Bonding and support – close from the very beginning
When a child is born, a whole new relationship begins to develop. From the very first moment, the newborn seeks comfort from the adults closest to them – through their scent, voice, warmth, touch and presence.
For many parents, a baby sling becomes a way of making that closeness a natural part of everyday life. But carrying a baby isn’t just about having your hands free. It can also give the child the chance to be close to a trusted adult whilst the world continues to go on around them.
Bonding grows through the little moments of everyday life
Attachment is the emotional bond that develops between a child and the adults who are close to them and look after them. It is not created by a few perfect moments, but through many small experiences over time – being comforted when you are sad, being fed when you are hungry, being responded to when you seek contact, and feeling that someone is there for you.
When a child is carried close, they are right at the heart of the adult’s daily life. They can hear the adult’s voice, feel their warmth and follow their movements. At the same time, it can be easier for the adult to pick up on the child’s subtle cues and needs.
It is precisely these regular meetings that are important. Closeness doesn’t have to be complicated. It is often to be found in the simplest of things.
Supportive – a moment of closeness
In a baby sling, the child is held close to the adult’s body. This physical contact can provide a sense of being held and security, whilst allowing the child to follow the rhythm of everyday life.
For some children, being held close can be particularly soothing when they are tired, need to wind down or simply want to be close. For others, the sling can become a place where they can curiously observe their surroundings from the safety of a loving embrace.
Being a nurturing parent does not necessarily mean that the child has to be close by all the time. Children need both closeness and the opportunity to explore. A secure relationship allows room for both.
