Have you ever faced criticism, or at least sneakily snide comments in your babywearing journey? How often do we see people sharing their stories of public judgment and criticism within the babywearing community? Today I wanted to talk about some of the frequently heard criticisms and why I feel they are both unnecessary and untrue.
1. "Isn't he/she too big for that now"?
First, let's talk about whether that is physically the case. If you are able to wrap your child or get your child into a carrier, and you and your child are comfortable, then the answer is no. Wraps are designed to carry large weights. They are woven and of a quality suitable to safely take substantial weight and movement. Carriers, likewise, are designed to distribute the weight of a child evenly. The fabric, the stitching, the hardware (buckles etc) are thoroughly weight tested. Toddler and preschool carriers in particular are designed specifically to carry bigger children. Unless your child exceeds the weight or height recommendations(in which case, its time to upsize to a bigger carrier!), then again, the answer is no.
From a developmental perspective, the act of carrying a child varies little from hugging or piggybacking a child. Is your child to big to be hugged? No? Then your child isn't too big to be worn! Physical contact is a basic human need, essential to secure attachments. We as adults often seek companionship, and for many of us cuddling up to another human at the end of the day provides us with comfort and security, this is not a need that children suddenly "grow out of" at age two or three, this is basic human need.
2. "She'll/he'll never learn to walk if you carry her/him all the time".
Quite the contrary! The upright position adopted whilst being worn, along with the movement associated with a parent or caregiver's own body movements, assists in vestibular development. It also assists in the development of balance and muscle tone, strengthens the neck, back and hips which is of course, beneficial when learning to crawl and/or walk. In addition, wearing allows you to be physically active whilst carrying your child, role modeling walking and being physically active for them. Your child gains the recognition that walking takes you places, that it is enjoyable and that it affords you a range of experiences. An ergonomically designed carrier or wrap also holds your baby or child in a way encourages healthy hip development, and does not compress internal organs or the digestive system in the way that propping an infant in to a sitting position in a pushchair/high chair/baby seat can.
3. "That's dangerous, what if you trip"?!
If you trip and fall whilst wearing there IS a chance your child may be hurt. If you trip and fall whilst carrying your child in your arms they may be hurt. If you trip and fall carrying them in a capsule they may be hurt. If you trip and let go of a stroller they may be hurt. If you have a motor vehicle accident they may be hurt. The list goes on. Life can never be made entirely risk free, but babywearing is not a high risk activity, and following TICKS guidelines and ensuring you are using a well fitting, safety tested carrier makes babywearing a low risk activity.
4. "Why don't you just use a pushchair"?
You can use a pushchair by all means! However babywearing has its own benefits that go beyond what a pushchair offers. Firstly, your child is in close proximity. This means they have the comfort and security of physical contact, and they can be protected from overstimulation. A worn child has their head close to yours, which naturally leads to conversation. How often do you find yourself chattering away to your child whilst wearing? The impact this has on language development and comprehension, on their understanding of the world around them shouldn't be underestimated! Wearing can also allow you access to places that are not necessarily pushchair friendly; shops with narrow aisles, off road tracks, stairs etc.
5. "Babies die in those things"!
The tragic fact is that babies have been suffocated in bag slings. Bag slings are not recommended as suitable carriers and there is no way to make them safe for use. An ergonomic carrier or a wrap used correctly supports a baby in an upright position, preventing them from slumping, slouching or having their airways compromised. TICKS guidelines are the accepted safety guidelines for ensuring your child's safety. Following those guidelines makes baby wearing a safe, beneficial and comfortable activity for both child and wearer.
