What Does Science Say About Babywearing?
Happy International Babywearing Week! If this catches you off guard, don’t worry. Wearing our babies is simply not as popular as it once was. The decline of this ancient practice had been seen most westernized countries, where mothers became more likely to embrace a stroller than a fabric wrap.
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Thankfully, the trend is now reversing. Babywearing is definitely coming back into fashion, and for many very good reasons!
Studio Tekhni
What Does Science Say About Babywearing?
When you think about it, babywearing has a few substantial advantages over a pram. For one, it is more economical; some strollers can really break the bank! It’s also a great way to keep your little one close in a crowded store, and can even make getting vaccines less stressful as your baby can stay swaddled against your chest.
Studio Tekhni
But is there more to babywearing than these practical perks? According to numerous scientific studies, the answer is yes. In fact, using a decent carrier, sling, or wrap can have positive impacts on everything from physical development to the emotional wellbeing of our little ones. There is also evidence that it increases breastfeeding rates and reduces the symptoms of reflux. In fact, the list of science backed benefits is impressively long. I found these 23 science backed benefits to babywearing from We The Parents. Click hear to read everything in detail.
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PROMOTES SECURE MOTHER-BABY ATTACHMENT – Resource
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BABY CRIES LESS – Resource
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AIDS BABY’S HEALTHY PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT – Resource
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MAKES MOTHERS MORE RESPONSIVE TO BABY – Resource
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REDUCES REFLUX SYMPTOMS
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HELPS DEPRESSED MOTHERS TO NURTURE THEIR BABIES – Resource
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IMPROVES BREASTFEEDING RATES – Resource
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SOOTHES BABY WHEN DISTRESSED
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ENCOURAGES WELLBEING AND RELAXATION IN BOTH MOTHER AND BABY – Resource
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BABY SPITS-UP LESS – Resource
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LOWERS RISK OF OTITIS MEDIA – Resource
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IMPROVES BABY’S DIGESTION – Resource
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EASES TRANSITION INTO WORLD BY MIMICKING WOMB – Resource
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BABY LESS FUSSY – Resource
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MEETS NEWBORN’S NEED TO BE CLOSE TO MOTHER – Resource
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HUMANS ARE BIOLOGICALLY ADAPTED TO CARRY THEIR INFANTS – Resource
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TOUCH AND MOTION PHYSIOLOGICALLY CALM BABY – Resource
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MAY LESSEN POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION – Resource
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REDUCES RISK OF FLATHEAD – Resource
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WEARING A BABY IN A SLING USES FAR LESS ENERGY THAN CARRYING IN-ARMS – Resources
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SYNCHRONIZES MOTHER AND BABY BIOLOGICALLY – Resources
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SUPPORTS PHYSICAL GROWTH IN PRETERM INFANTS – Resource
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MAY INCREASE MOTHERS’ RESILIENCE AND PARENTAL CONFIDENCE – Resource
If you are still dubious about wearing your baby, check out We The Parent’s compelling infographic about the advantages of babywearing and read their article for more details on the above points.
If you were pleasantly surprised at the amount of available literature, then you’re not alone. And if you had never considered being a babywearer before, you might find yourself walking away with a new view…or even a baby wrapped against your chest. A few of my favorite brands for carriers are Studio Tekhni and Lillebaby. Laura, my sister, exclusively uses Lillebaby and my friend, Mat, whom I trust implicitly works with Studio Tekhni.
