hope&plum's Guide to the Benefits of Babywearing
At hope&plum, we offer our community functional, high-quality baby carriers that are comfortable for both you and your babe. The healthy mental, emotional, and physical development of babies is dependent on forming a loving bond with their parents and babywearing is a crucial step in the right direction. Our products allow you to confidently approach each day with the knowledge that you can bond with your baby and get things done. Our passionate team of moms is here to educate and empower you every hands-free step along the way. Don't take our word for it! Read on for some research-backed benefits of babywearing.
TL;DR:
- 👶 Babywearing builds a stronger bond. Keeping your baby close helps you learn their cues, respond to their needs, and build the secure attachment that babies need to thrive — mentally, emotionally, and physically.
- 🤱 It supports breastfeeding success. Babywearing parents are twice as likely to still be nursing at five months! Closeness stimulates milk production and helps you catch hunger cues before the fussing even starts.
- 🧠 Your baby learns more when they're worn. From daily conversations to new sights and sounds, babywearing gives your baby rich, real-world stimulation that supports brain development and social growth.
- 😊 Worn babies cry less and smile more. Research shows babies who are held more cry up to 43% less during the day — because being close to you genuinely makes them happier and calmer.
- ✅ You can bond AND get things done. Whether you're chasing after older kids, tackling chores, or heading out for a walk, the right baby carrier keeps your baby content and your hands free.
- 💪 The health benefits are real. Skin-to-skin contact through babywearing helps regulate your baby's temperature, heart rate, and sleep patterns — and it reduces stress for parents too.
Supports Nursing
Research shows that parents who practice babywearing are twice as likely to be still nursing when their baby is five months old. The closeness of a nursing parent and baby encourages greater milk production by stimulating the desire to nurse, which is terrific for weight gain and healthy growth. Babywearing also helps nursing persons respond quicker to their baby’s hunger cues, which aids in long-term nursing success (Brennan, 2021).
Enhances Learning
Talking and interacting with your baby boosts brain development significantly: “Heaping tablespoons of words into their minds is one of the healthiest things parents can do for their brains. It is one of the most well-established findings in all of the developmental literature” (Medina, 2014, p. 126). The more you practice babywearing, the more conversations your baby will hear and the easier it will be for you to engage with your baby and promote learning. Babywearing also allows your baby to be more engaged with the world. As you water the flowers, go for a walk, or do the dishes, wearing your baby gives your baby a front-row seat to everything you are doing, seeing, smelling, and hearing. This added stimulation enhances their senses and supports social development (Poinsett, 2021).
Promotes Bonding
Babies need a close and loving attachment to their parents or primary caregiver to thrive. Parents who regularly practice babywearing are more attuned to their baby’s needs because they are with them more often. When you start bonding early and often, you will know your baby inside and out. In fact, if you're newly postpartum, it's important to use babywearing primarily as a bonding tool rather than a way to get things done.
Spending more time holding, talking, and lovingly interacting with your baby will help strengthen your relationship. Not only will your relationship be stronger, but your baby will also be healthier, happier, and quicker to learn. A more comfortable and healthier baby means a happier, healthier, and better rested YOU. The benefits of babywearing extend beyond just you and your baby and can be seen throughout your entire family.
Increases Productivity
When you're ready, babywearing will allow you to keep your baby close while crossing items off your To-Do list. If you have work, chores to get done, or other children to care for, these tasks are significantly simplified if your baby is in a ring sling. PLUS, if you do have other children, they won’t feel so left out because you will be able to give them more of your time, energy, and hugs. Be an awesome parent: ✔️
Improves Health
Skin-to-skin contact, or kangaroo care, is incredibly beneficial for both parent and baby. It has been shown to reduce crying, encourage weight gain, strengthen your baby’s immune system, and promote better sleep. Skin-to-skin also regulates your baby’s temperature, heart rate, breathing patterns, and oxygen levels. Skin-to-skin contact relaxes both parent and baby and establishes a more peaceful environment. Wow! While skin-to-skin contact can be practiced with or without a carrier, some parents may find it more convenient to do while babywearing.
Boosts Happiness
Research shows that babies who are held more are happier. Babies are instinctively calmer when close to their caregivers because they feel safer. The sound of your heartbeat, the rhythm of your breathing, your body heat, and your smell will soothe your baby. In fact, according to one study shared by WebMD , babies who are held more cry 43% less during the day and 51% less at night (Brennan, 2021). No wonder babywearing has been around for thousands of years!
Carrier Choice Chart
Now that you've read all about why babywearing is so great, you probably want to start your babywearing journey right away! Check out the chart below for a quick guide to all of our carriers.
Carrier |
Weight Range |
Age Recommendation |
Best For |
| Sprout Newborn Carrier | 7-24 lbs | newborns and infants | quick and easy newborn snuggles |
| Baby Lark | 10-45 lbs | older infants through young toddlers | dual shoulder support in a quick and easy carrier to grow with your older baby |
| Ring Sling | 7-35 lbs | newborns through toddlers | quick snuggles from birth through preschool |
| Baby Wrap | 7-35 lbs | newborns and infants | cozy and cuddly personalized fit for newborns and infants |
| Kid Lark | 25-65 lbs | toddlers and little kids | toddler and little kid support |
| Meh Dai | 7-45 lbs | newborns through toddlers | versatility and longevity |
Benefits of Babywearing FAQ
What are the main benefits of babywearing?
Babywearing offers a wide range of benefits for both baby and parent! Research shows it supports nursing success, promotes bonding, boosts your baby's happiness, and even enhances learning and brain development. Practically speaking, it also frees up your hands so you can tackle your to-do list while keeping your baby close and content.
Does babywearing actually help with nursing?
Yes! Studies show that parents who babywear are twice as likely to still be nursing at five months postpartum. The physical closeness stimulates milk production and helps you pick up on your baby's hunger cues faster — both of which are key to long-term nursing success.
How does babywearing support my baby's development?
Babywearing gives your baby a front-row seat to your daily life — the sights, sounds, smells, and conversations all around them. This constant stimulation supports brain development, social skills, and sensory growth. Research even suggests that talking to your baby is one of the most powerful things you can do for their developing brain.
Does babywearing reduce crying?
It really can! One study found that babies who are held more cry 43% less during the day and 51% less at night. Being close to a caregiver — hearing your heartbeat, feeling your warmth, smelling your familiar scent — is naturally soothing for babies.
Is babywearing safe for newborns?
Absolutely, as long as you use an appropriate carrier for your baby's age and weight. Carriers like the Sprout Newborn Carrier and baby wrap are designed specifically for newborns starting at 7 lbs. If you're newly postpartum, it's especially recommended to use babywearing primarily as a bonding tool in those early weeks.
What type of baby carrier should I choose?
It depends on your baby's age, weight, and your lifestyle! For quick newborn snuggles, a baby wrap or ring sling is ideal. If you want something that grows with your baby from infancy through toddlerhood, a meh dai or the Baby Lark are great options. For bigger kids, the Kid Lark supports toddlers and little ones up to 65 lbs.
References
Brennan, D. (2021, March 10). What You Should Know About Baby Wearing. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/baby/what-is-baby-wearing,
Medina, J. (2014). Brain rules for Baby: How to raise a smart and happy child from zero to five. Pear Press.
Poinsett, P. M. (2021, May 13). 21 Benefits of Babywearing (Reasons to Wear Your Baby). Mom Loves Best. https://momlovesbest.com/benefits-of-babywearing .
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.