International Baby Wearing Week: Babywearing Basics

Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.

The theme for this year's International Babywearing Week is A World of Possibilities. From October 6-10, 2011, Babywearing International (BWI) and  babywearing advocates worldwide are celebrating and promoting babywearing.

What is babywearing?
Babywearing is a hands-free way of carrying your baby. It typically requires some type of cloth to fasten your baby close to you. Babywearing has been done by mothers for centuries all over the world and many parents continue to do so today.

What are the health benefits of wearing your baby?
A research study by Anisfeld and colleagues showed that increased physical contact between infants and mothers increased maternal responsiveness and secure attachement.(1) Another research study showed that increased carrying reduced crying in infants.(2) An article on ChildrensMD sites other studies which suggest that carrying your baby and keeping close physical contact has health benefits for the mother as well such as improved breast milk production and breastfeeding. Other health benefits for the baby includes promotion of neurobehavioral and language development and decreased plagiocephaly or flat head.