New Guidelines and Benefits of Babywearing

The benefits of baby wearing are well known. In the immediate postpartum period, wearing your baby facilitates and supports breastfeeding because you are ready and available to nurse your baby at the earlierst signs of hunger. Mothers who wear their babies, expecially skin to skin, experience a natural rise in oxytocin levels. This hormone is often called the "love hormone" and it is an important factor in establishing the infant-mother bond. Baby wearing supports the natural desire of mom and baby to be together and is known to reduce both the instances and severity of post partum depression. When babies are placed in a wrap, sling or carrier there is a significant decrease in infant crying, colic and infant acid reflux disease. Baby wearing also promotes the healthy physical development of the spine, nervous system, vision and brain. Babies who are placed in a soft carrier spend more time in the quiet alert state, which is optimal for learning.

Recently, the Baby Carrier Industry Alliance released a position paper with new guidelines for ensuring the safety and well being of babies in soft carriers and to promote and encourage baby wearing. The BCIA now recommends that soft carriers mimic the natural hold of an in arms carry so that the mother's and baby's bodies are in close contact together and the infant is inward facing. There are several positive benefits when your baby is inward facing: the spine is better supported, reducing the risk of spinal curvatures and hip dysplasia; there is greater protection from environmental overstimulation which promotes sleep.

The baby should be cuddled directly against the caregiver’s body, with the baby’s head ABOVE the caregiver’s chest, near the caregiver’s collarbone. Ideally, physical obstacles between parent and child should be eliminated, allowing for proper skin to skin contact.

For more information on baby carrier safety visit the Baby Carrier Industry Alliance.