5 Benefits of Using a Baby Carrier
Many will tell you that becoming a parent changes your whole life. But it's also a bittersweet experience. During the early years, your child's entire life revolves around you and vice versa. But as they get older and more independent, they will gradually gain independence. It’s exciting to watch them grow into their own person, but it’s also why parents want to embrace the initial years with their child, spending as much time as possible bonding with their little ones.
Strollers and car seats are great when you need them, but they’re not the best bonding baby gear for you or your baby. A baby carrier, on the other hand, is a great option. Keep reading for baby carrier benefits and why you should invest in one ASAP:
Enhance Bonding and Emotional Security
Like with most things, there are pros and cons of babywearing. The wrong carrier, for example, may result in back pain for Mom. Huggs® is an easy remedy for this, since it’s designed for the comfort of Mom and baby.
Overall, the pros of babywearing outweigh the cons. Enhanced bonding is an advantage that can't be disputed. Baby carriers benefit parents since the baby is always close to them. It creates a sense of security and comfort for the baby. Think of it as their security blanket in a sense. Research reveals that kangaroo care (skin-to-skin contact) has advantages in line with baby carrier benefits:
- Emotional security for the baby: Being held close to their parent can regulate a baby’s heartbeat, breathing, and body temperature. Physical proximity provides a sense of safety and reassurance, which also reduces stress.
- Reduced crying: Studies show that babies who are held or carried more cry and fuss less than those who are not. The soothing motion and warmth of being in a carrier help calm babies, reducing both the frequency and intensity of crying episodes.
- Increased bonding: For parents, carrying their baby builds a deeper emotional connection. There are many benefits of baby carriers for parents who use them, including more confidence in their parenting abilities
- Reduced stress: Ever heard of the love hormone oxytocin? Holding your baby close can trigger the release of this hormone. It promotes feelings of love, relaxation, and bonding, which reduces stress while improving your parenting experience.
Promote Physical and Cognitive Development
One of the benefits of a baby carrier is that it positively impacts your baby’s physical and cognitive development. The natural position of a baby in a carrier (when you know how to wear a baby carrier the right way), also known as the ‘M’ position, supports healthy hip development and encourages proper posture. The International Hip Dysplasia Institute has certified our Huggs® Baby Carrier as "hip healthy" because of the way it positions the baby.
Being carried upright in a baby carrier also encourages your baby to use and strengthen their neck muscles while looking around and exploring their environment. This develops head control and overall upper body strength.
Another baby carrier benefit is that your baby is exposed to a wide range of sensory experiences. They can see, hear, and smell more from their surroundings, promoting cognitive development. The gentle movements (as the parents move with the baby carrier) provide vestibular stimulation, aiding the baby’s sense of balance. It’s not just that - being at eye level with adults and other children encourages social interaction. Babies can see engaged and active facial expressions (laughing, crying, excitement), gestures, and even conversations. This activity supports early language development and social awareness.
Improve Convenience and Practicality in Daily Life
When it comes to the most critical baby carrier benefit, it must be how convenient it is to use in daily life. Need to cook but watch your baby at the same time? Put them in the baby carrier, supported by your back, while you’re cooking. Have multiple kids? Stow your baby in the baby carrier so they can also interact with their siblings. There are countless ways baby carriers benefit parents and babies alike. They keep your baby close but free up your hands for other tasks.
While your baby is secured in the carrier, you can easily multitask. When weighing the pros and cons of babywearing, many say that you shouldn’t multitask. However, with low-intensity activities that are safe for your child to experience, baby carriers are ideal to use. The hands-free convenience allows you to be productive while still meeting your baby’s needs.
Baby carriers can be used anywhere, unlike strollers, which can be difficult to navigate (especially on uneven terrains or crowded places). Baby carriers are not bulky. Likewise, you can go with them up and down stairs, walk through narrow streets, and more. They are lightweight and compact, making it easy to pack and carry around on the go. Strollers, however, can be heavy and awkward If you’re going on public transport. The benefit of a baby carrier is that no one has to wait for you, and you can get on and off public transport in no time at all!
Support Maternal Health
If you are a breastfeeding mother, this is a stage where you really need to be around your newborns constantly. But it can be a hassle to be breastfeeding anywhere at any time, and it doesn’t make for the most comfortable of situations. In this way, baby carriers can be an invaluable tool. The close proximity of the baby to the mother in a carrier makes it easier to breastfeed on the go.
It can allow for discreet breastfeeding (in positions like the hip carry) while the baby is still in the carrier. Further, the close contact and frequent nursing facilitated by a baby carrier can stimulate milk production, supporting the baby’s development. Another benefit of baby carriers is that they support the mother's postpartum journey. When new mothers use the baby carrier, they can slowly begin regaining their strength and stamina while carrying the baby around. The gentle exercise can even tone your muscles, improve posture, and promote weight loss.
Create a Sense of Community
There might be several pros and cons of babywearing, but it's undeniable that it is associated with a larger parenting philosophy. This parenting philosophy emphasizes attachment, responsiveness, and connection. Many parents using a baby carrier find themselves within a supportive community that shares similar values and parenting practices.
There are many communities both online and offline that encourage babywearing. For example, when you purchase Abiie®’s Baby Hip Seat Carrier, you automatically become a part of a community where parents share their own experiences and advice on parenting.
Baby Carriers for Modern Parenting
There are countless baby carrier benefits, and when you’re ready to embrace babywearing, it’s time to invest in the right baby gear. The Abiie® Huggs® Hip Seat Baby Carrier with Patented Hipbelt has been a favorite among parents and experts because of its many qualities and enhanced safety. The baby carrier benefits both child and parent, by providing comfortable ergonomics while keeping the baby stable. It has five optimal carrying positions, along with a sleeping hood, adjustable neck support, and storage pockets!
The Huggs® Hip Seat Baby Carrier is now available in the new color khaki sand. It also has an updated design featuring a magnetic chest buckle. So what are you waiting for? Check out Abiie®’s catalog today to shop for innovative baby gear that you and your baby will love!