How using a baby carrier can boost bonding with your little one

Welcoming a new baby into the world can be a big change for both you and baby. Your baby is in the midst of the fourth trimester and you are adapting to caring for an extra little person! This blog talks all about the benefits of using a sling during the early months.

The benefits of using a sling are both practical and relational. It’s important to note that safety is key with slings - if in doubt as to how to use them, or if you are keen to explore different options then many areas have sling libraries to support new parents. A quick online search may find an option in your area. The benefits of using a sling include:

Having your hands free: Parenting is a tricky juggling act at times and having your hands free can help you to continue with tasks at home, caring for another child and ensuring you take some time to look after yourself by eating and drinking frequently.

Supporting the building bond: You may have felt an instant bond with baby at birth or maybe not - not everyone does. Either way, having baby close helps both their developing attachment to you and your bond with them. They can feel your warmth, hear your heartbeat and smell your scent. This closeness can release oxytocin (a hormone helpful for bonding) in you both.

Making responsivity easier: Responding to your baby’s needs is vital for their development and their wellbeing, however, it can be difficult at times to know what baby’s want and how best to respond. Baby’s main aim is often to be close to you so a sling can support this. You may also find yourself picking up on their cues for hunger or tiredness earlier when they are so close. This can lead to babies crying less frequently.

Convenience: towns and countrysides aren’t always build for prams! Carrying baby in a sling can make it easier to get into shops, visit the beach or hike the countryside and your baby will benefit from seeing the world.

Sleepy time: Many parents find that a sling is the ultimate tool in supporting a tired baby. The rhythmic movement and closeness to you is what baby’s expect when needing to sleep and their is no need to resist this out of fear of developing ‘bad habits’; they will sleep independently when ready.

All these ideas are important to all caregivers and parents in a baby’s life and may be something that grandparents and others find helpful for building bonds with baby.