The Science of Baby Wearing

Apart from feeling great – there is plenty of robust, science-backed reasons for babywearing.

Practical, snuggly, hands free…. A good sling or carrier can be a life saver when your baby just ‘needs to be held’. Babies settle much better when they are carried, and babywearing is recommended for easing symptoms of colic and reflux, and helping babies to sleep. We all hear that using a carrier is great for bonding with your baby, and being hands free lets us get on with all the other things we need to do too.

But is there any science behind this? Is there proof that babywearing really does benefit you and your baby?

Here are three of the areas where science agrees that carrying your baby is an awesome way to support their development and make your life easier.

Movement

A study has found that, when carried, babies experience an automatic, deep relaxation; their heart rate slows, and their body moves into a calmer state. The movement here is important; carrying your baby is more soothing than just holding them.

This response is not conscious; it’s mediated by very primitive parts of the brain and nervous system. Carrying your baby essentially helps to switch off their body’s fight or flight reaction to stress. They’ll be calmer and can even digest more effectively when in this more relaxed state.

Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a hormone that’s linked to feelings of love and connection with others. In women it’s involved during the birth process and released during breastfeeding. In both men and women oxytocin is released during positive interaction and contact with their baby.

Higher levels of oxytocin correspond with parents engaging more with their baby, reduced feelings of stress and anxiety, and a greater feeling of attunement. Babywearing is a great way to give you extended periods of positive contact with your baby – it has been found to promote healthy emotional attachment and reduce the effects of postnatal depression.

Skin to Skin

There are so many research-supported benefits of skin to skin contact with your baby. It has been shown to stabilise a baby’s heart rate, breathing and temperature. It improves weight gain in smaller babies, and helps to establish and maintain successful breastfeeding. And skin to skin contact is an awesome way to maximise that oxytocin boost too!

So YES! Using a comfortable, safe sling or carrier really can calm your baby, support their development and make you feel happier too!

Happy Babywearing!

By EMILY WILLIAMSON

Emily Williamson is a professional carrying consultant, award-winning entrepreneur and founder of South London Slings. Izmibaby.co.uk