Babywearing: benefits and how to get started

Physical contact is a primary need for newborns. Carrying your baby close — in a wrap, carrier, or mei tai — meets this need and makes daily life much more practical.

Why carry your baby?

For the baby

• Temperature regulation: the parent's body helps the newborn maintain their temperature
• Less crying: studies show that carried babies cry up to 43% less
• Better digestion: the upright position and close contact reduce colic and reflux
• Attachment development: constant contact strengthens the bond
• Vestibular stimulation: movement supports neurological development

For the parent

• Hands free: you can get things done while the baby sleeps against you
• Easy to get around: stairs, public transport, trails — a wrap goes everywhere
• Less back pain: a good carrier distributes weight better than your arms
• Connection: you feel the baby, their breathing, their needs

Types of carriers

Stretchy wrap

• Ideal for the first months (up to 7-8 kg / 15-18 lbs)
• Soft, snug, easy to tie
• Perfect for skin-to-skin contact

Woven wrap

• Can be used from birth to 3+ years
• More versatile: front, hip, and back carries
• Requires a bit more practice

Ergonomic buckle carrier

• Easy to put on (buckles, clips)
• Available from birth (with an infant insert) or from 4-6 months
• Less customizable but very practical

Mei Tai

• A hybrid between a wrap and a buckle carrier
• A fabric panel with straps to tie
• A good balance of practicality and adjustability

Safety rules (T.I.C.K.S.)

Always follow these 5 rules:

1. Tight: the fabric should be snug and the baby secure
2. In view at all times: you should always be able to see the baby's face
3. Close enough to kiss: by lowering your chin you should be able to kiss the top of their head
4. Keep chin off chest: there should be at least a finger's width of space between the chin and chest
5. Supported back: the back is naturally rounded (C-shaped position)

Positions by age

• 0-4 months: tummy to tummy, facing you
• 4-6 months: still facing you, or on the hip
• 6+ months: on the back (with a woven wrap or buckle carrier)
• Never forward-facing: this position overstimulates the baby and does not properly support the hips and spine

Common questions

Is it too hot in summer? Yes, it can be warm, but it's manageable: lightweight cotton or linen wraps, light clothing underneath, staying in the shade.

Can I carry after a C-section? Yes, with a stretchy wrap positioned high on the waist (not over the incision). Check with your OB/GYN first.

For how long? As long as it works for both of you. Many parents carry until age 2-3 for naps or hikes.

Babywearing is a practice as old as humanity itself. You don't need perfect technique — just practice, patience, and trust.