When parents are expecting a baby, the list of what they “need” can be immense. From self-rocking prams to sleepy sheep, every gadget seems to be a “must have”. As a two time parent, babywearing consultant and sling librarian, my top recommendation to EVERY new parent is simple – babywearing. It’s not a new fad – we are a carried species, and babies have been carried for millennia. And it comes with so many benefits for every member of the new family. Every parent wants to meet their baby’s needs and feel confident – and babywearing can do that, here are just 5 of the benefits you and your baby can experience from babywearing.
5 Benefits of Babywearing
1.Secure attachment – helping babies feel safe in a big new world
Those newborn days are so tough! Baby was content in a quiet, contained, warm environment, with their needs met automatically. They were soothed by the movement of their mother. And suddenly they are brought outside into the real world – light, bright, noisy, and without that close comfort. Babywearing helps so much during that transition period, which is often referred to as the Fourth Trimester.
Babywearing supports attachment because it allows caregivers to respond quickly and consistently to cues, helping baby learn that the world is predictable and safe.
2.Digestive comfort – supporting little bodies
Reflux, trapped wind, colic – all very common with newborn babies! It is often recommended to keep babies upright after a feed, aiding their digestion and helping everything to go in the right direction! Using a sling, wrap or carrier in the safe upright position will help to manage your baby’s symptoms – in fact, it was this need to hold my first son upright that brought me to babywearing 8 years ago! It also provides comfort for your baby.
3. Hands-free closeness – meeting baby’s needs while living your life
Navigating life as a new parent is tough enough, without having to negotiate trips out with a massive pram, out of order lifts, or the school run on narrow pavements. Babywearing lets you have that close contact for your baby, while also having your hands free! You can play with your older child, prepare a meal, or even hold your partner’s hand – all without having to put your baby down. Hands-free doesn’t mean less responsive – it often means more present. 90% of parents say to me “my baby hates being put down”. Let’s turn that around – 90% of babies would like to stay close to their parent as they get on with their daily life! (PS if you don’t feel you can be hands free when you are babywearing, something isn’t quite right, and babywearing support can help).
4.Maternal mental health – confidence, calm, and connection
Keeping your baby close to you can have a massive effect on your mental health. It gets your oxytocin flowing, picking you up on those days when everything just seems too much. Research shows that babywearing can reduce post natal depression, which is so prevalent.
After a difficult pregnancy, marred my antenatal depression, babywearing was a vital tool in helping me to bond with my son, and aiding my recovery. I felt more confident that I was able to meet his needs.
5.Shared care – bonding beyond the birth parent
The way babywearing supports your parenting journey is not limited to mums! Dads, partners, uncles, grannies – anyone involved in taking care of a newborn can use this powerful tool! By carrying the baby, they help to share the parenting load, providing a safe, comfortable and familiar environment. It also aids bonding with the other parent, particularly for breastfed babies, and also helps to promote good mental health.
Babywearing isn’t about doing more – it’s about doing what humans have always done. Staying close.
About the author
Ruth Grint is the founder of Carrying Connects and a passionate advocate for babywearing, parent wellbeing, and community support. Through her work, she helps parents build confidence, connection, and comfort in their parenting journey.