One of the best websites that I've found that talks about babywearing is by Dr. Maria Blois (pictured above).  If you are at all interested in learning about the benefits of wearing your baby, please check out her website and her blog in particular.

I've emailed her a few questions that many of my patients wanted to know and she was gracious enough to respond.  These questions are about the basics of babywearing, and we encourage all of our patients to learn more.   

1. Dr. Blois, what is babywearing, anyway?

As it turns out, babies are some kind of clever creatures. Yes, babies want to be held, but it goes deeper than that. Studies show that biologically, babies need to be held in order to thrive. A review of current randomized controlled trials suggest that the benefits of holding for preterm babies include shortened hospital stay, decreased illness, higher exclusive breastfeeding rates/longer breastfeeding duration, increased weight gain, improved temperature regulation, and improved maternal sense of competence. Evidence-based benefits for full term babies include improved state organization and motor system modulation; improved temperature regulation; and an analgesic effect, reduced crying, improved maternal responsiveness, and babies who were more securely attached. Good stuff, all around!

4. Is a sling or a baby carrier better? 

Any soft carrier that properly supports and aligns the head and neck of a young infant and that is comfortable for the caregiver is fine.  

5. Is there anything else that you'd like us to know?

I am often asked about the dangers of "spoiling" a baby by holding them "too much." The thinking goes like this: If I hold my baby too much, then she will grow to expect to be held and then I will be stuck holding her all the time.  In my humble opinion, this is a moot point.  In our arrogance, we assume that we have created the need to be held by holding our babies, when in fact babies are born hardwired to seek out that which they need to thrive: food, warmth and human touch. Whether we hold our babies or not, they will still biologically need to be held.  We cannot spoil a baby by meeting their basic needs.  

6. If you had one thing that you'd like new mothers to know, what would it be?

Hold your baby, nurse your baby, love your baby, get to know your baby.  Let the rest of the world move on by and take this time to focus on you and your baby. After mothering four of my own babies, I can say without hesitation that you will never regret the investment you have made in your children.  They are worth it.

Thanks, Dr. Blois for taking the time for us!  You can find out more on babywearing at www.drmariablois.com

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