Easy Way to Create Bonding with Your Baby

Wanting to create more bonding time with your baby?

Wanting to raise your children to possess trust and a sense of security? 

Wanting to learn more about your baby’s cue? 

Long story short, using a baby sling might solve all the inquiries listed above.

 

Childhood Shapes Adulthood 

According to attachment theory, children are classified into secure, anxious, and avoidant attachment. Children’s attachment style is based on their interaction with parents. If parents show they’re responsive to the baby’s need, the baby is more likely to develop a secure attachment style.

 

 

Secure Attachment Style Benefits 

• They have better relationships with peers, siblings, and others.
• They are able to seek help when needed.
• They trust others.
• They have a more positive mindset.

 

Baby Sling VS Attachment Theory 

When using a baby sling, you and your baby are having skin-to-skin contact. Your baby feels safe during the intimate moments as he/she is listening to your heartbeat. You are also able to notice and fulfill the baby’s physical and emotional needs as soon as possible.

Baby feels much more secure when his/her needs are responded to. As time passes by, you will notice you’re able to “speak” your baby’s cues faster and more accurately and your baby developed “trust” in you and the broader world. In the future, your child will more likely to grow into an emotionally stable person, and form positive relationships with others.

 

Source:
http://bit.ly/2Sz5gfk
Photo by Ana Tablas on Unsplash

 

When is it time to stop Babywearing: product life?

This is the second post of our two part series on when is it time to stop babywearing: baby age/size and product life. The previous post addressed the baby age/weight restrictions of babywearing through a ring sling. This post will discuss when it is time to stop babywearing based on product life.

Each product has a life cycle and ring slings are no different. In our previous post we discussed maintenance and durability tips to extend the life of your ring sling. Unfortunately, there will be a point when you’ll have to let go of your beloved ring sling. Just like any other item, despite their marvelous contributions to babywearing, your ring sling will eventually face wear and tear.

Typically a sturdy ring sling can last for years. The question is when is it time to stop using a ring sling. What is the product life of a ring sling? That’s a tough question, but the life of a ring sling is determined by the following:

1. The type of sling fabric
2. The type of ring

Now let’s use a popular ring sling and create a framework to determine a realistic product life of a ring sling. Below are the attributes of a Mamaway ring sling:

1. Weight Endurance: The Mamaway ring sling is designed to carry baby well into toddlerhood and  has been weight tested with 110 pounds for 24 hours continuous wearing. This means that baby’s weight is not enough to reduce the life of the sling. This way mommy and daddy can decide when to stop using the ring sling.

2. Strong rings: The Mamaway ring sling is constructed with strong nylon rings. The sturdiness of the rings allows weight endurance. Mommy and daddy can enjoy a secure and stress-free babywearing experience with a peace of mind.

3. Care: The Mamaway ring slings are low-maintenance and easy to clean. Simply cold wash the sling in a laundry bag (to avoid pilling the cloth). Air dry the fabric in a cool, dry place, without direct sunlight and avoid using a dryer.

When you invest in a product it is important to understand the product feature and care guidelines. This will make sure the product life is maximized and you get your dollar’s worth. However, despite all efforts the day will come when you’re forced to toss away your ring sling. The following points are major alarms and indicate when it’s time to say goodbye:

1. Tears on the fabric: Despite all your super mommy and daddy chronicles, there could be a time when your baby is anxious or you could have a clumsy moment. This could result in your sling getting caught on something and ripping. Though the fabric is sturdy, it is not made of steel. This is the moment you have to toss the ring sling to ensure you are not babywearing with a damaged ring sling.

2. Loose seams: After countless use your ring sling’s seams might go undone. This might happen with the best of ring slings, and you need to be careful about this. Always monitor your ring sling after washing to make sure you’re aware of any alterations from the original condition of the sling. If it is salvageable, use a little household fix. Otherwise it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

The basic rule of thumb is that if your ring sling is starting to appear different than it’s original condition, then it’s time to move on. Having said that, sturdy ring slings typically go on for years. Remember a ring sling is an investment and make sure you go through the features before purchasing to make sure you’re not saving a quick buck now, and losing out on the long run, even potentially putting your baby’s safety in jeopardy.

When is it time to stop Babywearing: baby age / weight?

Ring slings are becoming an increasingly popular trend with more and more parents choosing to babywear and practice attachment parenting. There are a lot of questions and speculations surrounding ring slings and babywearing. Most of our posts address various aspects of babywearing, but this post is a part of a two part series, on when is it time to stop babywearing: baby age / weight and product life.

This post will discuss the baby age / weight limit for babywearing and the next post will focus on the product life of ring slings.

