Families have practiced Babywearing for generations. We all know that it is convenient for the caregiver, but there are so many benefits for mom and baby! It is still practiced and adored by so many today, all over the world, that there is even International Babywearing Week, a week-long opportunity to “celebrate, promote, advocate for, and focus attention on the many benefits of babywearing.”1 We love babywearing and sharing its benefits so that more families discover the ease, advantages, and joy of wearing their babies.
12 Benefits of Babywearing
Babywearing offers physical, emotional, and practical benefits that support both you and your baby through daily life.
1. It Builds a Stronger Bond Between Parent and Baby
Being close throughout the day helps your baby feel secure, comforted, and connected to you.
When you wear your baby, you remain close to one another throughout the day. During the fourth trimester (the postpartum period), you learn about one another, and this closeness strengthens your bond.5 With your baby close, your child can hear your voice and sense your emotions. They are secure. Even when mom is busy with other things, a baby held — either in mom’s arms or a carrier or sling — is reassured by the physical contact.5,6
Related: 8 Easy, No-Pressure Ways To Bond With Your Baby
2. Contact May Mean Baby Will Cry Less
Extra closeness can help babies settle more easily and reduce fussiness.
A study conducted in North America found that babies cried less when their parents were instructed to wear or carry them for several extra hours a day.2 La Leche League International says, “These findings confirm what our mothering instincts tell us — that plenty of loving contact does not ‘spoil’ a baby or make him more demanding, but makes him feel more comfortable and happy in his new world.” This is one of my favorite benefits of babywearing. A happy baby is quiet, alert, and ready to interact with people.7
3. It Provides Soothing Movement for Baby
Your baby wasn’t motionless in the womb, so why would they want to be motionless outside the womb in this strange, new world? Movement soothes babies.8 Don’t believe us? Try putting a sleeping baby down in their crib at nap time. You’ll find they prefer sleeping in mom and dad’s arms — right next to your heartbeat. This is their happy place. This is home. So, free your arms and bring your baby close.
4. Babywearing Makes Mom’s Life Easier
Hands-free time allows you to stay productive while keeping your baby close.
Babywearing allows the caregiver to be “hands-free.” Mom can wash dishes, prepare food for the family, pack backpacks and lunches, and even complete a laundry load with both hands. This gives her more time, and she becomes more efficient. Babywearing makes a mom’s life easier because she can do everything she needs to while still snuggling with her baby.
5. Babies Are Easier To Lug Around Than a Car Seat
Ergonomically speaking, babywearing is a better choice for moms.9 No matter how light an infant car seat is, nothing is lighter than wearing your child. You have your whole back to distribute the weight to carry a baby comfortably. And let’s face it, there are some places where a stroller is impossible to push. Babywearing makes things easier to get around and keeps baby happy!
6. When Baby Is Happy, Mom Is Happy
Parents can tend to their babies more quickly and successfully when babywearing. With they’re crying less, it means baby is happy, which makes mommy happy.2 It also makes mom feel more confident and competent as a new parent. The more empowered you feel, the more you can relax and enjoy motherhood — the ultimate benefit of babywearing.
7. Babywearing Can Help Contribute to a Baby’s Growth
Frequent closeness makes responsive feeding easier and may support healthy milk production.
The shorter the time between feedings, the higher the fat content in mama’s breast milk.3,10 Babywearing can help you breastfeed by allowing you to discreetly breastfeed hands-free at home or on the go. Not only that, but being close to baby also helps boost your breast milk production — something every new mother can appreciate!4
Related: How Babywearing Can Help You Breastfeed
8. Babywearing Keeps Baby Safe
You can be sure that baby is breathing regularly, which we all know is a significant source of comfort (especially for new moms).4 And when your baby is close to you, it minimizes extra hands from coming in contact with your little one. This means fewer germs, which equals healthy babies!
9. Wearing a Baby Helps You Stay Fit
Especially if you make a habit of working out with baby, having that extra weight around you as you squat down to lift the laundry basket and walk up and down the stairs throughout the day helps you burn more calories, all while bonding with your little one.
10. It Decreases the Risk of SIDS and Flat Head Syndrome
Upright positioning helps with breathing and reduces prolonged pressure on the back of the head.
Feeling your chest rise and fall as you breathe in and out reminds baby to breathe.4,9,13 While they’re on you, chest to chest, it also avoids direct pressure on their heads. They are often in car seats, strollers, cribs, and other contraptions. All the lying on their back puts direct pressure on their heads and increases Plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome).11,12 Babywearing can help decrease it.
11. Babywearing Is a Great Way To Help Develop Language Skills
Try it out and see what I mean. Do you find yourself chatting and narrating to baby as your day progresses? I know I do. Our babies learn by watching our faces and LOVE to hear our voices. This promotes early language development because children learn a great deal by observing our facial expressions and hearing the changes in our voice as we talk and converse with others throughout the day.14
Related: How to Encourage Your Baby’s Language Development Every Day
12. Babywearing Is Beautiful
Have you seen all the pretty baby carriers and wraps available nowadays? There are so many beautiful ones. We are obsessed! And isn’t it sweet to see a parent or grandparent wearing a little one?
Babywearing is truly a gift for both parent and baby. It brings comfort, bonding, convenience, and joy into your everyday routine. Whether you use a wrap, sling, or structured carrier, keeping your little one close can make life easier and help your baby feel safe and loved. No matter where you are in your parenting journey, babywearing is a beautiful way to support connection.
