Babywearing: Intro

Babywearing is a constant theme in nature: Kangaroos, Gorillas, Koala Bears - and even some human cultures. In addition to the obvious freeing up of hands that is involved with babywearing, wearing your little one has many other advantages as well. According to Hunziker and Barr in their article in Pediatrics, babies who are carried cry on average 43% less overall and 54% less in the evening hours. And, according researchers such as Barr, Brazelton, Lee, and LeVine, in cultures where babies are carried almost continuously, babies cry much less than those in non-carrying cultures. Additionally, while in a sling or pouch, babies spend more time in a “quiet, alert state” when carried - which is ideal for learning. When carried, your child sees the world from your perspective and can experience the world fully, yet feel safe and secure. Not only does your child experience the world, but studies have shown that they bond with the person carrying them and often become independent at an earlier age.

So, what is babywearing? Babywearing is the term used to describe wearing your baby. Many babywearing devices have been constructed that will allow you to hold your baby in a variety of positions, depending on their stage of life.

Is it too late for me to wear my child? The best ages to wear your child are from infancy to early toddler-hood.

How do I do this? You’ll need a baby sling/pouch/wrap. Later, I’ll go over each type in more detail, so be sure to check back.

What types of activities can I do while wearing my child? You can clean, cook (please be very careful while using sharp and hot objects), hike, shop, play with children, craft, read, and a lot more because your hands will be free. We geocache with ours!

Where can I get my own babywearing “device”? It depends on the type that you want, as there are many different types. Please check back soon for the in-depth article on types of baby carriers and our recommendations for each (and where to buy)!