Author Name:
Chetana Parmar

Biography:
Chetana is the Founder of Baby Hut, UK distributor of the Tri Cotti Sling.

Article:
For centuries, mother all over the world have been carrying their babies in a sling, on the side or on the back.

For many mothers in Africa, India and in tribal communities it is a cultural habit that continues. It allows the parent to be hands-free and continue with daily chores, yet remain close to the baby.

Babies in Bali are worn in a sling for the first six months of life. The parents or other family members 'wear' the baby all day. The baby never leaves the closeness and warmth. Even at bedtime the baby sleeps next to the mother. The baby never touches the ground for the first six months. Then a ground-touching ceremony is performed the first time the baby touches the ground. The ceremony acknowledges that the baby will be crawling and gaining independence from the mother and will not have to be carried.

In Asia and the sub-continent, babies are seen carried by the mother. Usually, in communities where farming and agriculture are very important, mothers are seen tending to their daily activities with a baby strapped on their back. the baby is part of her life. It makes life a lot easier for the mother. A contented baby!

Living in the Western world with material values and 'must-have' baby equipment, we have forgotten that to bring a baby into this world, the baby does not need prams, buggies and plastic toys. Western values are considered to be superior but are in effect distancing us from normal instincts of wanting to involve the baby in everyday daily activities. Why have children if they are 'to be seen but not heard?

We have baby-sitters, we have day nurseries which look after the babies. Women in the West are not valued unless they have a professional career, work long hours, earn a lot of money, drive a posh car - are said to strive for equality in this world.

So what about the children? They get bombarded with toys and gifts to make-up for the time that they do not spend with the parents. The parents try to 'buy love' and eradicate their guilty feelings. All that the baby needs is the love, warmth, touch and comfort from the parents to face this big wide world.

The baby wants to be a part of your life.
The baby has been delivered to this world of ours. The baby is also wondering and recovering. He is trying to focus his eyes and for the most part failing: he can only see objects 10-15 inches (25-38 centimeters) away, not coincidentally, the distance to his mother's face when she holds him.
In the first month, he learns to control his eyes and takes on a more baby-like shape. He doesn't make baby talk noises, but has a wide repertoire of squeaks, sighs, sneezes and hiccups. He needs lots of food, rest and touch.

Feed him whenever he's hungry, let him sleep when he's tired and hold him close as often as you can. Talk to him, sing to him and you'll get back more than you give. Remember: bonding is a long process that begins at birth.

So, start that bonding process by carrying your baby in the cotton sling. Provide that natural comfort for your baby.
It seems that natural instincts will not do. Facts and figures are needed to convince people that carrying your baby is beneficial to both you and your baby.

So here are some facts and findings:

• carrying the baby in a cotton sling seems to offer the single most successful method for optimal neurological development

• the cotton sling allows the baby to snuggle close to your body and provide the joy of human bonding that is essential

• the baby can see the world as the parents do and the rhythm of the parent walking is physically soothing. babies are not used to being alone or still

• carried babies are more content and spend more time in a state known as 'quiet alertness' - a state in which they are able to interact with other people. the baby is able to study the parent's face and watch the subtleties of human expression and body language

• carrying the baby creates a calmer, a more secure and confident child

• carried babies become children who feel secure with themselves, their parents and their environment

• baby carrying provides the exact level of stimulation required to develop muscle tone, increase cardiac output/circulation, promote respiration and aid digestion

• baby carrying energizes the vestibular nervous system. this is what controls the baby's sense of balance. research shows baby carrying improves motor development - particularly in premature babies

• babies experience reduced a rate of wind and colic

• carried babies are better able to complete their exterogestation (out of the womb) period than those who are not - particularly important for premature babies

• carrying babies stimulates levels of mothering hormone prolactin. mothers who use slings feel closer to their babies - improving breast-feeding and bonding
• baby carrying produces a baby that peacefully and calmly observes its surroundings with less fuss and crying. one study found that carrying babies reduced crying and fussiness by 43% (day) and 51% (night)

• since carrying your baby reduces crying and they are a lot more content, you will find that there is no need to 'stuff' a dummy into their mouth

• when a baby is tense, the movement of being carried in a cotton sling will help them to fall asleep

• a baby's brain grows phenomenally - from 25% of its adult weight at birth to 50% at six months and 90% at one year. studies of childhood bonding report the incredible importance of the first year of a baby's life to the quality of the remainder of life. do Western values and practices of childrearing allow our children the best start in life? instead of putting them in a pram, surrounded by artificial warmth from blankets, do they not deserve the warmth and touch they receive by being carried in a cotton sling?

• practical benefits of carrying your baby are immense! save hours in crowded places by not having to push a buggy around; both hands free to continue with daily chores, etc.
It is now that Western mothers are discovering that the cotton sling is not only a liberating means of transporting babies, but also the perfect solution to the dilemma of how live your life and at the same time soothe your baby even during those fussy evening hours.

So give your baby the warmth and security it needs, and totally enjoy the pleasure of carrying your baby close to you in a cotton sling.

Chetana Parmar
Founder, Babyhut