The single most important child rearing practice to be adopted for the development of emotional and social healthy infants and children is to carry the newborn/infant on the body of the mother/caretaker all day long..."
I think it is important to hold your baby as much as possible, but there comes times when you need to do chores, cook, or just spend time alone. A baby needs to realize that you will always be there for him, but sometimes it is ok for him to be alone too.
I am a strong believer of babywearing, keeps your baby happy & mommy gets things/chores done. Aside from that here are other benefits:
Babies cry less. Research has shown that babies who are carried cry (on average) 43% less overall and 54% less during the evening hours (1). In cultures where babies are carried almost continuously, babies cry much less than those in non-carrying cultures (2-6).
Good for baby’s mental development. Babies spend more time in a “quiet, alert state” when carried - the ideal state for learning. Their senses are stimulated while being carried (yet there is a place to retreat too). When carried, your baby sees the world from where you do, instead of the ceiling above his crib or people’s knees from a stroller. And the extra stimulation benefits brain development.
Good for baby’s emotional development. Babies are quickly able to develop a sense of security and trust when they are carried. They are more likely to be securely attached to their care-giver/s (7) and often become independent at an earlier age (8).
Good for baby’s physical development. By being so close to your body’s rhythms, your newborn “gets in rhythm” much more quickly. Your heartbeat, breathing, voice and warmth are all familiar. Research has shown how this helps newborns (especially premature babies) to adapt to life outside the womb (9).
Good for babies whose mums are depressed. Babies who are not held need more verbal interaction and eye contact, just to be reassured that you’re there. Carrying your baby is a great way to connect with her (and provide stimulation too) without the “burden” of having to interact (10). Of course your baby is “right there” to enjoy whenever you feel like snuggling, kissing or talking.
Cook dinner during the “arsenic hour” and soothe your baby at the same time
Do the gardening, chores, socialise, even dance, while providing a stimulating learning environment for your baby
Breastfeed hands-free while on the phone or shopping
Keep your baby close and happy while playing with your toddler
Get some exercise (walking) while your baby sleeps
No need to lug around an awkward, heavy carseat, or battle getting a stroller into your car, onto a bus or up stairs.
Babywearing… thats an interesting term.
A few months ago, I came across a mother who had done exactly that at a gettogether - and she was the cynosure of alll eyes. She told me her baby all the more enjoys his time when he is close to her. Probably cries less too. I noticed that throughout the 4 hr long pgm., I didnot hear one cry.