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The Incredible Benefits of BabyWearing

Written by: Nicole Salter, RN, IBCLC

Benefits of Babywearing

Babywearing is the practice of carrying your baby in a wrap, sling, or other carrier, keeping them close to your body while you go about your day. Babywearing has been used for centuries in many cultures worldwide; however, in recent years, it has become more popular in the western world. Babywearing has numerous benefits, not just for babies but for parents as well.

Bonding with Baby

One of the primary benefits of baby-wearing is that it promotes attachment bonding between the parent and the baby. Carrying your baby close to your body allows them to feel your warmth, smell your scent, and hear your heartbeat, which can help them feel secure and calm. In addition, this closeness creates a stronger emotional bond between parent and baby, which can lead to better social, emotional, and cognitive development.

Hands-Free Parenting

When you carry your baby in a carrier, your hands are free to do other things, making it easier to go about your day-to-day activities. This can be particularly helpful for parents with multiple children or those who need to multitask throughout the day.

Better Sleep

Research has shown that babies who are carried in a sling or carrier sleep better and cry less than those who are not. This is because being close to the parent's body provides a sense of security and comfort, which can help the baby sleep more soundly. Additionally, the gentle walking motion can help soothe the baby and promote better sleep.

Promotes Healthy Development, Reduces Spit Up and Reflux Symptoms

When a baby is carried in a sling or carrier, they are upright, which supports digestion and can help promote healthy development of the spine, hips, and other joints. Being carried close to the parent's body can also help regulate the baby's heart rate, temperature, and breathing. This is beneficial for premature babies or those with respiratory issues.

Reduces Crying

Babies held in close contact can self-regulate better.
They are calmed more quickly and experience reduced levels of stress leading to less crying. For example, babywearing for 3 hours daily reduces crying by up to 54%.

Easier Breastfeeding

Babywearing makes breastfeeding easier and more convenient. When a baby is held close to the breast, it is easier for the parent to respond to early hunger cues and breastfeed while on the go. Additionally, the physical closeness of babywearing can help stimulate milk production and promote bonding between the parent and baby.

Reduces Incidence of Postpartum Depression

Studies show that parents who practice babywearing experience increased confidence in their parenting and are more able to manage the ups and downs of the postpartum period.

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