Benefits of babywearing

Babywearing is becoming more popular in the U.S. due to its remarkable benefits for babies and parents. 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.

The positive impact of keeping your baby close is immeasurable, and the incredible results can be seen for the rest of your child’s life. Here are a few reasons to make babywearing a part of your parenting journey. 

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).

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). 

Babywearing allows 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: ✔️

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. 

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! 

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. 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.

At hope&plum, we offer our clients functional, high-quality baby carriers that are comfortable for both you and your babe. Our products allow you to confidently approach each day with the knowledge that you can bond with your baby and get things done. Babywearing is an incredible way for caregivers to bond with their children. Our passionate team of moms is here to educate and empower you every hands-free step along the way.

We repurpose fabric scraps (enter cute accessories!), produce our slings locally, and use 100% natural fabrics to reduce our impact on our wonderful planet. We also give back to our community and donate slings to different organizations across the country to make babywearing more accessible. 

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 .