Humans have always been 'carrying primates' in that we have carried our young close to our bodies. Perhaps modern thought presumes that this primal practice is no longer necessary to our evolution, but many researchers are suggesting that it is actually critical for our advancement to be carried, or 'worn', as babies. In fact, Dr. William Sears is known for his stance on baby-wearing, declaring that 'carrying humanizes a baby.'
Babies who spend more time in an upright, face-to-face and heart-to-heart position are more easily able to develop social awareness and to release excess emotional energy via the movement of the parent.
The womb-like rhythmic movement of walking and the sound of the mother's heartbeat allow for greater brain development.
Carried and sling-worn babies are more calm and happy. In fact, most of them rarely even cry. This is, of course, partly due to the comfort and ease of nursing, but it's also because human babies are truly interested in what is going on around the household, crowded market or social gathering. While calmly sitting in a sling, babies are active members of everyday duties and conversations. They can watch facial expressions and body language and thereby learn language more easily.
Even colic and gas issues are quickly resolved when a child is carried upright. Positional plagiocephaly, or 'flat head syndrome,' which is caused by extended time sitting in car seats or laying on the back, can also be prevented.
An ancient technology has been reinvented within a market primed for the modern tribal parent. Weyburn is on par with the current trend that is leading many parents back to the primal ways.
Snup 'n' Mo's Clothing store in Weyburn offers a number of hands-free baby-carrying products. The Bean Pod is a ring-style sling, which is one-size and adjustable so not only can it be more easily utilized by dads, it is also perfect during the first year when the baby is growing so rapidly that the need for adjustment is more common. The Peanut Shell is a native-style carrier usually worn only by seasoned baby-wearers since it's a loop of fabric that should be purchased according to the size of the user. Snup 'n' Mo's also sells an Ergo carrier, which was designed for comfort as well as practicality.
"People started asking us to sell the slings," said Monique Huebner, part owner of Snup 'n' Mo's. The market demand has only increased since Weyburn has become populated with more families.
In fact, when The Void relocated to the corner of Sixth Street and Souris Avenue in December of 2011, their baby stock was expanded to accommodate Weyburn's growing family population. Within a large space dedicated to all things baby, The Void in Weyburn offers the Moby Wrap, which is a very long piece of fabric that can be tied in a number of ways for custom comfort and security.
No matter what style of sling one chooses, certain safety rules must always be applied. Babies need proper air flow, circulation and secure positioning, but it is also important, for long-term enjoyment's sake, that the parent keeps the child above her waist and that the weight is distributed evenly between the left and right shoulders and hips.
For mothers of young babies, like the participants in the Smiles 'n' Tears program run by the Family Place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, baby-wearing is a learned art that requires determination and practice. There truly is a learning curve for mom and baby.
"I think it can benefit any mom who wants to multi task while still holding her baby," said Sarah Farney, whose six month old daughter does not like being carried in a sling or other carrier. She must carry her growing child in arms quite often.
But indeed, as is always the case with babies, not all hope is lost.
On Tuesday, March 27, the Smiles 'n' Tears group will be having an informational discussion on baby-wearing and sling practice. They'll learn the how-to and safety rules and they'll also have the opportunity to try various styles of slings and baby carriers. For more information on Smiles 'n' Tears, contact Chrissy Mack at the Family Place.
Wearing babies not only offers the convenience of nursing more easily and discreetly, it also heightens the pair's production of oxytocin, the 'love' hormone associated with facilitating the bonding process.
Even before it was trendy, Marnie Bernard utilized the sling for convenience while raising her four boys nearly 30 years ago.
"I began to carry the baby in a sling as soon as they could properly support their own head," said Bernard. "So baby sat up on my left hip and both my hands were free to shop, cook, or whatever. It was my most valuable child accessory, as far as I was concerned," said Bernard.
Whether it's through a modern carrying device or through old fashioned arm strength and endurance, carrying our babies is what humans do: not only out of protection for physical safety, but also for the purpose of optimal infant brain development.
It's good to know that Weyburn not only has resources for information about these important practices, but consumers can also shop locally, with a variety of choices for styles and colours. It's the best of both worlds for Weyburn babies, now, because primal parenting is indeed in fashion.
