From grocery shopping to running errands, parents have a lot on their plate. Add in a new baby who doesn’t like to be put down, and suddenly doing things takes a lot longer. Parents have relied on babywearing for centuries. However, some worry that it spoils a baby or hinders their motor development.
To determine whether there’s such a thing as too much babywearing, BestReviews baby and kid expert Dr. Aimee Ketchum, a pediatric occupational therapist with 27 years of experience working in pediatrics, provided their insight.
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Dr. Ketchum says there’s no limit to babywearing, and it’s easier on a parent’s body than carrying a baby with your arms. The American Academy of Pediatrics agrees with Dr. Ketchum, adding that “babies who are picked up as soon as they begin to cry tend to cry less often and for shorter periods than do babies whose parents don’t respond quickly.”
So, parents don’t need to worry about spoiling their baby, and no studies suggest that a baby’s development is affected by excess baby carrying.
Dr. Ketchum also uses them personally. “It is the only way I was able to wash my floors when my daughters were babies,” Dr. Ketchum says. “It’s also safer and more hygienic than placing a baby in a cart at the grocery store.”
While experts agree that there’s no such thing as too much babywearing, Dr. Ketchum gave one caveat — ensuring your baby is positioned correctly. “The baby always needs to be positioned appropriately so their hips are not spread too wide,” Dr. Ketchum says. “This can cause issues with the child’s developing hips. A baby’s legs should always be in the ‘M’ shape, never hanging straight down or be in a ‘C’ shape in the carrier.”
Dr. Ketchum references recent studies that found cultures that commonly wear their babies in the “M” shape have lower hip dysplasia rates than other cultures that wear babies with their legs tightly swaddled together.
While babywearing is usually safe, parents should be careful. For example, if it’s hot outside, babies will overheat faster when carried against a body. Also, caregivers must be vigilant if they’re working around a hot stove when wearing their baby in the front.
The three main types of baby carriers are wraps, ring slings and soft-structured carriers. Dr. Ketchum prefers wraps since they’re more versatile for all sizes of babies and allow parents to wear them on the front side or back. However, any carrier is acceptable if the baby is in the correct position.
“Babywearing helps with bonding and attachment,” Dr. Ketchum says. “It helps the baby feel cared for and secure because their needs are met immediately as parents are usually more responsive to their baby’s needs.
Dr. Ketchum adds that babywearing helps “build confidence and self-esteem” and “prevent flat head syndrome, decrease colic, and best of all, mommy and daddy have free hands!”
When worn correctly, babywearing is believed to improve hip development. “Interestingly, braces and harnesses that are used to treat hip dysplasia in babies typically position the babies legs in the same flexed ‘M’ position as many baby carriers,” Dr. Ketchum says.
Lilliebaby Complete All Seasons Ergonomic 6-in-1 Baby Carrier
With six unique positions and a zip-down breathable mesh panel for hot days, parents can wear this carrier year-round. It’s suitable for newborns or toddlers with a transformational seat that can be folded small or expanded to a wider setting.
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Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier
From newborn to toddler, this soft-structured carrier is suitable for all ages without the need for an additional newborn insert. For parents, it features lower back comfort with a padded lumbar support belt and padded shoulder straps.
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The carrier fits children ages 0 to 36 months and holds up to 40 pounds. It has a comfortable waist stool and an adjustable waistband, providing a comfortable experience for the baby and parent.
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While it has the versatility of a baby wrap, it’s pre-wrapped with a double-loop design that slips on and off as easily as a t-shirt. It’s made from 100% cotton and is breathable and soft against a baby’s skin.
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This stretchy and soft baby wrap is ideal for keeping infants close during their first few months. It’s completely customizable, letting parents create the perfect seat for their baby.
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This baby wrap allows hands-free carrying with double-sided stitching for extra strength and posture stability. It is made of stretchy fabric to fit parents and babies comfortably and support safe hip development.
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Moby Wrap Ring Sling Baby Carrier
This ring sling is easy to slip on and is designed for front or hip-carrying positions. The material is breathable, durable and great at distributing weight.
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Nalakai Ring Sling Baby Carrier
Not only is this ring sling made with eco-friendly bamboo and linen material, but the company also donates part of each purchase to low-income families. Plus, it comes in 20 stylish colors.
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Hip Baby Wrap Ring Sling Baby Carrier
This baby sling is made of 100% breathable, lightweight cotton. It holds up to 35 pounds and is great for nursing on the go. It is easy to adjust to support the baby’s hips and the parent’s back.
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Bre Richey writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
