Recommendations by Regine Schön

(Psychologist at the University of Helsinki)

 

Carrying infants

Human babies are “clinging young”, i. e. during the history of humanity mother's body was the main place where a child spent the first months of its life. Protected by the closeness of its next of kin, warmed by the body of this person, and in direct contact to the food source the child had the best chances of surviving as well as the best conditions for healthy development. This is why, even today, babies still feel particularly comfortable when they can enjoy physical closeness. Hence they are often reluctant when they are laid down and lose physical contact to their next of kin. It is the reason why they weep when they are left alone and without contact to a warming body for a while . Human babies have an inherent expectancy to be carried. Nowadays, an infant is not exposed to the same risks and challenges as a child in the early phases of human development, and constant physical contact to its next of kin is no longer an absolute conditions for survival, however, this does not change the fact that nearness to its next of kin is a natural desire of each baby.

Closeness to the child helps parents to perceive and respond to the individual needs of their child. The child experiences the feeling of security, the fulfilment of its needs, and it develops a basic sense of trust in the world. Establishment of a secure bond to the main next of kin – an important building block for further positive development – is supported in the child. In some places one still hears voices warning that too much closeness can spoil a child, that this could result in retardation of the development of the child's independence. However, such fears are completely unsubstantiated. On the contrary, children who can rely on closeness in all situations as well as on the safe haven of their parents from the outset, demonstrate independent behaviour at a very early age. They have learned that they are always protected by their parents when necessary – therefore, they can explore the world around them in a carefree manner.

Use of a sling enables parents as well as other guardians to carry a baby comfortably and close to their bodies, even for a longer period of time, thus giving them a feeling of security. At the same time, both hands of the person carrying remain free allowing him or her to carry out other work at the same time. A sling is no magic tool, and it cannot replace a loving mum or dad. But in the hands of parents who want to offer their child a safe childhood it can be a wonderful aid which facilitates daily routine in more than just one respect.

I particularly recommend a sling in the form of a wraparound cloth since it can be individually adjusted to the body of the child and it enables many carrying positions. Furthermore, it allows for a sufficient support of baby’s back und head as well as for the orthopedically ideal spread-squat position of baby's legs. Another advantage is that the same cloth can be used for children of different ages. A well fitting cloth is also important for the person carrying and it prevents the back from damages.

When selecting a woven sling, you should always ensure that the fabric is taut in the longitudinal direction and widthwise, but easily stretchable in diagonal direction. These characteristics allow the cloth to optimally embrace the body of the child. Edges with double seams prevent the cloth from wearing out at the edges, and they don’t cut into the baby’s legs. Elastic jersey slings are particularly soft, and thus especially suitable for new born babies or premature infants. Last but not least you should pay attention that the material of the sling is free of harmful substances in order to warrant child safe use of the sling.

 

Regine Schön, Helsinki, Finland

Psychologist (prepares a doctor’s thesis in the domain of natural nurture of infants)

© 2006 Regine Schön