Wear Your Baby

Baby wearing is one of the oldest traditions in cultures around the world. It's essential for a baby's best development to have strong physical contact with his caregivers, and equally essential for the parents, to create a close bond.

By wearing your baby, you quickly become attuned to his needs and cues. He, in turn, becomes attuned to your biorhythms, mirroring your breathing and heartbeat.These rhythms reflect the womb experience, making the transition into the outside world much easier for the baby.

Babies quickly take to being carried in slings because of the closeness, comfort and security they feel. For a parent on the go, it's an easy way to nurse, giving your baby the ultimate in nutrition. Mom's hands are free to care for other children, or to do work, and she is instantly aware of the baby's needs.

In-arms parenting is practiced in most third world countries. In Ecuador, children are worn on the mother's back, secured by a long strip of cloth that winds around the mother, under the baby's bottom, and is tied securely. In Mexico, Guatemala, and throughout other parts of Latin America, babies and toddlers are carried and fed on the mother's back or hip.

Today, more and more parents are wearing their babies - both moms and dads. Sling carriers are available in soft bamboo fleece, stretchy cotton, or colorful cloths, and can be made to size. These slings, along with natural parenting supplies and other baby carriers, can be found at many sources online

This nurturing way of parenting is the way many cultures have been successfully parenting for years, and its comeback in the western world shows that the concept is needed, relevant, and here to stay.