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Top ten reasons for using the
OTSBH
1. Wearing a baby is
convenient
When we carry a baby in a sling, we can walk around freely and
not have to worry about negotiating steps, crowds or narrow
aisles with a stroller. Plastic "baby buckets" and removable car
seats are heavy and awkward for parents, babies often look
uncomfortable, and they are kept at knee level. A sling can
block out excess stimuli when breastfeeding a distractible baby,
and it allows for discreet nursing in public places. A sling can
also double as a changing pad, blanket, or cushion when away
from home. I’ve found my sling especially handy when negotiating
busy airports with a small child and several bags!
2. Wearing a baby promotes physical development.
When a baby rides in a sling attached to his mother, he is in
tune with the rhythm of her breathing, the sound of her
heartbeat, and the movements his mother makes - walking,
bending, and reaching. This stimulation helps him to regulate
his own physical responses, and exercises his vestibular system,
which controls balance. The OTSBH is in essence a "transitional
womb" for the new baby, who has not yet learned to control his
bodily functions and movements. Research has shown that
premature babies who are touched and held gain weight faster and
are healthier than babies who are not. Mechanical swings and
other holding devices do not provide these same benefits.
3. Babies worn in slings are happier.
Studies have shown that the more babies are held, the less they
cry and fuss. In indigenous cultures where baby-wearing is the
norm, babies often cry for only a few minutes a day - in
contrast to Western babies, who often cry for hours each day.
Crying is exhausting for both the baby and his parents, and may
cause long-term damage as the baby’s developing brain is
continually flooded with stress hormones. Babies who do not need
to spend their energy on crying are calmly observing and
actively learning about their environment. Baby-wearing is
especially useful for colicky or "high need" babies, who are far
happier being worn, but placid, content babies and children will
also benefit greatly from the warmth and security of being held
close.
4. Baby-wearing is healthy for you!
It can be challenging for new mothers to find time to exercise,
but if you carry your baby around with you most of the day or go
for a brisk walk with your baby in her Over The Shoulder Baby
Holder, you will enjoy the
dual benefits of walking and "weightlifting". A long walk in the
sling is also an excellent way to help a tired but
over-stimulated child fall asleep.
5. Toddlers appreciate the security of the sling.
Slings are usually associated with infants, but they can be very
useful for toddlers as well; most slings accommodate children up
to 35 or 40 pounds. The world can be a scary place for toddlers,
who feel more confident when they can retreat to the security of
the sling when they need to do so. Toddlers often become
over-stimulated, and a ride in the sling helps to soothe and
comfort them before (or after!) a "meltdown" occurs.
The OTSBH can be
very helpful in places like the zoo, aquarium, or museum, where
a small child in a stroller would miss many of the exhibits.
6. Baby-wearing helps you and your baby to communicate with
each other.
The more confidence we have in our parenting, the more we can
relax and enjoy our children. A large part of feeling confident
as a parent is the ability to read our baby’s cues successfully.
When we hold our baby close in a sling, we become finely attuned
to his gestures and facial expressions. Many baby-wearing
parents report that they have never learned to distinguish their
baby’s cries because their babies are able to communicate
effectively without crying! Every time a baby is able to let us
know that she is hungry, bored or wet without having to cry, her
trust in us is increased, her learning is enhanced, and our own
confidence is reinforced. This cycle of positive interaction
enhances the mutual attachment between parent and child, and
makes life more enjoyable for everyone.
7. Baby slings are a bonding tool for fathers, grandparents, and
other caregivers.
Slings are a useful tool for every adult in a baby’s life. It
makes me smile when I see a new father going for a walk with his
baby in a sling. The baby is becoming used to his voice,
heartbeat, movements and facial expressions, and the two are
forging a strong attachment of their own. Fathers don’t have the
automatic head-start on bonding that comes with gestation, but
that doesn’t mean they can’t make up for this once their baby is
born. The same goes for babysitters, grandparents and all other
caregivers. Cuddling up close in the sling is a wonderful way to
get to know the baby in your life, and for the baby to get to
know you!
8. OTSBHs are a safe place for a child to be.
Instead of running loose in crowded or dangerous places, a child
in a sling is held safe and secure right next to your body.
Slings also provide emotional safety when needed, so that
children can venture into the world and become independent at
their own pace.
9. Slings are economical.
Our OTSBH cost far less than strollers, front-carriers or
backpacks. Many mothers consider the baby holder to be one of their
most useful and economical possessions.
10. Baby-wearing is fun.
Who doesn’t love to cuddle a precious little baby? And when your
baby is older, having her in the
OTSBH makes conversations
easier and allows you to observe her reactions to the wonders of
the world around her. It’s also fun for baby, because when she
is up at eye level, other adults notice and interact with her
more. Your child will feel more a part of your life when she is
in her baby sling, and you will find yourself becoming more and more
enchanted with this special little person.
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