As a new mom, I remember being so lost on the whole babywearing concept. I saw moms out and about absolutely rocking it with one kid strapped on and another in the shopping cart, but I truly had no idea where to start. I just knew I wanted to do it. Turns out, there are so many benefits, and the history of babywearing is so beautiful!
Let’s talk about the history of babywearing and the benefits.
Babywearing may feel like the trendy thing to do, but let’s look way back.
Wrapping your baby onto your chest or back is something that has been around for many, many years. Think ancient history.
In African cultures, they used a cloth called a kanga, kitenge, or leso. They tied their babies onto their backs so they could do life hands-free while keeping babies snuggled in and safe.
In China, they use the Mei Tai, again just a simple, square fabric with two straps over the shoulders and two around the waist.
In Japan, you may have seen something called the onbuhimo, which is more of a backpack-style carrier without waist straps.
India used long scarves in a sling style to carry babies.
Even in the ancient days of the Americas, they practiced babywearing. A rebozo was a beautifully woven fabric that wrapped around the caregiver and baby.
Babywearing was practiced in many cultures and tribes in different ways for different purposes, but all with the common goal of bonding and still living life.
At some point in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially in Western societies, babywearing started to fade. The rise of strollers, cribs, and baby gear was encouraged. Distance was promoted, as if a child needed to toughen up and survive on their own. It wasn’t until the late 20th century that babywearing started to make a comeback.
The comeback was heavily influenced by the basic idea of attachment parenting in the 1980s and 90s, when the pediatrician Dr. William Sears put it back on the radar. He promoted bonding and trust-building with your baby, and it resonated. People really dove back into a practice that was the cultural norm just years before.
Now we have taken it to a whole new level and offer carriers for every body type, different styles, and unique needs. The goal is still the same: bonding and still living life.
Now that you know some of the history, let’s talk about the benefits.
We have already discussed attachment parenting a little bit. But what is the reason for it?
Attachment parenting, to me, is the idea that you parent and do life with a child in tow. Life doesn’t stop; instead, you are able to model and teach your child by keeping them close.
This starts in the womb. The baby is as close to you as they will ever be—inside you. They feel your heartbeat, your warmth, your movements. They are safe. Once a baby is born, they are exposed to so many things in this world, but they crave the closeness and safety they once felt. Strapping a newborn to your chest allows this process of recreating the womb. They can still feel your warmth, your body regulates their temperature, they are secure, and you strengthen the bond as they develop each day. The trust grows, and their stress levels stay low.
Moving out of infancy and into the baby and toddler stages, the same thing rings true. You are still their safe person. They still sense closeness. As they are developing and becoming more aware and wiggly, they crave learning new things. Having your baby attached to you allows them to watch everything you model for them. They then want to be set down more and more to practice these new skills they are developing in small steps.
Another benefit of strapping a kiddo on is that YOU ARE HANDS-FREE. As a mom of multiples, this is a game changer. My third baby is living in a baby carrier because I need my hands free to keep a home rolling, get doula work done, and care for my older two. Have you ever tried cooking a whole meal with one hand tied behind your back? Yeah. Now you have a reason to fall in love with babywearing. Going to the grocery store? Strapped on. Chasing kids at a playground? Strapped on. Heading to meet a client? You guessed it. Strapped on.
Talk about a sanity saving tool. If there is one thing I know, it is that life goes on as the postpartum recovery transitions back into real life, and if I had to actually hold my baby with one arm all day long, I would be absolutely jacked and my chiropractor would be making the big bucks because of my hips. Having a baby in a carrier keeps them centered on my trunk so I don’t have to favor one side over the other. Truly life saving for me.
Have you ever had a kiddo that truly doesn’t sleep unless they are held? If you are a first time parent, I don’t want to scare you, but some babies are just wired that way. Every single one is so different. But having the option for them to take a full nap while you fold laundry and do some dishes is a game changer. If you are the mom who is triggered by the cries of your sweet little one, I give you ALL the permission to just pop that kiddo on your chest to soothe them and leave them there. Maybe they struggle with some gas and colic or need to stay upright for a bit after they eat. Seriously, there are SO many reasons to try babywearing.
I even breastfeed while my babies are in a carrier. It is discreet and so convenient, not to mention it encourages more frequent feedings and boosts supply.
I am throwing all of these benefits at you left and right, and I hope you now have a reason to just try it and see if it is a good fit for you and your lifestyle. Aside from regulating the baby’s temperature and breastfeeding, all of these benefits are the same for any caregiver. Dads can babywear too. I even teach my babysitters to wear my kiddos for their convenience. Don’t gatekeep this one. My husband thrives with a baby strapped to his back.
It’s not just a parenting hack but a practice so deeply rooted in history. Keep the bond strong and the baby warm and snug. No kiddo ever said, “I wish my parents carried me less.” I’m pretty sure. These benefits are not only for your baby but for you, too.
Happy babywearing! I hope it brings you so much joy.