Babywearing has a lot of emotional and physical benefits and it’s history is undeniable. Research indicates that babywearing was the norm until people were enamored by Queen Victoria’s picture with her baby in a stroller. This attracted people to emulate a lifestyle they sought after, and the initial seeds for alternatives to babywearing were planted. However, with Dr. Sears’ research, babywearing became a phenomenon again in the 1970s. From then on, there was no looking back as the group of people who continue to support and follow the babywearing lifestyle is growing stronger day by day.

Now let’s get back to the focus of this post: When is the time to stop using a ring sling: baby age / weight limit?

With the modern day lifestyle it is nearly impossible to wear your baby regularly beyond maternity or paternity leave. Then there is the school of thought that projects attachment parenting as a path to dependency for life. Amidst all this chaos mommies and daddies feel the need to stop babywearing through ring slings as soon as possible. The truth is, if you and your baby are enjoying the ring sling there is no reason to put an abrupt end to it.

Research continues to highlight the positive contributions of babywearing and a ring sling is arguably the most convenient form of babywearing. There is no reason to worry about cumbersome baby carriers if you have a ring sling. You can slip it in your diaper bag or hand bag with ease. Particularly for toddler, you can take a break and let them walk a little when they want, and carry them so they get a little rest snuggled close to you.

So, apart from the weight restriction stated with your ring sling there is no age restriction to stop using a ring sling.

Babywearing through a ring sling can result in happier babies that  are more settled and cry less, happier mommies with increased contact with their little angels and continued bond between parent and baby. You, the parent, can determine a comfortable time to stop using a ring sling. If you are interested in babywearing until the weight restriction, then go ahead. If you are not able to engage in prolonged babywearing due to schedule conflicts or health reasons then that’s fine too.

The bottom line is babywearing your child through a ring sling is a gesture to show your baby you care for them. Eventually, they will find their place but the extra nurturing during the initial years can go a long way. However, as a parent you should dictate when it is time to stop using your ring sling. Again, this is apart from the ring sling weight restriction, which you must follow for safety. Above all, the time you stop using a ring sling needs to be a guilt-free decision because when it comes to parenting, you understand your child the best.

How Ring Slings Facilitate Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is becoming increasingly popular after facing a tough competition with formula for years. The benefits and value of breastfeeding have been highlighted by medical professionals around the world. Countless studies have shown the benefits of breastfeeding, ranging from post pregnancy weight loss for mommies to improved emotional development for babies. While there are moms who choose otherwise or simply aren’t able to nurse for various reasons, without a doubt nursing is a big part of bringing up a child. This post isn’t about proving breastfeeding is better than formula, instead it is about the tools available today that makes nursing a lot more convenient. For the lucky ones, being able to nurse your child has its own sense of satisfaction, and breastfeeding and ring slings are the best of friends that go together.

How do ring slings facilitate nursing?

• On-the-go: Mommies with little ones understand that when babies got to eat, they got to eat straight away. The worst nightmare for some breastfeeding mommies is when their little angels get hungry, and cranky when your hands are full, in public. The large drape of excess material on ring slings allow mommies to privately nurse their babies in public.
• Practice makes perfect: Ok maybe not perfect but a pro. Just like anything, breastfeeding with your ring sling requires practice. Try it a few times at home and once you’re comfortable you never have to panic when your baby gets hungry again. You can privately feed your little one even when you are out and about.
• Improved lactation: Breastfeeding is a part of attachment parenting and there are countless studies that highlight the benefits of some extra loving for babies. Increased bond between mother and baby is known to improve lactation. Ring slings foster a closer bond between mother and baby. So ring slings create a favorable environment for mothers that opt to nurse their little ones.

Breastfeeding and ring slings have become important aspects of attachment parenting. Studies continue to show that increased bond between a mother and a baby has multiple benefits for the emotional and physical well being of mothers and babies. There are many mothers who choose to nurse and have various complications. While some complications are complex, some simpler ones can be resolved by increasing the connection between mother and babies. In a day and age where being out and about is unavoidable the practical uses of ring slings are obvious. Increased closeness of mommy and baby can go a long way and ring slings help maintain this closeness in a practical arrangement.

The 7 B’s of Attachment Parenting

Attachment parenting is a phrase coined by renowned pediatrician Dr. William Sears with the goal of guiding parents to form a secure bond with their children, which in result raise children who can form healthy emotional connections with others. Attachment parenting are meant to be used as tools instead of rigid tools, but lets look at the 7 B’s of attachment parenting:

1. Birth bonding: The idea of an instant connection between the mother and child. This idea can be extended to the initial moments between adoptive and foster mother and child, as well.
2. Breastfeeding: The idea that this should be practiced because it is beneficial for the mother and child.
3. Baby wearing: A term coined by Dr. Sears, which encourages increased caregiver and baby contact through the use of a sling. This builds a connection and understanding between parent and child.
4. Bedding close to baby: This creates a connection and is practical, particularly during the breastfeeding time period. This way both the mother and child’s sleep isn’t disrupted for prolonged periods.
5. Belief in a reason for your baby’s cry: Babies cry for various reasons and parents should try to identify the reason rather than letting babies cry it out. This will foster a healthier environment for babies.
6. Beware of baby trainers: Rather than training a baby as per the convenience of a parent, it’s better if the parent caters to the baby’s needs for a healthier upbringing.
7. Balance: A child can mean a huge emotional investment, it is important for parents to balance all their relationships to maintain a healthy parenting atmosphere.

