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
→ Williams & Turner, 2020

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
Rseponsive parenting and physical closeness can help toddlers with emotional regulation. 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 held regularly show lower cortisol and more adaptive stress responses—linked to better emotional regulation and long-term wellbeing. Walking outside while being carried has been shown to consistently lower infant stress more than walking in a stroller.
→ Feldman et al., 2002
→ Vittner et al., 2018
→ Rheinheimer et al., 2025
→ Ludington-Hoe 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
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
→ Carrying Matters

Muscle Tone & Motor Development
Proper babywearing promotes head control, core strength, and postural stability.
→ Siddicky et al., 2021

Speech & Language
Carried children hear more speech from caregivers and have more back and forth conversations with caregivers, promoting language development.
→ Mireault et al., 2019

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.

Mobility & Activity
Babywearing simplifies daily life—whether navigating public transit, tight store aisles, or outdoor trails where strollers don’t go. Parents in this study found large benefits to convenience. They also found babywearing to be so much more than simply transportation, however, and were surprised by this given common marketing messages.
→ Williams & Turner, 2020

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 even improving outcomes for post partum depression and anxiety.
→ Norholt, 2020
→ Schoppmann et al., 2023
→ Cong et al., 2015
→ Vittner et al. 2018

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
→ Riem et al, 2021

Improved Posture and Reduced Injury
Parents will carry their infants and toddlers whether this is in a carrier or simply in arms. However, research tells us that using a well-fitted carrier can reduce strain on hips, knees, and arms.
→ Williams et al., 2019