Have you ever heard of babywearing? It just means holding your baby close to your body using a wrap or carrier. It turns out that keeping your baby this close is one of the best things you can do for them, and for yourself!

Here is why babywearing is so helpful, and how to pick the right carrier for your family.

Why Babywearing is Great for Your Baby

Babies love to be held. They are co-regulators. This it means they do not have the tools to soothe or manage their own bodies, nervous systems, or big emotions by themselves. Instead, they rely completely on a close caregiver to do it with them.

Think of a newborn’s nervous system like a car without brakes. They can experience intense feelings—like cold, hunger, fear, or overstimulation—but they don’t have the built-in tools to calm themselves down yet. They need to “borrow” your calm nervous system to find their balance.

When they are snuggled up against you, they can relax more because they feel safe and supported. Research shows that babies who are carried often even cry a lot less. 

Being near you in the carrier, also helps them learn about the world and how people interact with each other because they are carefully studying everything you do. They are right there with you while you move and talk. They get to see your face and hear your voice. This helps them learn language much faster than if they were lying alone in a crib or swing. It keeps them from feeling lonely and helps their brains grow!

How it Helps Parents and Caregivers

The first few months with a new baby can be really hard. Babies want to be held all the time. They want to sleep on you and be near you. This can make it tricky for parents to do simple things like eat lunch, clean up, or even brush their teeth.

A good carrier gives you your hands back! You can give your baby the cuddles they need while still having the freedom to move around. It also helps you to get to know your baby, to learn what things you do really help them, and for them to trust that they can rely on you. We call this process “bonding, attunement, and attachment” and it’s vital to the growing, lifelong connection between you and your baby. 

Helping Older Siblings

If you have older children, babywearing is a lifesaver. With the new baby safe in the carrier, your hands are completely free to play with, comfort, and take care of your older kids. This helps baby’s bigger siblings feel loved and included. Siblings who are old enough might even want to help carry baby in their own carrier, or to carry a baby doll or stuffed animal to be just like you.

How to Choose the Right Carrier

There are many different types of carriers, like soft wraps, ring slings, and structured backpacks. When you are looking for one, think about these things:

• How long will you use it? Do you want something quick for around the house (like a sling), or something with lots of support for long walks?
• Who will wear it? If several people are going to use the carrier, make sure it is easy to adjust for different body sizes.
• Is it comfortable? Look for thick shoulder straps and good back support so your body doesn’t get tired or sore.
• Is it easy to wash? Some carriers can go right into the washing machine, while others have to be washed by hand.

Keeping Baby Safe: The Two Main Rules

When you put your baby in a carrier, you always want to check two important things: their hips and their safety.

1. The “M” Position for Healthy Hips

Your baby’s legs should never dangle straight down. Instead, the carrier should support them from knee to knee. Their knees should be a little higher than their bottom. This creates an “M” shape with their legs. This position keeps their hips healthy and safe.

2. The T.I.C.K.S. Rule for Safety

To make sure your baby can breathe easily, remember the word T.I.C.K.S.:

• T — Tight: The carrier should be tight enough to hold your baby secure against your body.
• I — In view: You should always be able to look down and see your baby’s face.
• C — Close enough to kiss: You should be able to easily tip your head forward and kiss the top of your baby’s head.
• K — Keep chin off chest: Make sure your baby’s chin is up. If their chin rolls down against their chest, it can close off their airway.
• S — Supported back: The fabric should hold your baby’s back securely so they don’t slump down or swing away from you.