Porting, What It Is And What It Is For
Carrying is a term, apparently, already coined that refers to the use of the baby carrier. It serves precisely to hold your baby with the distinctive advantage of leaving your hands free. We have seen it in thousands of cultures. In Latin America, above all, we know that indigenous women carry their babies tied to their bodies with long ribbons or pieces of cloth with which they hold them well.
Their hands are free to start household chores or even to collect fruits and vegetables. But it is not a practice that only indigenous communities use. For several years we have once again looked at the baby carrier as a practical and above all healthy tool, since the spine appreciates the mobility that the baby carrier provides.
You also need to know that there are many types of ergonomic baby carriers: backpack, shoulder strap, woven scarf, elastic scarf, mei tai, pouch …. Therefore, it is convenient for the family to choose which one works best for them.
The benefits of carrying for the baby
The Spanish Association of Pediatrics lists the advantages of carrying on its website, among them the increase in physical contact with the caregiver, which in turn improves safety and the bond between them.
Another very important fact is that carrying helps to reduce crying, this happens because babies in arms or carried cry less. In addition to this, carrying enhances secure attachment because caregivers learn to recognize the baby’s signals early and attend to them earlier.
Great benefits for the baby
It is like a chain of benefits that is enhanced by meeting the needs of the baby, which improves its development and creates independent and safe adults. It also offers better quality of sleep: a calm and safe baby sleeps more hours and more easily.
This chain of benefits includes that the baby feels greater physical well-being, which brings with it better temperature regulation, optimization of oxygen consumption and respiration, relief of gastroesophageal reflux, favors the expulsion of gases and bowel movements. Carrying improves the development of balance, reduces stress, optimizes the functioning of the defenses and provides a greater tolerance to pain.
What happens if the baby gets used to it?
What if he gets used to it? You ask. The Spanish Association of Pediatrics ensures that babies have a continuous need for contact. Among other advantages, carrying favors breastfeeding and increases milk production because it encourages breastfeeding on demand.
“The baby carrier helps meet that need, making everyday tasks easier for the caregiver. A satisfied baby progressively acquires security and autonomy and will need less physical contact. Babies don’t get used to arms, they need them! ”.
Advantages of carrying for you
We already mentioned the advantage of having your hands free while you take care of the baby, not to mention the tender moments that occur with carrying, because you will see how your child adopts certain customs while you carry him in this way.
It is a very nice practice because your baby caresses you, plays, snuggles, kisses you, while you, for example, can hang your clothes, talk on the phone, wash the dishes … I don’t know … imagine the advantages that having your hands free can offer you , that increases autonomy and mobility.
In addition, with the baby carrier architectural barriers are avoided (construction sites, stairs, public transport …). It is much easier for you to make a market, and well I will give you an example, but your partner can also use it perfectly.
According to the notes of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics, carrying reduces the risk of postpartum depression and favors your self-esteem, because as babies cry less and sleep better, you feel more secure.
There is one more piece of information, carrying helps postural hygiene. The use of ergonomic baby carriers does not adversely affect the adult’s back. Used correctly they protect and favor the muscles of your back.
Here we list other advantages of porting:
- Prevents postural plagiocephaly or head deformation.
- Protects the development of the back. Improves muscle tone and the physiological curvature of the back.
- Protects hip development and prevents dysplasia.
- In premature babies, kangaroo care improves physical, emotional and intellectual development.
Remember that to carry it is necessary to know some basic safety rules. It is very important to always leave the baby’s face free, prevent the neck from being flexed and not carry it in vehicles, if there is a risk of falls or if it is near very hot liquids.
