Parents of newborns in Aberdeen will be shown how to safely carry their babies before they leave hospital.
Six members of staff at the city’s maternity hospital have been trained on how to use the specialist stretchy wrap which is given free to all families in the Scottish Baby Box.
The long piece of fabric, sometimes called a sling, can be used by parents to carry their babies hands-free.
It has also been shown to help with brain development, bonding and temperature regulation.
Jess Hippey from Close and Calm Aberdeen, who ran the workshop with staff, said: “Carrying your baby close, whether just holding them or in a carrier, has so many benefits.
“It produces oxytocin in both the caregiver and the baby and can even reduce the effect and incidence of post-natal depression.
“Studies have shown that carried babies cry less and that carrying significantly helps with both reflux and colic.”
Aberdeen Maternity Hospital senior charge nurse Natalie Christie said: “Since the introduction of the Baby Box we have seen a rise in the number of parents asking staff to show them how to tie their wraps.
“In order to ensure we were giving evidence-based, safe advice we decided to train six of our staff.
“This will ensure parents and babies can reap the benefits of baby-wearing from those very early days.”
