Mimicry, or the action or art of imitating someone, begins at birth. Your newborn baby will gaze at your face and eventually start mimicking facial expressions and sounds. Fast forward to 18 months, and your toddler is imitating many of the things you say and do on repeat.
With this in mind, it’s important to model behaviors and morals we value, such as nurturing and empathy. Babywearing using a baby doll carrier is for girls AND boys, too! Playing with dolls teaches children many positive lessons that are equally important among both genders. Here are five benefits of our children modeling babywearing by using a doll carrier or sling.
Benefits of Babywearing for Children Using a Doll Carrier:
1. Promotes social development.
Playing with a doll requires that a child think of the needs a baby might have, such as eating, diaper changes, and physical touch. This helps children to consider the feelings and thoughts of others. It teaches them how to practice empathy and be loving towards family and friends.
2. Strengthens gross and fine motor skills.
Through playing with their baby doll carrier, children repeat body movements and strengthen their large muscle groups and coordination (gross motor skills). This also gives them a chance to practice and perfect control of their smaller muscle movements (fine motor skills).
3. Builds a sense of belonging.
Children get a greater sense of connection by mimicking their parents. “Developmental
psychologist Moritz Daum from the University of Zurich highlights something interesting. This
almost instinctive behaviour in humans (and also in animals) serves more than just for learning.
Imitating also builds a sense of belonging and helps humans identify with a certain group.” Read
the full article here. Playing with a doll and doll-wearing can also help ease the transition for a
child with a new sibling. They can feel like the big kid who takes care of their baby doll by
feeding them and carrying them in a doll carrier, the same way mom and dad take care of their
new brother or sister.
4. Assists in language development.
According to a study conducted at the University of London by Dr. Victoria South, 18-month-old
children already tend to imitate what is familiar when it is repeated several times and
accompanied by language. In fact, this is how communicative processes mature. By playing
with the doll carrier and talking during play, your child is learning to communicate.
5. Teaches family values and morals.
In their early years, our children mimic us in almost everything we do and say. That’s why it's important for them to see us positively parenting their younger siblings. We provide excellent care for their siblings using a baby carrier, so they want to do the same with their dolls in their baby doll carrier. They will mimic the behavior and morals that we value, which becomes imprinted in their minds at a young age.
Close imitation begins, on average, around 18 months and it’s not uncommon for children to continue playing with dolls until at least eight years old. A baby doll carrier makes the perfect gift for any child. Not only does a doll carrier provide a new fun way to play with dolls, but it also teaches your child so many important skills and life lessons.
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