An infant's binder is a form of corset for infants. Infant's binders were introduced in the nineteenth century, after swaddling had become unpopular, and were in several forms, shapes and materials in use till well into the twentieth century. Some say the binder was used to obtain a proper posture, others see it as a preparation for later proper corset wearing, or as a way to diminish the baby's restlessness. By tightening the infant's binder the care giver could lower the yell and squall from the baby.
Baby belly binders have been used throughout the world for centuries. This traditional practice has been used by the Hawaiian Filipino, Latin and English cultures since the early 1800s. An early version of the abdominal binder from the 1800s can be found at the science museum at http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/broughttolife/objects/display.aspx?id=92523
Baby belly binders are used for multiple purposes. First, it helps to keep the stomach warm and that reduces colic. It also functions as a covering to keep the diaper from rubbing against the umbilical stump, thereby reducing friction and irritation. Lastly, it keeps the stump dry after cleaning and protects it from urination. This helps reduce the likelihood of infection.
In additional to the known medical uses for baby binders, there are some old customs that are still widely used by many cultures today. One old custom involves using a baby belly binder around baby's belly to help baby achieve a perfect "innie", as opposed to the "outie" appearance, where the navel is protruding. In some cases, a coin is also placed on the navel before the binder is wrapped around the waist in the belief that it will "hold the abdominal contents in". There is, actually, a medical explanation for this. It is common for a newborn to have weak abdominal muscles, as well as abdominal muscles that are not fused in the center (the umbilical region), hence the abdominal or umbilical hernia. These muscles normally grow in strength and size in 3 to 4 years, allowing the muscle to fuse, and the hernia or the hole to close. If you are concerned about your baby having an umbilical hernia, consult your pediatrician. (Courtesy of Smart Parenting)
A modern version of this baby binding tradition has been created by the Juju Band Concepts LLC company. http://jujuband.com.
Famous quotes containing the word infant:
“To worry about spoiling an infant by comforting him when he cries is needless.... If you put the baby down and the baby cries, pick him up. His crying isn’t a habit you should try to break. Your baby can’t be taught not to cry.”
—Lawrence Balter (20th century)