Babywearing Benefits

Babywearing is more than a way to comfort your baby—it’s a powerful tool that supports both the physical and emotional well-being of your child, as well as the parent. Below are some of the key benefits of babywearing, supported by research and expert insights.

1. Improves Infant Sleep and Decreases Crying 

Babies who are worn often sleep better and cry 43-51% less. The soothing motion of babywearing and the closeness to the parent mimic the comfort of the womb, helping to regulate sleep patterns and promote more restful sleep. This practice is particularly effective in helping babies with sleep difficulties, colic, or who are fussy and need their caregivers closeness.
Source: International Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 2014 (PubMed) 

2. Boosts Brain Development & Cognitive Growth

Babywearing promotes brain development by offering babies close, constant contact with their caregivers. This proximity helps regulate stress levels, stimulate neurological growth, and improve emotional bonding. Research shows that babies who are held close receive the sensory stimulation necessary for optimal cognitive development. The constant contact and reassurance a baby feels when in a wrap will give him a sense of security that will better prepare him to form relationships as an adult. Research has also shown that premature and special needs babies who are held and touched have a faster weight gain and are overall healthier than those who are not.
Source: International Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 2014 (PubMed) Harvard Gazette, 1998 

3. Supports Breastfeeding Success

Babywearing can enhance breastfeeding by encouraging more frequent, natural feedings. The hands-free experience allows for easier latching and a closer bond between mother and child, which is crucial for a successful breastfeeding relationship. Studies show that babywearing mothers often experience longer breastfeeding durations.
Source: La Leche League International (LLLI)

4. Supports Maternal Mental Health

In the early days of motherhood, babywearing has been shown to lower stress levels in both mothers and babies. The act of holding your baby close can reduce anxiety and help new mothers feel more confident in their parenting abilities, creating a sense of calm and promoting emotional well-being. In a randomized control study by E.E. Little et al., mothers who recieved baby carriers reported fewer depressive symptoms. 
Source: BMC Psychology, 2018 (BMC) Journal of Affective Disorders, 2023 (Science Direct)

5. Helps with Colic and Gas

Many parents find that babywearing helps to soothe babies suffering from colic, frequent gas, illness, or other discomfort. The upright position of the baby encourages better digestion and can reduce discomfort caused by trapped air, helping babies feel more at ease and calm.
Source: BMC Pediatrics, 2018 (BMC)

6. Promotes Physical and Emotional Healing 

For preterm and NICU infants, babywearing is invaluable for physical and emotional healing. The warmth and physical closeness regulate body temperature, heart rate, and oxygen levels. This practice also fosters bonding between parents and premature babies during the transition from NICU to home.
Source: Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 2016 (ScienceDirect)

7. Encourages Healthy Hip Development

Properly using baby carriers that support a "spread-squat" position can help prevent hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly. Babywearing in an ergonomic carrier that promotes this natural position supports optimal hip development, especially in the first few months of life.
Source: International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI)

8. Enhances Family Bonding and Involvement

Babywearing encourages bonding not just between the baby and the primary caregiver, but also between other family members. It allows both parents to be physically connected with the baby while carrying on with daily activities, enhancing the sense of connection and shared responsibility in raising the child.
Source: National Institutes of Health, 2010 (NIH)

9. Supports Parents' Physical Health

Babywearing can benefit the parent’s health too. It encourages good posture and can help alleviate back and shoulder strain by distributing the baby’s weight evenly. The act of carrying your baby also promotes physical activity and helps parents remain active and mobile throughout the day.
Source: Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2016 (ScienceDirect)

10. Increases Parent's Confidence

Babywearing can increase a parent's confidence by enabling them to respond quickly to their baby's needs and reading their cues, all while keeping their hands free. It helps parents feel more capable  in managing daily tasks and strengthens their emotional bond with the baby.
Source: Journal of Family Studies, 2017 (Taylor & Francis)

 

Why Babywearing Matters

Babywearing is more than just a practical parenting tool; it's an investment in your child's physical, emotional, and cognitive development. From enhancing sleep and breastfeeding to supporting healthy hip development and fostering stronger family bonds, babywearing promotes a deeper connection between parents and babies. It’s a simple, natural way to help your baby thrive while nurturing your own well-being as a parent.

For more insights, check out our in-depth articles on the benefits of babywearing, and discover how this practice can enrich your parenting experience.