Backing is a term that is closely associated with the carriage of babies or infants on ones back or upper neck region. It is a very common sight in Nigeria and in most parts of the African continent.
The concept of backing is as old as our cultures and has become a natural way of life for most.
In times past, backing babies was simply the easiest way for a caring mother to carry her baby, it was a show of maternal love for the grandmother and a call to duty for the younger girls who assisted their moms with their siblings or those who just helped relatives.
Midwives have constantly argued that backing a baby is not only comfortable for the baby ,it also generates warmth and aids in the special bonding between mother and child.
In addition to this it has often been resounded by mothers that backing helps in the proper “location” of the hip ball joint so that the child is able to crawl and walk faster in due course.
Times are however changing fast and the backing phenomenon of using the wrapper and “Oja” is fast frizzling out, becoming a rare sight and giving way to the advent of the kangaroo pouches as well as the slings which amazingly have the same effects.
Men are not left out in this metamorphosis as they also are cashing-in on this opportunity to become part of the bonding process with their kids-which lasts only till the babies become too big for the pouches
The disadvantages are not far fetched as the pouches may come loose and cause the baby to fall if not properly fitted –in, there is also the possibility of chest pain as the baby continues to gain weight and the babies’ discomfort in sleeping because of the structure of the pouches.
The traditional method has remained safe and secure over the centuries with lasting comfort both for mother and child. The child could sleep for hours while the mom busies herself with her daily activities knowing that her babe is surely strapped to her back. In most parts of the country in even in the whole of Africa, a mother who does not back her child is frowned upon and regarded as a woman who does not know how to care for her child.
Studies have shown that there is a great climb of crime and violence in countries where the carriage of babies in either pouches or slings is not encouraged. This implies that there are also economic advantages in the use of pouches, slings and wrappers.
There however must be a balance for the modern woman who loves her baby and still wants to keep up with the trends in the world. She must, while looking trendy with her pouch make out time to carry her baby the old-fashioned way for the sake and health of her beloved baby.
