Babywearing: What Is It and What Are the Benefits?

For thousands of years, parents have worn their babies so they can stay mobile while keeping their children safe. Today’s parents also have options like swings, seats, playards and cribs, so you don’t need to carry your baby to protect them or do your daily activities. Still, many parents choose babywearing for its convenience and a range of health benefits.

“Babywearing can be wonderful for both parents and children,” says pediatrician Lisa Diard, MD. “With a few safety considerations, it’s a rewarding way to be closer to your little one.”

Five benefits of babywearing

Any babywearing enthusiast can likely rattle off a laundry list of reasons they love this parenting practice. But what does the science say? Dr. Diard walks us through some of the proven benefits.

1. Reduces crying

All babies cry, but there’s some evidence that using a carrier in the first three months of your baby’s life can reduce crying and fussing. But the reason why isn’t quite clear.

“It’s possible that the closer a baby is to you, the less they need to cry to get what they need,” Dr. Diard suggests. “Babies may also find the motion and nearness to their parent soothing.”

2. Encourages responsive feeding

Responsive feeding is when you recognize your baby’s hunger and fullness cues and feed them accordingly. This feeding style helps babies learn healthy eating habits and self-regulation tools and is important whether you’re breastfeeding (chestfeeding) or bottle-feeding.

“Close physical contact from babywearing allows you to be in touch with your baby’s needs,” says Dr. Diard. “You’re more likely to notice their early signs of hunger and feed them right away if you’re carrying them.”

3. Improves infant-parent attachment

Secure attachment to a parent helps babies feel safe and comforted. As they grow, it helps them develop healthy social and emotional lives.

Skin-to-skin contact, aka kangaroo care, is a well-known way to bond with your baby. Healthcare providers may have encouraged you to hold your baby this way shortly after delivery. But does babywearing have the same effect? Research shows a positive relationship between babywearing and secure attachment, even when baby is fully clothed.

4. Enhances baby’s development

The more you interact with and talk to your baby, the more they learn. Babywearing also puts your baby front and center so they can see you and the world around you. All this stimulation helps with the development of language, social and emotional skills.

5. Gives you freedom

Caring for a baby can leave little time for yourself. Sometimes, it’s hard to find a minute to eat a meal or do a load of laundry.

With a baby carrier, you have a little extra freedom to do what you need while keeping your baby nearby. In fact, a survey of more than 3,000 babywearing parents found that 97% used a carrier to allow for multitasking.

When can you start babywearing?

You can start babywearing right away, but in general, Dr. Diard recommends avoiding outward-facing carriers until 6 months.

“When your child is facing away from your body, their legs hang straight down,” she warns. “In a young baby, this position can increase their risk of hip dysplasia.” When you’re shopping for a carrier for a baby who’s under 6 months old, be sure to look for one that’s designated safe by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.

There are many types of babywearing devices, from soft slings to more structured carriers, and the manufacturer determines the age range for each carrier. Before you purchase one, research your options and read the package information carefully — but just know that you may have to try a few to find one that your baby likes.

How to babywear

When you’re using a carrier, your baby’s position is especially important for their safety and well-being. Follow the “TICKS” rule to ensure they’re situated correctly:

• T — Tight carrier: Keep the carrier or sling tight enough that your baby is hugging you, without any gaps between their body and yours.
• I — In view at all times: You should be able to see your baby’s face when you look down. Don’t allow the fabric to cover their head.
• C — Close enough to kiss: Your baby should be close enough that you can kiss their head.
• K — Keep chin off chest: Make sure there’s space between baby’s chin and chest. If their head drops down, it can restrict their breathing and cause positional asphyxia.
• S — Supported back: The carrier should support your baby’s back so they don’t curl up or slump down.

These recommendations will help support your baby’s positioning for healthy hip development. The International Hip Dysplasia Institute advises that your baby should be sitting with their knees raised slightly higher than their butt, forming an M shape.

Not sure they’re in there quite right? Look for babywearing workshops in your area run by local organizations or healthcare facilities. You may even be able to find a “sling library” or similar service, which allows you and your baby to try on lots of different carriers under an expert’s guidance — before you spend money on one.

How long can a baby be in a carrier?

“As long as your baby is in the right position, there’s no limit on how long they can spend in the carrier,” Dr. Diard says. But she shares two other big considerations when babywearing:

• Be aware of your surroundings. Walking with a baby strapped to your body can take some getting used to. Pay attention to your environment to prevent accidents and falls, which could injure you both.
• Listen to your body. Babywearing can place extra strain on your back, neck and other parts of your body. Look for a carrier that’s comfortable for both baby and you, and stop babywearing (or look for a new carrier) if yours causes you pain.

Baby carriers come in many types, sizes and colors, but they’re more than just trendy gear. They can make parenting more enjoyable and provide a calming environment for your baby. That can mean a happier, healthier child today and potentially years down the road.