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Information and Research -- Updated Weekly. Click here if you have an article, story, or other item you would like to share! Wearing Your Baby When I was pregnant, I read all about the benefits of wearing one's baby in a sling, and I decided that this was something I wanted to do. I ordered an Over the Shoulder Baby Holder before I even gave birth, and I was excited to try it out. Unfortunately, our early sling-wearing efforts did not go too well, and I almost gave up on "wearing my baby." I decided to give it one more try when Wyatt was about 10 weeks old, and I am so glad I did. By then I was able to wear him in the "kangaroo carry" position, and he was delighted to get such a great view of the world while remaining close to Mom. The Baby Book>, by William Sears, lists several important reasons to wear your baby. 1. Wearing your baby is convenient. You can be close to your baby while still getting things done around the house, running errands, or working. In addition, breastfeeding can be discreet and convenient with the use of a sling. 2. Babywearing helps to regulate your baby. While being worn in a sling, your baby has the benefit of being in tune with the rhythm of your breathing, the sound of your heartbeat, and the movements your make while walking, bending, and reaching. This stimulation helps your baby to regulate her own physical responses and exercises her vestibular system, which controls balance. 3. Wearing your baby reduces colic and crying. Because babywearing creates an extension of the womb experience, it aids in calming and soothing baby like no other parenting action can. Parents who wear their babies report that their babies cry and fuss less, leading to happier babies and happier parents. 4. Babywearing enhances learning. In a sling, baby can see his mother's face, and also has a wonderful view of the world. Babies exhibit signs of "quiet alertness", during which time they are taking in their environment and learning about how the world works. In addition, babywearing leads to increased communication between parent and baby, leading to greater involvement and cognitive development. 5. Wearing your baby enhances bonding. What better way to bond with your baby than to wear her and share with her your daily activities, experiences, and conversations? Babywearing can be done by parents, grandparents, and other caregivers, and it stimulates the practice of Attachment Parenting. There are many ways to carry your baby in a sling, and there are several different types of slings on the market to meet your individual needs. Wearing your baby is a crucial step in bonding and parenting your child, and it is something you need to try, both for your baby and yourself. For more information on wearing your baby, and other aspects of Attachment Parenting, read The Baby Book. To shop for a sling, check out The Mothers Nature Marketplace.