Babywearing isn’t just a practical tool for parents—it’s also a powerful way to support your premature baby’s development. New research shows there are some simple strategies that new parents can use after discharge from the NICU to help their baby develop. Let’s take a closer look at how the benefits of babywearing align with these needs of preterm babies:
1. Supporting your own mental health
Caring for a premature baby can be emotionally taxing, especially as you transition from the hospital to home. Babywearing can help by keeping your baby close and providing reassurance that they are safe and supported. Skin-to-skin contact, often referred to as kangaroo care, has been shown to reduce stress hormones in both babies and parents.
Additionally, having your hands free while babywearing allows you to engage in self-care activities, whether that’s preparing a meal, taking a short walk, or simply enjoying a cup of tea. Feeling productive and balanced can significantly boost your mental health, which in turn helps you provide the best care for your baby.
2. Learning to read your baby’s cues
Premature babies often have subtler cues than full-term babies, and they may need more time to develop clear ways of communicating their needs. When you wear your baby, you have the advantage of observing their facial expressions, body movements, and breathing patterns up close.
This proximity helps you pick up on their early hunger or fatigue cues before they escalate to crying, which can be especially important for prems with more delicate nervous systems. Over time, this strengthens your connection and boosts your confidence as a parent.
3. Engaging in play and interaction
Engaging with your baby during playtime is crucial for their brain development. Babywearing creates a natural opportunity for play and interaction. While your baby is snug in the carrier, you can talk to them, sing, or narrate your day. These simple interactions stimulate their cognitive and language development while reinforcing your bond.
4. Promoting active movement
While being carried, your baby benefits from the gentle movement of your body. As you walk, bend, or sway, your baby’s muscles engage to maintain balance and posture. This helps strengthen their core and improves their motor skills. For prems who may need additional support in developing their strength and coordination, this kind of movement is invaluable.
5. Providing a rich sensory environment
Premature babies often have sensory systems that are still developing. Babywearing provides a safe, soothing sensory experience. They feel your warmth, hear your heartbeat, and are comforted by your scent and voice. At the same time, being in a carrier allows them to observe the world at their own pace, taking in sights, sounds, and smells without being overstimulated. If the world becomes too much, they can tuck into you a bit further and enjoy the feeling of being protected by one of their favourite adults.
Do you want to know more about how to babywear your prem baby? Keep an eye out for my next blog about choosing the right carrier for your little baby, or reach out to me at ann@thebabywearingphysio.com