A breastfeeding baby's day out

Young families often find themselves overwhelmed while caring for a newborn baby, Breastfeeding and attending to normal life activities such as shopping, attending to social obligations like visiting families during festivals or just holidaying can only add stress to the family.

- Effath Yasmin

It helps to recognise that understanding the needs of your baby and making a plan ahead of time can make this experience enjoyable and safe for your baby.

The first two years of a baby’s life are called the ‘In-arm phase’ which means that it’s human nature to be carried around always in an adult’s arms, out with very little changes. This is still commonly practiced in societies which have close knit family members and joint families, and is especially true for our Indian culture and available social support. Urbanisation leaves us vulnerable and devoid of this social support, and can lead to anxiety around caring for a baby.

HERE IS A SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR YOUNG MUMS AND DADS

BABY WEARING

Although carrying babies in slings is a practice since time immemorial in traditional cultures, I feel it could have never been needed more than in current times, where having your hands free is almost tantamount to survival! Free hands while you shop, prepare or holiday is a life-saver! I highly recommend freeing your hands while still caring for your baby intimately. Baby wearing can ease life into comfort for long periods of time. The joy of carrying your baby makes you mobile and yet close. This can prevent your need to leave your baby back home while you step out, and also reduce the need for pumping or giving formula and preventing premature weaning.

FAMILY & SOCIAL SUPPORT