Babywearing...
Babywearing is advocated by attachment parenting organisations around the world and is an art that fosters strong bonds between baby and wearer. Choosing a sling may take some time and babywearing consultants in the UK generally offer very reasonable rates with the aim of helping a babywearer discover the most suitable position, style and carrier for their unique needs. Not all slings are made equal and poor positioning is of course a possibility. If you are new to babywearing, here are some resources that may help you in deciding how to carry the most precious person in your life before, during and after they discover their feet!
Babywearing Support
Sling Meet - a UK-based, nationwide network of meet-ups for interested babywearers to share support and experience. The online forum allows you to find the details of meetings in your county or you can organise a Sling Meet yourself!
Sling Guide - a UK-based independent resource for babywearing-related information run by parents for parents. An excellent guide when choosing a sling and understanding positional safety.
UK Sling Libraries - a database of sling libraries throughout the UK. Sling Libraries are run by experienced babywearers and offer slings to be tried on or for hire. This service is often invaluable in helping discover the most appropriate sling.
T.I.C.K.S - a useful 5-point easy-to-remember check-list to ensure safe positioning.
Natural Mamas - a natural parenting and babywearing website that features a babywearing-related forum, blog, articles and much more.
Liberty Slings - run by attachment parenting advocates with a comprehensive links page this site also has excellent instructions with photographs on how to use a ring sling or pouch.
Sling Guide - a UK-based independent resource for babywearing-related information run by parents for parents. An excellent guide when choosing a sling and understanding positional safety.
UK Sling Libraries - a database of sling libraries throughout the UK. Sling Libraries are run by experienced babywearers and offer slings to be tried on or for hire. This service is often invaluable in helping discover the most appropriate sling.
T.I.C.K.S - a useful 5-point easy-to-remember check-list to ensure safe positioning.
Natural Mamas - a natural parenting and babywearing website that features a babywearing-related forum, blog, articles and much more.
Liberty Slings - run by attachment parenting advocates with a comprehensive links page this site also has excellent instructions with photographs on how to use a ring sling or pouch.
Training in Babywearing
British Association of Babywearing Instructors - a one-stop resource of how, why and where to train to become a sling consultant as well as a UK directory of qualified consultants.
Trageschule UK - with over 15 years of experience within the German-based Trageschule (carry-school) the UK branch offers indepth 3-day courses at Foundation, Advanced or Certification level.
School of Babywearing- founded in 2010, this school offers accredited babywearing training and introductory workshops for parents, sling libraries & professionals. Also free Babywearing guides, information for parents & listings of sling libraries, meetings & groups.
Trageschule UK - with over 15 years of experience within the German-based Trageschule (carry-school) the UK branch offers indepth 3-day courses at Foundation, Advanced or Certification level.
School of Babywearing- founded in 2010, this school offers accredited babywearing training and introductory workshops for parents, sling libraries & professionals. Also free Babywearing guides, information for parents & listings of sling libraries, meetings & groups.
International Babywearing Websites
Babywearing International - a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to advocating babywearing. They hold an International Babywearing Week every October with special events held worldwide (predominantly in the UK).
The BabyWearer - a US-based site with a huge amount of information on babywearing including instructions on how to make different slings yourself.
The BabyWearer - a US-based site with a huge amount of information on babywearing including instructions on how to make different slings yourself.
Touch...
Infant massage courses and resources are now widely available through many childrens' centres. Private infant massage and baby reflex practitioners are also an option if you would like instruction in your own home. Information on the use of oils is also relevant and included here. Infant massage has many benefits, and not just for baby, but the importance of touch does not diminish as children grow. Humans are a constant-contact species and touch is highly nurturing. Positive physical touch through massage, play and rough-and-tumble can provide multiple benefits for those involved.
Infant & Child Massage
International Association of Infant Massage - this site is for the UK chapter of IAIM and includes information on the benefits of massage, local classes and training courses.
The Guild of Infant and Child Massage - an independent regulatory organisation advocating positive touch though infant massage, baby yoga, shiatsu, music and peer-to-peer touch among children.
Touch Learn International - a UK- based organisation offering in-house and bespoke training in specialised massage courses for infants, babies with special needs, and the growing child.
Baby Reflex - baby reflex is a gentle method of reflexology suitable for babies from one month to three years of age. Baby Reflex practitioners on this site are trained Reflexologists with the additional Baby Reflex qualification.
The Guild of Infant and Child Massage - an independent regulatory organisation advocating positive touch though infant massage, baby yoga, shiatsu, music and peer-to-peer touch among children.
Touch Learn International - a UK- based organisation offering in-house and bespoke training in specialised massage courses for infants, babies with special needs, and the growing child.
Baby Reflex - baby reflex is a gentle method of reflexology suitable for babies from one month to three years of age. Baby Reflex practitioners on this site are trained Reflexologists with the additional Baby Reflex qualification.
A sleeping baby upon your chest, or back, is just too precious.
Some would say that he should just be in a crib.
But he really wanted Mama to hold him, and Mama needed to clean the kitchen, tend to the other children, wrap some presents, and then do a little laundry...
And a sleeping baby that just needed Mama to hold him, upon my back, is just too precious.
Stephanie Precourt, Adventures in Babywearing Blog
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Research has shown that babies who are carried cry (on average) 43% less overall and 54% less during the evening hours. In cultures where babies are carried almost continuously, babies cry much less than those in non-carrying cultures.
The BabyWearer
Research has shown that babies who are carried cry (on average) 43% less overall and 54% less during the evening hours. In cultures where babies are carried almost continuously, babies cry much less than those in non-carrying cultures.
The BabyWearer