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Carrying babies in slings is an old idea which can be seen in almost all traditional cultures. In the West we've begun to forget that the best place for a baby is in loving arms, instead many parents are advised to put their newborn babies down in all sorts of very cleverly designed and expensive seats, prams, and bouncers. I found out for myself that holding my baby close to me was the easiest and best way to nurture my little girl, and lots of other parents are realising that sometimes the old ways are the best!
YOU WILL NOT SPOIL YOUR BABY BY CARRYING OR HOLDING HIM! I cannot stress this strongly enough. It makes me really cross that 'experts' and well-meaning relatives or friends advise new parents against holding their babies too much for fear of spoiling them. The 'Spoiling Theory' which became popular in the early part of the twentieth century suggested that by responding to your baby's cry by holding him, you would train him to be dependent, manipulative, and fussy. Science and experience have proven this theory wrong, but unfortunately it still lingers in much of the popular advice about baby care.
To quote from a leading paediatrician Dr Bill Sears: "It is true that if you carry a newborn baby in your arms much of the time, the baby will protest when put down in the crib. This baby has learned how to feel right, and she lets you know when she needs help getting that feeling back. However, in the long run, this rightness within her will make her less likely to cry for attention. She gets used to feeling right most of the time, and her parent's responsiveness shows her how to recognize her own needs. Spoiling happens when a child is put on the shelf, left alone, forgotten about - the way that food spoils. There was no scientific basis for this spoiling theory, just unwarranted fears and opinions. We would like to put the spoiling theory on the shelf - to spoil forever. "
It is natural and instinctive to keep your baby close to you, and one of the toughest things about becoming a parent is learning to obey your own instincts in the face of confusing advice or criticism.
Modern research has shown that the traditional way of keeping baby close and safe in a sling has extensive physical and emotional benefits for both parent and baby. Many baby 'experts' advocate 'baby wearing' as a great way to bond with, and calm your baby - and it has practical advantages too!
From my own experience I can tell you that buying a simple ring sling for about £40 was the best investment I made in the first weeks of my baby's life, and it made me and my baby a great deal happier!
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