For many parents, a time will arise when they'll need to leave their child with a care provider. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in the US, two-parent households where both parents work full-time today make up 46 percent of the population, compared to 31 percent in 1970.
When parents return to work, need a date night, or just need an extra pair of hands, typically they will hire someone to care for their child whether it be a nanny, daycare, babysitter, Au Pair, Parent’s helper, relative, friend, etc. You might have concerns about the transition between caregiver and parent but, babywearing is a tool that can be used to minimize crying and optimize the bond between child and caregiver.
As a professional nanny and babywearing educator, I believe it is very important that other caregivers be familiar with positive and safe babywearing practices to great a successful caregiving situation. Using a carrier can provide confidence and freedom to expose children to new surroundings and experiences while creating a familiar space for moments of calming.
For the caregiver, carrying a child in a carrier can also help them meet the needs of one or multiple children. Babywearing can allow you to use one or both hands to feed an infant, change a sibling’s diaper, go on a walk, plate a meal, nap on the go, and so much more.
Here are some tips for introducing babywearing to your Nanny or Babysitter:
- Ask the childcare provider if they have a carrier or have ever used one. If they do not have one, provide them with a versatile carrier, like the Tula Explore Baby Carrier, which is simple to use and will fit a wide range of caregivers and babies.
- Explain the benefits of Babywearing. The benefits that babywearing may facilitate do not only extend to the child in the carrier, but the nanny, babysitter, or any caregiver as well. Touch can initiate a feeling of security and safety, release oxytocin into the body, activate and stimulate the Vagus Nerve- which can affect mood, inflammation, digestion and so much more; all facilitated by wearing a child in a carrier. You can read more about the benefits of babywearing in this past Baby Tula blog here.
- Teach them how to use the carrier you’ve left for them. Or, allow them to use the one that best suits their body type. The Facebook group “Babywearing Nannies”, which I created, is a safe place for professional child care providers to ask questions about babywearing practices, safety, and share their love for using carriers.
- Provide the caregiver with safety tips and resources or videos, if they aren’t already familiar. You can search for carrier instructions on the manufacturer's website, like these video instructions provided by Baby Tula.
If you or your caregiver are seeking assistance with your carrier, babywearing meetings in your local area are a great tool for the entire community. If your caregiver is working during the hours of a meeting nearby, they are welcome to attend, receive education and hands-on assistance with a carrier.
You may also hire a babywearing consultant for private consultation for your family and caregiver if you would like some one-on-one assistance. As a Certified Babywearing Consultant, I offer private babywearing consultation both in person and via Skype as Southern Anchor Newborn Care LLC. If you can not find a meeting or consultant near you, we are available to help!
________________
This guest blog is written by Q Beene. Q has been a professional nanny in the Chicago area for many years. Her dedication to providing quality, gentle care for families has led her to become a certified babywearing educator and a child passenger safety technician. Q has a deep love and enthusiasm for babywearing and babywearing education. Through Southern Anchor Newborn Care LLC., Q offers babywearing, newborn, car seat, and holistic sleep consultations for families and caregivers.