Baby-wearing has been practiced for thousands of years. So even though it might sometimes feel like a modern trend, the reality is that people have been carrying babies and toddlers in this way for many generations.
Baby wearing can have some significant benefits, both for parents and for babies. But there can be some hazards as well–though, in general, parents will just need to exercise a bit of thought and caution to make their baby carrier safe. And baby-wearing may not be the best choice for all parents. But for many, this particular style of transporting your infant is a significant boon and becomes a normal part of their daily routines.
What is Baby-Wearing?
So, what is baby-wearing? In general, you can think of baby wearing as a kind of arm-free way to carry an infant or child. Often, babies swaddled in fabric or placed in a special sling. The baby is then carried on the chest. There are many specific types and styles of baby-wearing, and often parents will try out a few before deciding on which is best for their specific needs.
While the Mei-Tei sling is often called the “original baby sling,” the reality is that humans have always been on the move–and always needed a way to easily transport their infants. It’s likely that similar baby carriers have developed repeatedly over the course of human history.
Typically, baby slings are made from a long piece of square fabric. Other early versions of baby slings were made using cotton wraps. And, of course, modern baby slings can include technological hardware, synthetic fabrics, and more. But they all function on the same basic principle: the baby is safely strapped to your chest so that your hands remain free. This means parents have improved mobility and are able to handle more tasks.
Modern parents use baby-wearing carriers and slings for a wide variety of reasons. Some of the most common benefits of baby-wearing include the following.
Benefits of Baby-Wearing (for Parents and Babies)
The benefits of baby-wearing are not necessarily one sided. They extend to both babies and parents. Some of the benefits of baby-wearing have been thoroughly studied; others are supported largely by personal experiences. However, there is some evidence to support each of the following benefits for parents and for babies:
(For Parents) Your Arms Are Free: Carrying a baby in your arms can dramatically reduce your mobility and your ability to accomplish everyday tasks. When you use a baby-wearing sling or carrier, your arms will be free. As a result, it’s easier to pay for your groceries, go for a walk, or even do yoga. This also means you’ll be able spend more time carrying your baby–without having to uncomfortably shift your infant from arm to arm. For most parents, this is a much more pleasing and comfortable situation.
(For Babies) Reduction in Crying: There’s some evidence to suggest that babies who are worn in a sling for at least three hours a day will experience less crying over the course of that day. To be clear, not only do the babies seem calmer in the baby-wearing device, but the reduction in crying continues even after the baby is out of the wrap. This may not be the result for every baby, of course–but baby-wearing may help make your infant calmer and happier.
(For Babies) Breast-feeding is a little bit easier: One of the commonly cited benefits of baby-wearing is an improvement in breast feeding. The thinking is that your infant’s food source is simply more convenient–and that they get used to the smells and touch associated with the breast. And while this may make a certain amount of intuitive sense, this benefit is not backed up by strong peer-reviewed evidence. That doesn’t mean it’s not true (or can’t be true for your baby). It just means that more research is needed before this benefit can be viewed as broadly valid.
(For Both) Improved Skin-on-Skin Contact: Babies bond primarily by skin-to-skin contact. That’s how they get to know you and trust you. Baby-wearing can help to give your baby plenty of skin-on-skin time, especially when they are designed to facilitate that type of contact. Your baby can get close and stay close for as long as they’re in the wrap or carrying device. For parents, this can lead to improved confidence reading your baby’s emotions and understanding their needs. Spending the time to build this skin-on-skin bonding time into your day can have benefits for years to come (sometimes well into your child’s teenage years).
Baby carrying slings can sometimes cause back pain. However, there are ways to minimize and mitigate that pain. For example, selecting a sling with wide shoulders can help distribute the weight of your infant more evenly. Taking time to build up your stamina (and taking breaks when needed) can also help.
In general, however, baby slings are a great way to ensure that you and your baby will be a bit more comfortable.
Physiological Benefits of Baby-Wearing
There’s some evidence to suggest that there are also physiological benefits to baby-wearing. This means that, essentially, some types of baby-wearing devices can help to improve your child’s health and wellness! For example, wearing baby slings that allow for significant skin-on-skin contact can help your baby regulate their breathing, heartbeat, temperature, and other functions.
This effect was studied primarily in pre-term babies (that is, those babies in neonatal units). Further research may find that these benefits extend more broadly.
Baby-wearing, when done properly, can also lead to benefits in your baby’s hip development. The position of the hips in some slings can dramatically reduce the occurrence of hip dysplasia (and possibly even arthritis of the hip in adults). Add to this improvements in sleep and mood, and it’s easy to see why baby-wearing is a popular option among caregivers!
Common Concerns of Baby-Wearing
Even with all of the benefits, parents may have some understandable concerns about baby-wearing. The wraps, devices, and carriers can seem complicated or difficult to understand. However, with a little practice, it’s something that many parents can quickly become expert at. Parents are always encouraged to follow the TICKS method when thinking about their baby sling. Here’s what it means:
T - Tight: Make sure that the sling is tight. You don’t want your baby bouncing around. If your baby is close to your skin, you’re probably doing it right.
I - In View at All Times: Make sure you can see your baby at all times. Do not try to create some kind of backpack device. The general rule of thumb is that you should be able to see your baby’s face without having to move any fabric.
C - Close Enough to Kiss: The idea here is that your baby should be close enough to your chin that you can very easily kiss them just by tilting your head down. You should not need to strain to do this.
K - Keep Chin Off Chest: Ideally, your sling will not compress your baby’s head and neck. In other words, prevent your baby’s chin from resting on their chest. Try to ensure that there is at least a finger between your baby’s chin and their chest.
S - Support the Back: It’s important that your baby carrier supports your infant’s back. This means you’ll want to ensure your baby’s back is not hunched over or scrunched up. Try to avoid any carriers that scrunch your baby into a C-shape.
Remember the TICKS method can help you feel more comfortable with baby-wearing and ensure your baby has a good experience.
What’s the Right Carrier for Me and My Baby?
There are several different options to choose from when it comes to carriers. Many parents try several before settling on the one that’s best for them and their child. Some of the most popular options include the following:
Meh dai: Pronounced “may tie,” this option uses two straps that go across the waist and two that go across the shoulders. In this way, it tends to distribute the weight of the infant very evenly. Meh dais are also quite flexible, as they can be used for newborns all the way through toddlers. (Still, this particular carrier can get uncomfortable for babies over 20 pounds.)
Woven wrap: A woven wrap is simply a long piece of fabric that you wrap around yourself. Usually, the woven fabric tends to be stronger than other, simpler fabrics. This means that a woven wrap can support more weight and is suitable for larger babies and even toddlers.
Soft wrap: A soft wrap is a lot like a woven wrap, but is usually made with simpler, non-woven fabrics (for example, spandex or lycra). Soft wraps can take some practice to get the hang of, so it’s always recommended that you try to create a sling for something non-living first (for example, a doll or a small pillow). If the small pillow stays safe, you can graduate to using a soft wrap for your baby!
Ring sling: These slings are designed to be attached to one shoulder. They’re relatively easy to use and are typically made of woven fabric. The only downside to ring slings is that they can put a lot of pressure on one shoulder. This either leads to discomfort or to constantly switching shoulders. Still, their ease of use makes them a popular choice.
Some of these wraps take some practice to get the hang of. Don’t be shy about watching youtube tutorial videos or using other resources you find online or in person. You can also look into manufactured, mass produced, or specially made baby carriers.
If you have questions about baby-wearing and its benefits, talk to your baby’s pediatrician during your baby’s next exam! Contact our Chicago or Northbrook offices to schedule an appointment today.