Modern day fashion and lifestyle often makes it difficult to maintain the 7 Baby B’s between moms and babies. This is where brands like Mamaway come to the rescue by providing comfort, practicality and style. For details on baby ring slings that are a growing trend in attachment parenting, please visit my.mamaway.com/blogs/mamaway-blog.

THE WONDER OF SKIN-TO-SKIN CONTACT

Baby loves a snuggle and don’t we all, but what recent research shows us today is that cuddling our babies uninterrupted and skin-to-skin, directly after their birth, has some truly staggering benefits.

So what is skin-to-skin contact? Skin-to-skin contact or Kangaroo Care (KC) is when a naked baby is popped tummy-down on the mum’s or dad’s bare chest. In the instance of Kangaroo Care, a top is worn over you both. I know… cute.

Take a look at some of the bonuses of snuggling down, and you’ll be whisking that top off with confidence, knowing that those hugs are facilitating the set-up of some pretty serious foundations for your baby’s future.

Here are just some of the spectacular outcomes that skin-to-skin contact supports:

1. STABILISES BABY’S TEMPERATURE

We hear all the time about how babies are unable to regulate their temperature, but what does this really mean?

Simply put, your baby is not able to generate heat due to a lack of ‘shivering mechanism’. This inability results in a drop in his body temperature. However, by facilitating skin-to-skin contact, this temperature-drop can be avoided or in many instances, treated.

Even the simple movement of bub’s body over his mother’s breast leads to increased production of oxytocin. This increase in oxytocin encourages the production of breast milk and breast heat. As baby’s sensory nerves are activated and his skin vessels dilate, baby’s body temp rises! Is that a clever design, or what?!

2. SOOTHES AND CALMS

Oxytocin really is the ‘love drug’. As it’s produced, anxiety and stress dissipate. Baby will become calm and more placid as he rests on your skin, near the beating of your heart.

His cortisol levels (stress hormones) will lower whilst you hold him too. It means a whole lot less crying to contend with. You’ll have one happy baby and be one chilled-out mum 🙂

3. STEADIES BREATHING AND HEART RATE

As baby experiences skin-to-skin contact, his body learns to self-regulate. Research states that 75% of slow heart-rate episodes and sporadic breathing are reduced through the wonder of skin-to-skin contact.

4. STABILISES BABY’S BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS

Hypoglycemia is a common occurrence in infancy and often requires intensive care, which means a period of separation of baby from mum.

According to data presented at the National Conference of the National Assoc. of Paediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) “Simple measures such as early breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact are proven to help maintain or raise blood glucose levels.”

5. ENCOURAGES BETTER SLEEP

If you’re a little sleep-deprived, lean in.. when being held skin-to-skin, most new babies fall into a deep sleep most easily. Who knows, the both of you could score a 60 minute slumber and who would knock that little slice-of-heaven back?!

6. LOWERS RISK OF POST BIRTH BLOOD LOSS AND SPEEDS UP DELIVERY OF PLACENTA

Research shows that the time it takes to birth the placenta is shorter with skin-to-skin contact, directly after birth.

The simple act of bub’s knees and legs pressing on mum’s abdomen aide uterine contractions, as does baby suckling at the breast which stimulates oxytocin, and drives further contractions to deliver the placenta.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS:

And, if those benefits haven’t got you sold, there are additional breastfeeding benefits too.

A baby who receives this contact after birth is more likely to attach well to the breast and breastfeed more effectively and for longer – that’s a truck-load more benefit.

NOT JUST FOR MUMS:

Skin-to-skin contact is a beautiful way for dads/partners to bond with baby also. So, if mum is recovering post-surgery or is not yet well enough to hold baby, baby’s significant-other can pop their top off and cuddle him too. Here’s your chance to show off those pics 🙂

If there are any medical reasons that interfere with this time directly after birth, know that skin-to-skin is recommended for birth and beyond, and your snuggles will most certainly count in the days, weeks and months that lie ahead.

This is such a precious time enjoying and observing your baby and being close. Be present in the now, measurements and making phone calls can wait! Marvel at what you’ve made and what your bodies can do when you hold each other close.

Hugs and more hugs into the ether….

---

LUCY HERCUS
Mum of six fabulous kids and foster-mum to numerous others. Event manager, doula, childbirth educator, lactation counselor, owner of Sydney Birth Support, Mamaway Advocate and an encourager of all mums out there giving it their best crack!