Benefits of babywearing - for the caregiver

Used under the Creative Commons license through Flickr. Photography by Quinn Dombrowski

New parenthood is a time of huge changes! All of a sudden, you are responsible for another human life, and you may be recovering from birth, supporting a partner who is recovering from birth, or adapting to a new role as a foster or adoptive parent. Babywearing can bring benefits not only for your newest little member of the family, but also for you!



Confident Parents
Wearing your new baby helps you get to know him intimately. Because baby is so close to you while being worn, you grow to understand the cues he gives via movement, gesture, and facial expression. When you know and can respond quickly to his cues (before he starts to cry), he will increase his trust in you, and this builds your confidence. As this pattern happens repeatedly, your attachment to each other increases. This can be especially helpful if you are at risk for or are experiencing postpartum depression.

Loving Caregivers
Babywearing is not just for moms! Fathers, grandparents, babysitters, and other important adults can bond with baby through wearing. The baby gets to know each adult and their attachment deepens! Fathers and other caregivers can also benefit from the increased confidence they will have by being able to recognize and respond to baby's cues. 

Comfort and Convenience
​Babywearing can allow you the freedom to take care of older siblings, attend to household chores, work, and exercise (walking or hiking are favorites), all while keeping baby content. You can go where no stroller can go (stairs, bumpy or muddy trails, and more) and navigate crowded places (airports, festivals, family parties) with relative ease. 

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