The Evidence-Based Benefits of Babywearing
This infographic aims to support the education of therapists or caregivers with using baby carriers. I decided to create an infographic on this topic because it was so impactful for my own first year of being a mom. You can find the research in the infographics below or download a copy here.
If you’d like to learn a little more about my personal story continue reading below…
Research for Babywearing (page 1 of download)
Resource Guide for Babywearing (page 2 of download)
The Evidence-Based Benefits of Babywearing for the Baby
Improves sleep, crying, and feeding (4)
Supports healthy hip, neck, and back development (5)
Improves socio-emotional development (4)
Increases bonding and attachment (6, 8)
Promotes language development (6)
Supports autonomic regulation (2, 6)
The Evidence-Based Benefits of Babywearing for the Caregiver
Increases parenting confidence (1, 7)
Increases comfort and mobility
Supports multi-tasking/returning to work (4)
Supports bonding and attachment (8)
Improves fatigue, insomnia, and interest in sex (3)
Increases responsiveness to cues from baby (1, 2)
Decreases symptoms of post-partum depression (4)
Improve breastfeeding success (6)
Provides adaptive support for caregivers with disabilities (9)
How Occupational Therapists Can Help with Babywearing
Use in the community
Grocery store, doctors appointments, walks
Teaching safe baby positioning
Making sure baby’s legs are in an “M” position
Ergonomic tips for caregivers
Keeping a straight back when bending down especially with extra weight in front
Adapting for special needs populations
Sharing about precautions especially if baby has low-tone or respiratory considerations
Adapting for disability of caregiver or baby
Use of a sling if caregiver is a wheelchair user is reported to be highly effective
Use during transitions
Problem-solve ways to help transitioning from one task to another OR helping transition carriers on and off in safest way
Energy conservation
Supporting timed use and incorporating breaks to reduce potential for neck or back pain
Support during work roles
Help finding best adaptive device to return to work after birth
Safety Tips
Keep legs In “M” shape as this Is the safest position for developing hips
Close enough to kiss the top of their head
Make sure part of their ear is showing over the top during front carry
If your back is uncomfortable take breaks or consider getting a consultation to identify ergonomic issues
Take breaks from heat or layer using coats and blankets in cold
My Babywearing Journey
Hiking to our local trail in the fall
When I first came home from the hospital with my son, I was grateful to have a doula that was already set up to connect with me because I soon realized I was struggling in a lot of areas. She supported me with those first two weeks but also brought along a ring sling. I was so grateful she did because I don’t think if I had another person present to guide me through and help me feel confident, that I would be as comfortable to think babywearing was going to work for me. It wasn’t always easy and some months I didn’t even touch the carrier but for those days and moments where it worked, it was life-changing. I was taught how to make sure it was tight, how to position my baby, how to nurse in the carrier, and how to make sure their legs were in the right position. I was also taught this cool trick to twist the extra fabric of the sling so that it supported my newborn’s head better and to cover the rings so it did not hit his face.
Please excuse this exhausted mamas look!
I frequently had to readjust him to the middle as he loved sliding to one side!
The ring sling really gave me the confidence to get out of the nursery a bit and even out in the community. Although, it was the middle of the summer so it could get pretty hot. But it was the tool I reached for most and my son slept so much better in it at the beginning. He struggled with reflux and gas but it was always better after I used the carrier for a bit.
When he got a little older, things changed a bit and he became less interested in the carrier and more tricky to put into it. This seemed to occur when he was not longer wanting his legs to be tucked in. I had a hard time using the ring sling carrier in the “legs out” position so I went looking for a new one. That’s when I found the Embrace carrier. This one was also a lifesaver and I found myself going out in the community more, going grocery shopping by myself (I could put this carrier on super easily while standing at the car!), and being willing to hike or take walks most days. With a husband that was traveling more this proved to be essential. I was also attempting to go back to work at OT Graphically at this time and this allowed me to do the computer work I so desperately needed.
Using the Ergobaby Embrace Carrier for naptime
This carrier did get more challenging to use as my son got older. The straps would loosen pretty easily so I went, yet again, to find a new carrier. My son would also fight me to get in the carrier by pushing his feet out of me and throwing his head backwards and not being as willing to go to sleep. During these transition times, I found those were some of my hardest days as a mom. I didn’t have a place to put him when he really needed a nap and was not sleeping in his crib or if I needed to get dinner cooked or an email sent. Then, thankfully, a very kind neighbor posted a bunch of free carriers that she was looking to give away. I will be forever grateful to this neighbor because I felt like that gave me my freedom back. I also now always make a point to share my carriers if someone needs them because that can be the difference between a great and not so great day.
The carrier that worked best for me in that bunch was the Lillebaby All Seasons carrier. It really helped support my back which was starting to hurt when babywearing. It had straps similar to a backpack and a lumbar support. Also, I felt like my son felt more secure in it (probably because I felt more secure). This is a picture of the first day I used it and when I was able to get some computer work done.
The Lillebaby carrier was really helpful when we were traveling but it became a bit of an issue since it did not fit into bags very well. I felt like I was always carrying it around when we weren’t using it and my son was becoming more mobile. I looked for another carrier that could fit in my diaper bag and the hope&plum Lark really helped me with this issue. And it was much more comfortable and less bulky in general to put on. I also felt more comfortable using it as a back carry. I actually was able to get a personal consultation with this one as part of my purchase (which was able to happen thanks to my kind family) which was super helpful. This carrier proved to be less utilized as my son became more and more resistant to the idea of babywearing. That was sad for me because that also meant it became harder for me to work from home or be as mobile in the community before he could walk. This started the long six months of not really using a carrier. We had gotten a new stroller which was helpful but the day-to-day became a bit challenging getting things done. At this point we were also moving which was making it trickier as well. I would switch between carriers and sometimes it would work for a little but then he really did not want to use it. I accepted defeat and occasionally would use the Tush baby (a hip carrier) to cook dinner and even that was short lived.
More recently since he has gotten older, he enjoys riding on my back again for hikes but our days of daily babywearing are pretty far gone. I hope to continue working on using it for hikes because I believe this is something that helps both of us, being out in nature and being able to go far distances.
But for now, I hope some of what I learned in my first year and all the different things I have tried can help someone else. In my early intervention career I have been able to incorporate some of this support and it has been wonderful to see caregivers feel like their days get a little bit easier with this new tool in their toolbox. I made this infographic to share with families and hope it will be helpful for you as well. Please use it freely and when you download it it has links to all of the resources listed and articles as well. I put my heart and soul into this one so I hope you enjoy it!