Building Secure Attachment

"You don't want them to get too used to that, you know."

Why not? Come on, where's your evidence?

Probably best not to get into the debate standing (socially-distanced) in the supermarket queue! But there really are excellent reasons to carry your child.

Evelin Kirkilionis, in her book "A Baby Wants to be Carried: Everything you need to know about baby carriers and the benefits of babywearing" explains:

"In biological terms the human infant is an example of clinging young. His complete development and behaviour has been predisposed to this since the start of human evolutionary history, and is as valid today as in the past."

Young children are carried. Even without a baby carrier, parents will spend much of their time with their baby in-arms (how often do you see parents awkwardly steering an empty pram with one hand and holding baby with the other?). Babywearing is just intentionally carrying, using a tool to allow the parent the use of their hands.

If you have ever tried compelling a toddler to do something they disagree with, you know that enforcing carrying on a child who clearly wants to walk would be a challenge. Their drive for independence is far more powerful than a parent's wish to prolong dependence. But before independence there must first be strong, secure attachment and dependence.

So hold your head high in the face of negative feedback. You are building your child's security and empowering them.