Humans are known as Carry Mammals.

We birth our young when they are still very developmentally immature compared to some other mammals. Newborn human babies are completely reliant on their carers for accessing food, staying warm and being safe. In the wild, Apes do the same, as do Kangaroos!

In comparison, animals like Horses, birth their young, who then pretty speedily find their feet and totter off, returning frequently for feeds but also already pretty independent! These are follow mammals .

Then there's kittens and puppies - Nest Mammals. Their parents can leave them alone for large chunks of time.

So? What does all this mean for you and your little one?

• Carry, hold and cuddle your baby as much as you want or need! Baby-wearing is a wonderful way for you both getting what you need - baby: some much needed contact and movement, you: hands free to change the TV channels or hold your book.

• Expect your baby to feed frequently and not necessarily at a predictable time! None of this 3-hourly routine melarky! Especially in the early days, but also whenever they have a growth spurt, need more comfort, or…well, anything, they are likely to feed way more!

(Our carry mammal milk is much lower in fat and protein than those who are intended to be fed at larger intervals)

So, don't listen to the people trying to tell you to put the baby down, to stretch out feeds or that you're “making a rod for your own back” by responding to your tiny baby's needs or not wanting to leave them to cry themselves to sleep.

You're doing so well. And your baby will thank you for it as they grow up to be an independent, confident, bigger person, knowing you will always be there for them when they need.