What is Babywearing?

Babywearing is the practice of carrying a baby or small child in a sling or carrier that is worn on the body. While it may seem like a modern parenting trend, babywearing is actually an age-old tradition that spans cultures and continents. From the woven wraps of South America to the more structured carriers of East Asia, caregivers have been keeping their little ones close for centuries - long before prams, strollers and other ‘high-tech’ baby gear came into the picture.

The Basics of Babywearing

At its core, babywearing allows parents and other care givers to keep their hands free while still keeping their baby close and comforted. There are several types of carriers commonly in use today, including:

  • Stretchy Wraps - a long length (~5m) of stretchy, jersey style fabric tied around your body to create a snug ‘pocket’ for baby. Typically used for newborns and small infants.

  • Ring Slings - a length (~2m) of fabric sewn onto a pair of rings, worn over one shoulder to create a pouch for the child on the opposite side of the body.

  • Woven Wraps - a length of woven fabric (from 2 to 7m) that can be wrapped around your body in a variety of ways to carry children from birth, to toddler and beyond.

  • Buckle Carriers - a supportive, sized panel connected to ruck-sack style straps with buckles.

  • Meh Dai and Onbuhimos - Asian inspired carriers that combine the soft, moldable fabrics of wraps with the convenience of a buckle carrier panel.

The Benefits of Babywearing

Babywearing offers a wide range of physical and emotional benefits for both baby and caregiver.

For babies, being worn can promote bonding, regulate body temperature and heartbeat, encourage breastfeeding, support physical and neurological development, regulate circadian rhythm and reduce crying.

For parents, it offers emotional connection, increased parental confidence, physical exercise, greater access to the world and the ability to multitask - especially helpful for managing daily routines or caring for older children.

Whether you’re navigating the newborn stage, chasing a toddler, or simply seeking to strengthen the parent-child bond, babywearing can be a meaningful and practical addition to your parenting journey.