Babywearing Makes Happier Babies

Forget those pricey strollers, bringing your little one along for the ride (right up next to your heart/ boob) is better for the both of you.  We’ve been babywearing and attachment parenting loyally since birthing our first GGA little one, but recently have fallen in love with our new Boba Carrier. We collect baby carriers like most women collect heels, suffice it to say, we know our babywearing.

Why we love our Boba right now more than our others? The Boba Carrier back panel comes up 2-3 inches higher than other carriers, specifically the Ergo Carrier. This is a great bonus for toddlers who aren’t going to fall backwards if they try to lean back. It also comes with footstraps to keep the child’s legs in a proper 90 degree angle as they get bigger. Another benefit to the Boba carrier over others is the newborn conversion. You do not need to purchase any other items to use the carrier with a newborn, simply snap the waist belt up. Other carriers come with an insert, or are made for newborns, but can’t be used with older children which is a big pain in the arse. Another thing is the waist belt extends to 58 inches, so plus size parents can use it. For some other carriers you have to buy a waist extender, or the waist belt simply doesn’t go that big. Sizeist! Not to mention the Boba comes in the coolest prints – including a butch/ Daddy friendly camo print and organic options!

Carried babies…

• Cry less. 43% less overall and 54% less during evening hours. 1
• Are Healthier. They gain weight faster, have better motor skills, coordination, increased
  muscle tone, and sense of balance. 2, 5, 7
• Get a better view of the world. Babies pushed in strollers or lugged around in car
  seats only get to see the adult world at knee level.
• Become Independent Faster. Making them confident and less clingy. 3
• Sleep Better. They fall asleep quicker and sleep for longer periods of time. 4
• Learn More. Not over stimulated, but calm and alert, observing and taking in the
  world around them. 5
• Are Happier. They feel loved and secure. 6

but it’s also great for you.  Read on.

Organic Boba Carrier 3G, $160 @bobafamily.com

Carrying your baby or toddler…

• Enables better communication between you and your baby- (without your baby having to cry) as you become attuned to your baby’s facial expressions and other gestures.
• Creates confident parents — there’s no better feeling than when your baby is calm and content because you have met all of his or her needs.
• Is convenient — nothing is more awkward than carrying a heavy plastic car seat with one arm!
• Allows you to safely move about with your baby regardless of terrain — you can stroll down uneven sidewalks, narrow lanes, walk up stairs,or climb mountains.
• Does wonders for your spirit— encourages you to get out and breath in the air and let the sun shine warmly on your face with your little one
• Encourages weight bearing exercise- lactating mothers will lose less bone mass by carrying with them the extra weight of their babes.
• Makes discreet nursing possible- without having to find a place to sit.
• Helps you to interact with your other children- while holding your little one close at the same time.

You get emotional and physical benefits for both you and your baby. You can move through your days together.

It’s a joyous way to live.

Boba Carrier 3G, $125 @bobafamily.com

References

1 Kostandy et al., “Kangaroo Care (Skin Contact) Reduces Crying Response to Pain in Preterm Neonates: Pilot Results,” Pain
Management Nursing 2008: 9:55-65
2 Lawn et al., “‘Kangaroo Mother Care’ to Prevent Neonatal Deaths Due to Preterm Birth Complications,” International Journal of
Epidemiology” 2010: April.
3 Whiting, J.M.W., “Environmental Constraints on Infant Care Practices”. In Handbook of Cross-Cultural Human Development
edited by R.H. Munroe, R.L. Munroe & B.B. Whiting, New York: Garland STPM Press, 2005.
4 Ferber et al., “The Effect of Skin-to-Skin Contact (Kangaroo Care) Shortly After Birth on the Neurobehavioral Responses of the Term
Newborn: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. Pediatrics 113 2004:858-865.
5 Charpak, N., “Kangaroo Mother Care: 25 Years After,” Acta Paediatric 94 2005: 5, 514-522.
6 Powell, A. “Harvard Researchers Say Children Need Touching and Attention,” Harvard Gazette.
7 Ludington-Hoe, S. Kangaroo Care: The Best You Can Do to Help Your Preterm Infant. New York: Bantam Books, 1993.

Tags: attachment parenting, Babywearing, boba, Boba Carrier, eco parenting, Ergo Carrier, green parenting, toddler babywearing