Babywearing: Why carry your little one?
What does babywearing mean?
Babywearing literally means “wearing the baby”, even if in Italian it is translated as “carrying the baby”. Therefore, it is the practice that consists of carrying your little one close to the body through supports such as slings or baby carriers , responding to the physiological need for closeness of the child, while maintaining a certain freedom of action. In fact, the parent who carries has his or her hands completely free and can dedicate themselves to activities while simultaneously taking care of the relational needs of the newborn.
Where does the custom of carrying come from?
In Europe, babysitting is almost a “new” practice and even today it is often viewed negatively because it is thought to “spoil” the child.
Unfortunately, society is accustomed to a frenetic pace and would like to demand the same speed of autonomy even in newborns. The baby should sleep alone in the crib, cry little, sleep all night, but we know very well how far this is from reality. In fact, newborns have physiological needs that are very different from adults and one of these is precisely the closeness and contact with the parent.
Babywearing responds precisely to this need and its historical origins are rooted in many different cultures around the world:
- Indigenous and Native American culture : They used slings and leather carriers to carry babies. These carriers were often made of natural materials and allowed parents to continue their daily activities while having their baby close by.
- African culture : Mothers still carry their babies wrapped in cloths tied around their shoulders or tied around their waists.
- Asian culture : Traditional slings or fabrics were used to carry babies. For example, in India, mothers often carried their babies wrapped in a "sari", a traditional garment.
- Inuit and Arctic culture : They used sealskin wraps because they also provided warmth and protection from the intense cold.
- Traditional Asian culture : Traditional baby slings and carriers are used, such as the Chinese "mei tai".
Babywearing: advantages
Anatomical growth and postural development
Flat head
Carrying in a sling reduces the time the baby rests his head during naps , decreasing the risk of plagiocephaly and flat head . It is important, however, to ensure that the baby does not suffer from myogenic torticollis and not to put into practice incorrect postural attitudes when the baby is not in the sling.