Babywearing: Simplifying Parenthood, Benefitting Infants

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Thank you to We The Parents for today’s blog - happy International Babywearing Week!

Making the transition into parenthood is all about adjustments, and finding ways to keep things simple is an important part of a happy lifestyle. It's why the practice of babywearing has been so closely entwined with motherhood in cultures around the world. Nestled close to a parent is the ideal place for an infant to be, and when worn correctly, wraps and slings offer a snug hold for baby while keeping the hands free for other tasks.

Convenience is enough to win the practice a fair amount of fans, but there's more to love about babywearing than regained mobility. Scientific studies have shown that wearing baby in a wrap, sling, or other soft carrier can have a diverse set of benefits that are accessible to both parents and children.

It's a great time to celebrate the many benefits of babywearing, as International Babywearing Week is taking place from September 28 to October 4, 2020. The outreach event includes virtual and in-person celebrations, including opportunities for education and advocacy. The purpose is to spread the word on the many pros of babywearing, including:

  • Improved digestion: For babies with GERD, a painful digestive condition that's also referred to as reflux, staying in an upright position after meals to prevent an upset stomach is a common recommendation from pediatricians. Babywearing keeps little ones in this position, helping to reduce fussiness and spit-up.

  • Potential impact on PPD: Postpartum depression is a serious and sometimes dangerous mental health condition that affects many new mothers, and one study has revealed that mothers who engaged in more frequent skin-to-skin contact with their infants reported lowered rates of depression.

  • Boosts to physical development: Massage therapy has been linked with weight gain in premature babies as well as a boost to bone density, and wearing baby in a wrap or sling can create gentle massaging pressure to achieve these goals.

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More information about events in your area and virtual celebrations can be found online at Babywearing International.