Baby Wearing
A newborn baby will spend 16-17 hours a day sleeping and, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, that should be on their back to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS. However, as a result, many infants are developing flat spots on the back of their heads. While parents may not like how it looks, the bigger concern here is not cosmetic. The greater concern is cranial distortions potentially resulting in compromised neurological function. But what are parents to do? They can’t hold their baby every waking moment… or can they?
Why to Wear Your Baby
The benefits of baby wearing are vast. For instance, research has shown that babies who are carried cry 43% less than those who aren’t and 54% less during the evening hours when colicky babies may be the fussiest. Babies that are worn while awake also spend much more time in a quiet and alert state which is ideal for learning. Since they are feeling safe and secure they are more open to outside stimuli and that is the world from your point of view, not the limited view available from their crib, car seat or stroller. They are also closer to people and can study facial expressions, so carried infants are more socialized and will typically learn to speak sooner and be more familiar with body language, becoming independent at an earlier age. Carried or worn infants are also calmer because all their needs are being met; both their primal and survival needs. They can see, hear, smell, touch and even taste their primary caregiver. According to Dr. William Sears, the pediatrician that coined the phrase “attachment parenting”, being in this position for most of their waking hours provides a motion that has shown to be beneficial for neural development as well as the baby’s gastrointestinal and respiratory health. The parental rhythms (walking, heartbeat, etc.) have a balancing and soothing effect on the infant. Finally, due to the decreased amount of time spent on their backs, the risk of plagiocephaly or the above-mentioned “flat head syndrome” is greatly reduced.
The Vestibular System
The vestibular system is a collection of structures in the inner ear that provides the sense of balance and an awareness of spatial orientation, a sense of right-side up or upside down. This system is actually one of the first to be developed in-utero and is part of the very first reflexes that can be tested in infants. The Moro reflex or startle reflex, which is seen in newborns until about 3 months, is a response to this system. Nearly all reflexes continue to be the result of activity in the vestibular system. It’s common knowledge that infants love to be rocked, and a very sensitive vestibular system is the reason. The motion of the caregiver activates the vestibular system, which may improve the infant’s ability to absorb the sights and sounds of their environment. This, in turn, may improve the development of their motor, cognitive and emotional skills.
When to Wear Your Baby
In many cultures, when the baby is awake it is being worn or carried. Anthropologists and psychologists studying the behavior of mother and child have determined that their interaction shapes their behavior. When the baby seems in distress mother offers a soothing touch or word. When the baby seems hungry she offers her breast. When the baby focuses on her, she focuses back while smiling or talking in a loving tone. For each action of the baby, the mother responds. According to an article published by the La Leche League, “These sensitive, personality-shaping interactions happen most readily when babies are in the arms of their parents.” Baby wearing is an opportunity to provide closeness even when you’re not providing the baby with your undivided attention. When cooking, cleaning, running after a toddler, grocery shopping or performing any other typical parental task, wearing your baby allows for the baby’s continued security while making it possible for you to perform other functions. Baby wearing also has physiological benefits for the mother, including increased oxytocin levels leading to a more intimate maternal bond and easier breastfeeding, potentially lowering the incidence of postpartum depression. Additionally, since the hormone Relaxin may stay in your body up to nine months following delivery, ease in carrying your baby and less lifting of car seats may prevent postural or spinal misalignments that could cause discomfort in fact car seats should only be used while the baby is in a car. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants spend the least amount of time possible in seating that maintains a supine or reclined position including car seats (unless they are actually a passenger in a vehicle). It is best for infants to be upright while being held, carried or worn. Some parents have expressed concern that a baby who is constantly held or worn will become fussy and demanding of attention, but studies have shown the opposite is actually true. Apparently, babies that are worn tend to be more satisfied and secure.
How to Wear Your Baby
With the increase in information available, baby wearing has become more popular and so there is a wide variety of slings and carriers available. Slings with rings come in many different fabrics with varying colors and patterns. They can be used for newborns, older babies and toddlers. The sling is typically adjusted by running the tail fabric through the rings and then tightening or loosening it until the wearer feels comfortable. With a sling, the baby can be on the front, side or back. Pouch carriers are similar to slings but offer fewer options for adjustment and generally hold the baby in the front or back only. Long, tied wraps are 12 feet long and made of woven or knit fabric. The wearer wraps and ties the fabric around her and the baby to keep the infant secure. More common but not always the best is the backpack or front carrier. Since the design is more rigid in structure it doesn’t always offer options for baby positioning and are not flexible from one wearer to the next. Should you choose to go this route it would be wise to purchase two so that the straps and clips don’t have to be adjusted when being used by more than one wearer.
How to Choose a Carrier
When considering the purchase of a carrier, be sure to think about the following:
- Can the carrier be worn on the front, side and back?
- Can the baby be positioned forward-facing, chest-facing, upright, supine and with either their legs straight or bent comfortably?
- Can a sleeping baby be transferred to their crib or another caregiver without waking?
- Can the baby breastfeed discreetly and comfortably while in the carrier?
- Is the carrier large enough to be used for several months?
- Is it washable and how difficult is it to wash?
- Does the carrier evenly distribute the infant’s weight for the comfort of the wearer or will it cause stress or postural compensations to the wearer’s spine?
- Can the infant be shifted or re positioned easily, or will the wearer require assistance?
- When using the carrier are the wearer’s hands free or must they support the baby with one hand?
The Chiropractic Factor
Clearly, baby wearing is beneficial for both mom and baby, but you may still have questions, or you’ve only heard about this recently and need more information. Since 2008, International Baby Wearing Week has been happening every October to help raise awareness. Some have expressed concerns about hip dysplasia; if this is your concern ask your Family Wellness Chiropractor for information. You may be concerned that the wraps will be too complicated; a quick search on YouTube will provide several tutorials including a very helpful one by Naturally Thrifty Mom. In any case, as baby wearing becomes the norm, take a moment to discuss your concerns with your Family Wellness Chiropractor – they are your resource for wellness information.
Also check out Baby Wearing International Austin for local meetings and instructions on your carriers
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