The Benefits of Babywearing: Why It’s Good for You and Your Baby
Parenthood is an incredible journey, and babywearing makes it even better. By carrying your baby close, you’re not only providing comfort and security, but you’re also fostering development in key areas. Babywearing has scientifically-backed benefits for both parents and babies, and it’s a practice that should be embraced for both its physical and emotional advantages.
Here are the main benefits of babywearing:
- Strengthens the Parent-Child Bond
- Promotes Physical Development
- Supports Baby’s Emotional Well-Being
- Reduces Physical Strain for Parents
- Enhances Baby’s Brain Development
- Improves Sleep for Baby and Parent
- Provides Freedom and Flexibility
1. Strengthens the Parent-Child Bond
One of the most profound benefits of babywearing is the emotional bond it creates between you and your baby. Babies have a natural need for closeness and comfort, and babywearing satisfies this need. Studies show that babies who are carried experience less stress and cry less, as they feel secure and supported. The physical closeness during babywearing promotes the release of oxytocin, the “love hormone,” in both the parent and baby, strengthening the emotional connection and promoting a sense of safety and trust.
2. Promotes Physical Development
Carrying your baby in a carrier helps to promote healthy physical development. The upright position and movement allow for the strengthening of muscles and support of healthy bone development, including the development of strong neck and head control. Additionally, when babies are worn in a natural, ergonomic position, it promotes proper hip development and reduces the risk of hip dysplasia. This is crucial in the early months when babies’ bodies are developing rapidly.
3. Supports Baby’s Emotional Well-Being
Babywearing provides more than just physical benefits; it also plays a significant role in a baby’s emotional health. The constant, soothing motion of being carried helps babies regulate their emotions more effectively, promoting a sense of calm. Being close to a caregiver allows babies to absorb sensory cues—like the sound of their parent's heartbeat and their voice—that can help them develop better self-regulation skills. Research suggests that babies who are worn tend to grow into emotionally resilient individuals with strong self-esteem.
4. Reduces Physical Strain for Parents
While babywearing benefits babies, it also supports parents! Many parents, especially mothers, experience back, neck, and shoulder pain from carrying their babies in their arms or from using less supportive baby gear. A high-quality baby carrier evenly distributes the baby’s weight across the parent’s body, which helps reduce strain and discomfort. With the right carrier, parents can continue to move freely, cook, or run errands without sacrificing comfort.
5. Enhances Baby’s Brain Development
Being close to the caregiver during babywearing has an important impact on cognitive development. Babies are constantly absorbing information from the world around them, and babywearing helps foster these learning opportunities. Being carried allows babies to engage with their environment through facial expressions, conversations, and sensory experiences, which helps build the foundation for language development and social skills. The early interactions that happen during babywearing help boost brain development, especially in the first months of life.
6. Improves Sleep for Baby and Parent
Babywearing can help your baby sleep more soundly and for longer periods. The rhythmic motion of being carried often soothes babies to sleep, and the closeness provides them with a sense of security. Babies who are worn frequently tend to have better sleep patterns, falling asleep faster and waking less often during the night. For parents, babywearing provides the added benefit of keeping your baby close while still being able to get things done, all while helping your little one sleep peacefully.
7. Provides Freedom and Flexibility
One of the greatest advantages of babywearing is the freedom it offers parents. Unlike a stroller, which can be bulky and difficult to maneuver, a baby carrier allows you to be more mobile and agile. You can go for a walk in the park, navigate crowded spaces, or run errands without the hassle of a stroller. You also have your hands free to carry groceries, hold a cup of coffee, or pick up other items while still keeping your baby close. Babywearing removes the inconvenience of lugging a heavy stroller around, freeing up time and energy to do more. Plus, at home, it allows parents to keep their baby close while still being able to do tasks like cooking or cleaning.
Why Choose Two Can Baby Carriers?
At Two Can, we design our carriers with all these benefits in mind. We believe that a baby carrier should do more than just carry—it should help you strengthen your bond, foster your baby's development, and make your life easier as a parent. Our lightweight, ergonomically designed carriers provide optimal comfort and support for both parent and baby, so you can enjoy the journey together.
Embrace the many benefits of babywearing with Two Can and enjoy a hands-free, stress-free experience while keeping your baby close.