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My personal experience using a sling has led me to do some research on this baby care option. My husband and I had bought a sling before our daughter’s birth, and we used it literally from the day she was born. For her first several months of life she pretty much lived in it. I wore her while doing housework and chores, as well as on errands and outings (except of course in the car). My husband also enjoyed wearing her and tells anyone who will listen how great it was for giving him an immediate sense of connection with her.
Breastfeeding was easy when she was in the sling, and I found I could nurse almost anywhere, even while grocery shopping. She seemed to love being worn when I was active, especially if the activity was rhythmic. In the early days, just doing the dishes or going for a walk would put her to sleep. I would wear her while doing chores, knowing that soon she would sleep and I would have a chance to take a break also. I found this invaluable, especially after hearing a friend tell me about being exhausted from dashing madly about trying to get everything done in short intervals while her baby slept.
Although we managed to avoid colic, there were definitely some occasions when putting her in the sling and walking or dancing around the house was the only thing that would settle her. Most of my family was supportive of the baby wearing concept, yet there were a few who predicted that she would be spoiled from being held so much. However, I continued to wear her and am happy to report that yes, she did learn to crawl, to walk, and to run. At three-and-a-half-years old she is independent, well-adjusted and very active and we still enjoy being around her.
Overall, I credit baby wearing with facilitating the deep closeness that developed between my daughter and me, and also with easing my transition into motherhood. My experience using the sling has prompted me to continue gathering information on baby wearing in our own and in other cultures. My goal is to try to pass this information on to others who may not be aware of the convenience baby wearing affords parents, or the benefits for baby. I have a close friend whose three children are grown and gone, and her lament after seeing the sling in use has been “Why weren’t they around when my kids were babies!?” To whatever extent baby wearing is incorporated into a family’s parenting style, it will usually benefit the whole family. Parents need to know that they do not have to feel guilty about holding and carrying their babies. Human infants have a biological need for extensive human contact and for motion.
Like breastfeeding, baby wearing has endured throughout the ages in other societies and it’s making a comeback in our own as research continues to come in confirming and revealing its many benefits.
About the Author:
Sharon Reuven resides in Toronto, Ontario. This article was reprinted with permission by Earth Baby. You can visit their site for additional information: www.earthbaby.com
 This article appeared in Pathways to Family Wellness magazine, Issue #05.
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