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A Modern Guide to The Ancient Art of Babywearing

Babywearing, the practice of carrying your baby in a sling or carrier, is far from a new trend. In fact, it’s an age-old tradition practiced across cultures for centuries. From ancient methods of using simple cloths to the modern designs available today, babywearing has evolved, but the core benefits remain the same: keeping your baby close, secure, and content while allowing you to remain hands-free.

A Brief History

For generations, different cultures have used various forms of babywearing. These practices weren’t just about convenience; they were about survival. The close proximity ensured the safety of the child while enabling mothers to continue their daily tasks.

Today, this practice has gained popularity as a parenting tool that provides many benefits for both caregiver and child.

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The Science-Backed Benefits of Babywearing

• Promotes Bonding and Attachment: Babywearing fosters a secure attachment between caregivers and infants by creating a nurturing, close environment. This close contact strengthens the emotional bond between parent and child, which is essential for healthy development. The simple act of being held helps strengthen this connection.

• Boosts Oxytocin: Babywearing stimulates the release of oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone,” in both parents and babies. This hormone is associated with parental caregiving behavior and infant development.

• Enhances Responsiveness: When babies are close, parents are more attuned to their cues, enabling quicker responses to their needs. This responsiveness makes babies feel heard, loved, and more confident.

• Supports Breastfeeding: The continued close contact that babywearing provides encourages breastfeeding. It allows for easier and more frequent feeding, which helps establish and maintain a good milk supply.

• Encourages Better Sleep: Babies who are carried tend to sleep better, resulting in more restful nights for both babies and parents.

• Reduces Crying: Research suggests that carrying babies can reduce fussing and crying, particularly during evening hours. One study showed that carrying babies for three hours a day reduced crying and fussing by up to 51 percent during the evening hours.

• Improves Mental Health: Babywearing can alleviate symptoms of postnatal depression and anxiety by providing a calming effect and boosting oxytocin levels. It also enhances the paternal role, reduces stress, and improves responsiveness in fathers.

• Supports Physical Development: Being carried upright with full body support is beneficial for physical development, providing similar advantages to “tummy time”. Babywearing can also assist with temperature and breathing regulation, particularly in newborns and premature babies.

Additionally, an upright position can help babies with reflux or digestive issues.

• Cognitive and Emotional Development: Being in a carrier allows babies to see and engage with the world around them and interact face-to-face with the caregiver. This promotes cognitive and emotional development.

• Aids Hip Development: When done correctly, babywearing can support healthy hip development. The ideal position is with the baby’s hips flexed and abducted, resembling an “M-position,” which can help reduce the risk of hip dysplasia.

• Prevents Positional Plagiocephaly: By minimizing the time babies spend lying on their backs, babywearing can help prevent positional plagiocephaly, a condition affecting the shape of a baby’s head.

• Practicality: It allows for hands-free movement, enabling parents to do daily tasks while keeping their baby close. It’s more practical than prams and buggies, especially when travelling.

Types of Baby Carriers

There’s a wide variety of baby carriers available, each offering unique benefits:

• Soft Wraps: Typically made from a blend of cotton and Lycra, these are ideal for newborns. They involve wrapping the fabric around the body and are more suitable for younger babies. A popular option is the Boba Bliss Wrap, known for its comfort and ease of use.

• Woven Wraps: Similar to soft wraps but made from stiffer, more structured fabric. They can comfortably carry larger babies or toddlers. These wraps offer versatility in carrying positions and are adjustable for different body types.

• Ring Slings: These are worn over one shoulder and made of sturdy woven fabric. They’re easy to use and portable but might become uncomfortable with heavier babies.

• Meh Dai: Originating from Asia, these carriers have a fabric panel with straps that go around the waist and shoulders. They are suitable for newborns to toddlers and can be adjusted for multiple users.

• Soft Structured Carriers: These use straps, buckles, and padding to provide an adjustable fit. They’re versatile for infants to toddlers and can be worn on the front, hip, or back. Ergobaby Embrace Baby Carrier, is a soft structured carrier, known for its adjustability and different carrying positions. The highly popular Bopy Baby Carrier is another popular option with a front-carrying option.

• Toddler Carriers: Designed for older children, these carriers are more robust to handle the weight and size of toddlers. The GOOSEKET 365 Toddler Carrier is designed for little ones from 25 to 60 pounds. Another popular alternative, safety certified TushBaby Hip Seat weight less than a pound.

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Safety First: What to Look For

When choosing and using a baby carrier, safety is paramount. It is essential to ensure your baby’s airway remains clear and that their back and neck are well supported.

Remember the TICKS guidelines:

• Tight: The carrier should be tight enough to hold the baby securely against the wearer.

• In view at all times: The baby’s face should be visible to the wearer to monitor breathing and mood.

• Close enough to kiss: The baby should be positioned high enough that the wearer can easily kiss their head.

• Keep chin off chest: There should be a gap of about two fingers wide under the baby’s chin to ensure their airway is not restricted.

• Supported back: The carrier should be tight enough to prevent gaps but not so tight that it restricts movement.

Additional safety tips include:

Ensure the carrier fits properly and is the correct size for your child.
Check straps, buckles, and zippers before each use.
Always make sure your baby is buckled in securely before walking around.
Bend your knees when picking things up, to avoid falls and back injury.
Make sure your baby’s knees are spread apart, with their legs wrapped around your body, and their hips bent so their knees are higher than their bottom, creating the healthy “M” position.
Avoid outward-facing carriers for the first six months to promote optimal hip development.

When Can You Start Babywearing?

Most carriers are suitable for babies around seven to eight pounds. For premature babies or those with medical concerns, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider.

Babywearing and Older Children Babywearing isn’t just for infants. It can be beneficial for toddlers and even preschoolers. It can help to regulate emotions, especially when they are overstimulated. It’s also great for outdoor activities, where little legs might get tired, and also for crowded public spaces like festivals, or public transport, or the Christmas light show, where a stroller would be difficult to navigate.

Final Thoughts

Babywearing is more than just a trend; it’s a valuable practice with numerous benefits for both parents and babies. By understanding its history, advantages, and safety considerations, you can make informed choices and enjoy the many joys of babywearing. Remember that finding the right carrier may take time, it is important to ensure the carrier fits the needs of the wearer and the baby. If you are struggling to find the right fit, babywearing groups and consultants can be helpful resources.

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Disclaimer: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific baby carrier. If you have any concerns, consult with a healthcare professional or babywearing expert.