Carrying in a sling during illness: closeness for the baby
Carrying in a sling for babies or premature babies: A loving closeness in times of illness and beyond
In moments of illness or discomfort, babies long intensely for the familiar closeness and security of their parents. This special chapter of parenthood is not only a challenge for the little ones, but also for the parents, who strive to provide the best possible care for their offspring. The decision to carry the baby proves to be a loving response to the child’s deep need for comfort and security. At the same time, babywearing acts as an extremely practical support for parents to make everyday life easier during these emotionally stressful times.
Is your baby sick, teething, in pain and doesn’t want to leave you?
Carrying in a sling intensifies the physical closeness between parents and baby. The sling provides a comfortable environment, especially during phases such as teething or other aches and pains, when the little one is looking for more attention. It allows parents to communicate their love and care directly while keeping their hands free to deal with the daily challenges.
Carrying in a sling strengthens the emotional bond
Scientific studies have also shown that babywearing can help regulate a baby’s body temperature. This closeness to the parents can often have a calming effect, especially when the baby has a fever, and can help the baby’s temperature to drop more quickly.
Ideally, of course, you should wear your baby skin-to-skin or cuddle up with him or her, as this will enhance the cooling effect. At the same time, the gentle touch provides physical comfort for your baby ❤
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Always have the causes of baby’s discomfort clarified by a specialist
However, it is important to note that persistent crying and discomfort in babies may also require medical attention. It is not always easy to differentiate between the various reasons for discomfort, be it abdominal pain, teething problems or developmental spurts. In such cases, specialist advice is important to clarify the cause of the baby’s discomfort.
Carrying your baby in a sling: a tender ritual
For many parents, babywearing becomes a natural instinct when the baby is sick. Physical contact can have a calming effect on the child and at the same time offer the parents a certain amount of relief. It creates an intimate environment in which the baby can feel safe and loved. In these special moments, babywearing becomes a tender ritual that gives both the mother or father and the baby a sense of well-being. This is because the well-being of the baby is directly reflected in the emotional well-being of the parents.
In addition to the general benefits of babywearing during illness, there are specific situations in which babywearing can be particularly helpful:
- Teething: When the first teeth erupt, this can be painful for babies. Carrying your baby in a sling or baby carrier not only provides physical support, but also emotional security during this uncomfortable time.
- Tummy ache: In the event of tummy ache or bloating, babywearing can help to apply gentle pressure to the baby’s tummy and thus provide relief.
- Respiratory diseases: If you have a cold or other respiratory illness, carrying your baby upright in a sling can make breathing easier and improve your baby’s well-being.
- Sleep problems: Babies who are ill often have difficulty falling asleep. Carrying your baby in a baby carrier or sling can have a calming effect and make it easier to sleep.
- Development phases: In certain phases of development, such as going through growth spurts or learning new skills, carrying your baby in a sling or baby carrier can offer your baby additional security. Being close to the caregiver during these exciting but sometimes challenging times can create a supportive environment.
- Avoid overstimulation: Sometimes an overstimulating environment can lead to stress in babies. With a baby sling, it is possible to hold the baby close to the body and thus reduce external stimuli, which can be particularly beneficial in overstimulating situations.
- Visits to the doctor or vaccinations: Visits to the pediatrician or vaccinations can be stressful for babies. Carrying in a sling provides a familiar environment and emotional security, which can help to reduce anxiety and minimize stress for both baby and parents.
Baby carriers for premature babies
Babywearing with a baby carrier is particularly important for premature babies, as they are often still weak and sickly. It enables them to save energy and thus have more energy for food intake.
Another advantage of a baby carrier is that premature babies have experienced less sensory stimulation in the womb due to their premature birth. Early exposure to gravity means that their brains receive fewer movement stimuli. By using a baby sling, these deficits can be compensated for, which means that babywearing makes a significant contribution to the development of premature babies, as well as all other infants and newborns.
It is important to note that premature babies should always be carried in a sling or baby carrier in consultation with the doctor.
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The importance of babywearing in general:
Apart from phases of illness, however, carrying in a sling is also of great importance in general. As already mentioned, it not only promotes physical closeness, but also plays a crucial role in developing and strengthening the bond between parent and child. Babywearing allows babies to explore the world from a safe perspective while experiencing the warmth and feeling of being protected by their parents.
The importance of babywearing also extends to the relationship between father and child. More and more fathers are discovering the benefits of babywearing and experiencing the intense closeness to their baby in a unique way. This not only promotes the baby’s well-being, but also strengthens the emotional bond between father and child.
Carrying in a sling supports the development of motor skills
Carrying your baby in a sling or baby carrier has many positive effects on their development. In addition to promoting motor skills such as balance and body coordination, babywearing also supports the baby’s emotional regulation. Babies who are carried regularly often show better stress management and emotional balance.
It is important to emphasize that babywearing in a sling is not only a practical solution in challenging times, but also a conscious decision that strengthens the parental bond and positively influences the child’s development. During periods of illness, wearing a baby sling or baby carrier thus becomes a tender act of love and care that gives the baby a sense of security and allows parents to play a supportive role in this special chapter of parenthood.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, babywearing with a sling or baby carrier is not just a response to the baby’s illness-related needs, but an established practice that also has a positive influence on the baby’s healthy development. It creates a loving environment in which closeness and security can be experienced intensively – a valuable gift for parents and children alike, which enriches the general feel-good atmosphere for both sides.
❤ Share your babywearing experience with us: send us your story!
What is your experience of being carried in a sling? Are you more inclined to carry your baby more often and more intensively, especially in times of illness? We cordially invite you to share your personal story about babywearing with us. Just send us an e-mail to service@cocoome.com. We look forward to hearing about your experiences and, if you allow it, publishing them on our website. In this way, other mothers and fathers can benefit from your experiences and be inspired.
Text: Elke Grössler, cocoo-me® online editorial team
Click here for another interesting article about babies:
https://www.cocoome.com/wie-ziehe-ich-mein-baby-beim-tragen-an/
