Babywearing

"Babywearing is the practise of wearing or carrying a baby in a sling or in another form of carrier. Babywearing has been practised for centuries around the world." This is Wikipedia's definition of babywearing.

The idea of "wearing" a baby in a sling or carrier has always appealed to me, even for years before I became pregnant.I was one of those girls who stopped in my tracks and went "ahhhhhhh, look!" if I ever saw a baby or toddler strapped to its caregiver. It just looks so bloomin' cute and cosy!

So, when I found out I was pregnant, I began researching different types of slings and carriers.

My research revealed to me a whole wealth of information I'd been completely unaware of, which made me fall in love with the idea even more.

I quickly discovered that aside from just looking all sweet and snuggly, there are actually lots of benefits of babywearing, to both the caregiver and child.

Some of the benefits I've learnt through my research are as follows:

• Mums have reported fewer tears when babywearing

• Babies are able to develop trust and security

• The ideal learning state for a baby is when they are "quiet and alert" - instead of looking upwards from a crib or being low enough to just see people's legs in a pushchair, they can see the world as you do

• Breastfeeding can be made easier (and more frequent to help baby gain weight)

• It encourages bonding (and increases cuddle time, yay!)

• Babies are reported as falling into deep sleep when babywearing takes place

• Makes travelling easier

• Keeps both of your hands free, making it easier to multi-task

• Can reduce reflux, fussiness, colic and gastrointestinal issues

• Enhances sleep at nap times and at night

I could continue but I'd be here all day. These are only some of the benefits of babywearing.

I would advise looking for a local "sling library" where you can try on and hire different slings and carriers until you find one that suits you and your baby.

Always follow the "TICKS" rules to ensure safe babywearing:

Found on babyslingsafety.co.uk

Babywearing has been a lifesaver for me - it enables me to get things done, it pretty much guarantees to get Bird to sleep if she's fighting nap time, it allows me lots of extra cuddles and kisses, and it means that Steve gets to really bond with her too.

Contrary to popular belief, it's easier on my back than pushing the pram around. I only take the pushchair out these days if I know I'll be out all day or if I might have lots of shopping bags with me - even so, I usually keep carrying Birdy and use the pushchair to carry the shopping bags.

Stay tuned for Product Reviews on the different slings and carriers I have, along with pictures and top tips!

Love, Gina Xx