Sunday 16 January 2011

Historical baby wearing in pictures

It is a fact that babies have been 'worn' or carried using cloth and sewn material articles since far before our time, being skin close or 'attached' to their parents all day - a practice that is the norm in a variety of cultures and countries. It is only fairly recently that 'baby wearing' has gained the recognition and medical understanding it deserves.
I will post shortly about the emotional and physical benefits of 'baby wearing' with links and extracts from medical papers, personal experiences and associated findings but I wanted to first share with you these wonderful images that illustrate perfectly, how acceptable and universal this method of caring for your baby has been and will continue to be. 

Benin - Mother carrying a sleeping child washing pots in a river - notice this carrier is held simply around her bust, no straps or ties and baby looks completely peaceful. Recent image.

Japan - a mother carrying both her children on her back at once using a cloth carrier.
National Geographic Magazine, Volume 31 (1917), page 553


Mexico - Mother carrying her toddler using a sling similar to the pouch.
National Geographic Magazine, Volume 31 (1917), page 559


Origin unconfirmed - Pre 1920s basket carrier used on the back. It is decorated with beads and crocodile teeth for protection of the child with magical powers. The rattling of the decorations was also supposed to ward off any predators.
Tropenmuseum of the Royal Tropical Institute (KIT)


New Zealand - Maori woman with her baby carried on her back. Photo dates from 1860-1879.
Photothèque du Musée de l'Homme via French National Library


Eskimo family with the child being carried on the mother's back in a fur lined carrier. Dated 1917.
National Geographic Magazine, Volume 31 (1917), page 564



Louisiana, USA - Painting by Alfred Boisseau dated 1847. See the second woman with an infant on her back again.

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