.g. ERGObaby), while others are more traditional and have straps that tie (e.g. Mei Tai or Podaegi)

* Definitions courtesy of Glossary of Terms at www.bigmamaslings.co.uk

More and more parents are discovering the many benefits of babywearing, from facilitated bonding to increased freedom and productivity. Regardless of the type of carrier used, babywearing is continuing to gain momentum and is a positive, nurturing, and loving experience for both babies and parents. Imagine a world filled with people who began life nurtured, respected, and understood!

Editorial provided by Karin Buck, Marketing & PR for ERGObaby USA, www.ergobaby.com.