Advice and Information about Babywearing for Muslimaat
What is Babywearing?
Babywearing Benefits
What to consider when buying a baby carrier / baby sling?
Safe Babywearing
Advice for carrying your child outside
What is Babywearing?
Babywearing means carrying your baby/child close to you with a baby carrier, baby sling, baby pouch.
Babywearing has been practiced around the world for many years.
Babywearing Benefits
Your baby feels
safe when he or she is near to you and can feel your warmth, hear your heart beat..
Helps you bond with your baby
Babywearing frees your hands.
You can be close to your baby and still have your hands free. This is especially benefial in families in which there
are several small children! (You can even breastfeed your baby in the carrier)
It is easier to
control what the little hands try to reach
Many babies fall asleep easily in baby carriers
Wearing your baby promotes his / hers physical development.
Did I mention having your arms free.. yet being close and cuddly with your baby? *smile*
We carry our babies a lot - so why not do it more comfortably?
What to consider when buying a baby carrier / baby sling?
The age of your baby / child (so will you choose a wrap, pouch, sling.. or
some other type of carrier?) Or would you like to buy a carrier that can be used a longer time? Or maybe different types of carriers?
Can you wear your baby / child in different positions with the carrier? Front, back and hip?
Is the carrier easily adjustable?
Safe Babywearing
To avoid any accidents please take notice of the following advice:
Choose the right kind of baby carrier. Check the weight limits of the carriers.
Practice putting the carrier on. Ask someone who already does babycarrying to give you a hand - or if you have
a seller living near to you ask them to give you a "lesson". If you have a baby wrap, this is very important. Practice wrapping it correctly so that it is safe for your baby and
comfortable for you!
Support your baby when you bend over.
Check the condition of your baby carrier regularly.
Avoid dealing with hot items when you have your baby in a carrier.
Advice for carrying your child outside
A baby carrier is useful both outside and inside the home. Outside there maybe places where we can't go with baby strollers or it is too difficult to go with them.
Maybe your husband can learn to wear a carrier too? (especially if it is not a wrap type!) Sometimes it is also more convenient just to carry your baby than to take
stroller with you.
The problem we face as Muslimahs is that the baby carriers reveal our shape. Here are some tips to consider how to "cover up" while carrying your baby:
Consider getting a "poncho" or make one yourself. Shops selling babycarriers also
sell special coats meant for babywearing and these may be a good choice.
Wrap a large shayla around you (besides your head garment)
If you have a large abaya that opens from the front you may be able to wear your baby
under your abaya.
If you can't cover yourself properly, teach your husband to wear a baby carrier if this seems
like a convenient choice.
Wearing all those layers may be very hot and inconvenient. In spite of that, you can use the carrier at home and enjoy its benefits and most importantly, closeness with your baby!
If you are a Muslimah who wears her baby - please send us your experiences and advice!
Related Links:
Natural Parenting Products
Offering cloth diapers, baby carriers, nursing products and more.
