Evidence‑Backed Benefits of Babywearing
Babywearing is not new.
Across cultures and throughout history, caregivers have carried babies close—in wraps, slings, shawls, and other traditional carriers—as a normal, practical, and deeply intuitive way to meet a child’s needs. In many parts of the world, it remains the norm: back carrying with a simple cloth is common throughout many African countries; rebozos are used in Mexico; meh dais originated in China and onbuhimos in Japan; Inuit caregivers swaddle infants in amautis; aguayos are worn high on the back in the Andes; and shawl-based carries are traditional in parts of Eastern Europe. These practices reflect what parents have always known—keeping a baby close helps them feel safe, settled, and secure.
While modern babywearing may look different depending on where you live or what kind of carrier you use, the underlying principles are the same: closeness, responsiveness, and shared rhythm. And while much of the value of babywearing is common sense to those who’ve experienced it, there’s also a growing body of scientific research that supports its benefits for both babies and caregivers.
Below, you’ll find some of the most well-documented effects—backed by peer-reviewed studies, real-world experience, and the wisdom of generations.
1. Co-Regulation & Infant Wellbeing
Secure Attachment
Frequent carrying fosters responsive caregiving and helps build secure attachment, especially in the early months.
→ Anisfeld et al., 1990 – Child Development
Responsiveness
Babywearing improves a caregiver’s ability to read and respond to a baby’s cues. Studies show greater sensitivity, emotional attunement, and reduced infant distress.
→ Bigelow et al., 2010
→ Williams & Turner, 2020
Crying Reduction
Carried infants cry up to 43% less overall—and up to 54% less in the evening.
→ Hunziker & Barr, 1986 – Pediatrics
Toddler Co-Regulation
Wearing toddlers models calm interaction and helps them regulate their emotions. Many children even ask to be worn when overwhelmed.
→ Feldman et al., 2011
→ Blandon et al., 2008
Infant Cortisol & Long-Term Resilience
Babies who are carried regularly show lower cortisol and more adaptive stress responses—linked to better emotional regulation and long-term wellbeing.
→ Feldman et al., 2002
→ Vittner et al., 2018
→ Gray et al., 2015
2. Supports Growth, Comfort & Development
Sensory & Nervous System Regulation
Babywearing stimulates balance, spatial awareness, and visual tracking—while helping babies co-regulate heart rate and breathing.
→ Han et al., 2024
→ Norholt, 2020
Temperature Stability
A caregiver’s chest can raise or lower in temperature to stabilize a baby’s body temperature.
→ Ludington-Hoe et al., 2000
→ Bystrova et al., 2003
Reflux & Digestion Relief
Wearing your baby upright after feeding helps reduce reflux and gas. The snug, tummy-to-tummy fit offers soothing pressure similar to a belly massage.
→ Seattle Children’s
→ Mayo Clinic
→ Cincinnati Children’s
→ AAFP
→ Carrying Matters
Muscle Tone & Motor Development
Proper babywearing promotes head control, core strength, and postural stability.
→ Siddicky et al., 2021
→ Reynolds-Miller, 2013
Flat Head Prevention
Carrying your baby upright reduces time spent with pressure on the back of the skull, helping prevent plagiocephaly.
→ Grisham et al., 2022
3. Caregiver Benefits
Hands-Free Parenting
Babywearing lets you meet your baby’s needs while tending to other children, preparing meals, or going for a walk—offering flexibility without sacrificing connection.
→ Williams & Turner, 2020
Mobility & Activity
97% of caregivers in one U.S. survey reported that babywearing helped them get out and be more active. It simplifies daily life—whether navigating public transit, tight store aisles, or outdoor trails where strollers don’t go.
→ Williams & Turner, 2020
→ Reyes et al., 2023
Hormonal Support & Postpartum Mental Health
Babywearing supports caregiver wellbeing on both a hormonal and emotional level. Close contact with your baby stimulates the release of oxytocin—the bonding hormone—which promotes calm, emotional connection, and milk ejection for breastfeeding. At the same time, oxytocin helps reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, protecting against chronic stress and overwhelm.
These hormonal effects contribute to lower rates of postpartum depression. Physical closeness, enhanced responsiveness, and daily moments of connection all help buffer the emotional demands of early parenting—offering both prevention and comfort during a vulnerable time.
→ Uvnäs-Moberg et al., 2005
→ Neu et al., 2010
→ Hardin et al., 2020
→ Grisham et al., 2022
Breastfeeding Support
One study found that mothers who wore their babies were significantly more likely to still be breastfeeding at 2 and 5 months.
→ Pisacane et al., 2012
Bonding for Partners & Non-Birthing Parents
The hormonal and emotional benefits of babywearing aren’t limited to birthing parents. Non-birthing caregivers—including fathers, partners, and adoptive parents—can also experience increased oxytocin and decreased cortisol through close, responsive contact.
Babywearing provides a powerful way for these caregivers to form strong emotional bonds, support infant regulation, and step confidently into their caregiving role from the earliest days. It fosters connection, security, and co-regulation—no matter who is wearing the baby.
→ Feldman et al., 2010
→ Galbally et al., 2011
→ Uvnäs-Moberg et al., 2005