| Worth knowing: Carrying as therapy
The carrying of infants does not only have a very positive effect
on their development, it also has a therapeutic effect in many cases,
but in no way does it replace any medical treatment which may be
necessary.
Here are a few examples of this:
"Crying babies": 
There are babies who cry a lot without apparent reason. Mostly
this is "only" the requirement for nearness (contact
crying). As soon as the baby is placed in the arms, it quietens
down. The term "carrybaby" describes these babies very
well. The requirement for nearness can be met by long-term carrying
in a sling. You will soon notice that your baby becomes quieter
and happier after a while, even during the times when it is not
being carried.
For "difficult cases" where simple carrying no longer
helps, there are special "crying units" where trained
specialist personnel can deal specifically with infants and parents.
In addition, many midwives, paediatricians and breast-feeding
advisers give additional "crying consultations".
You can find an excellent and very interesting site about this
subject (in German) at www.trostreich.de
"Colicky babies":
An over-distended tummy is extremely uncomfortable for infants.
The main causes of this are foodstuffs causing flatulence (taken
in through the mother's milk), stress during breast-feeding and
swallowing air during drinking. After feeding, carry your baby
as near to your body as possible. This quietens the baby, and
meets its requirement for bodily contact. At the same time, its
tummy is lightly massaged. It has been proven that babies who
are taken care of in this manner after feeding cry much less after
their meals, and also suffer stomach cramps much less often.
"Premature babies":
Premature babies are taken away from the warmth and security
of the mother's womb much too early, and therefore have an increased
requirement for nearness. In the hospitals which treat premature
babies, "kangarooing" has become more or less standard.
The premature baby is placed on the mother or father's naked breast.
Carrying in baby slings is also practised in some hospitals. Both
methods are a form of relationship development which satisfies
the need for nearness and security.
Hip dysplasia:
Babies are naturally put into positions with spread legs in baby
slings (except for the cradle tying method), and this means that
their legs are put into the spread-squat position. The spread
position of the legs has a positive effect on the development
of the hips, and, in addition to orthopaedic methods in minor
cases of hip dysplasia, also helps to diminish incorrect positioning
and to correct it.
In major cases of hip dysplasia, the sling can be used as a therapeutic
method in addition to a Frejka pillow. For the infant, it is much
more comfortable to be put in a position with spread legs occasionally
rather than wearing a Frejka pillow all the time.
Cleft palate:
Every year, nearly 1600 children are born with a cleft palate.
Standardised methods are nowadays used to successfully operate
on the cleft palate in the first year of life. Babies with cleft
palates are often stared at. Carrying your baby in a sling protects
it. It is carried with its face towards you and therefore protected
from curious looks.
Neurodermitis:
Neurodermitis is one of the most common complaints for children.
Physical stress or allergies against foodstuffs, pollen, house
dust, or animal hairs are just some of the factors which cause
the illness to start or to become worse. Carrying in a sling can
also have a positive effect on the baby's well-being in this case.
It will be much quieter and more relaxed, which often leads to
moderation of the symptoms.
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