The phrases “wear your baby” and “babywearing” have gained much popularity over the last few years and it might be easy for one to assume that it is the latest in a long line of trendy fads surrounding early parenting. This could not be further from the truth. For thousands of years women and (more recently men) have been finding ways to strap their baby to their body, allowing them to go about the business of their day. Some of the early cave drawings depict women with babies on their backs. Babywearing is not a new idea nor is it an American invention. Different cultures have carriers that are uniquely their own (the mei tai in China and the chunai or podaegi in Korea for example). But every culture around the world has found a way to turn a simple piece of cloth (SPOC) into a way to hold their children.

 Here is the list of reasons why I choose to wear my babies (and sometimes toddlers):

1. It is, plain and simply, more practical. As much as I desire to be the kind of mother that sits on the floor and plays with my baby all day, there are things that simply must be done. With my baby in a sling, a wrap, or a pouch I can throw in a load of laundry, get dinner ready, and pick up the ever growing pile of toys on the floor. I can even check my e-mail or write a carrier review.  It simply allows my hands to be free.

2. Along the lines of practicality, it is much easier to just walk with a baby strapped to me than lug a heavy stroller and car seat into a store. I don’t need to search out a store that has an elevator if I want to go to the upper floor of the mall. I can easily use the stairs or escalator.

3. There are fewer concerns about unwanted touching. A stranger is far less likely to touch my baby if he is strapped to me than if in a stroller or shopping cart. I don't worry about how to sanitize or cover the shopping cart seat before I put my little one into it.

 4. With one child, it feels great to wear the baby! With more than one, it is an absolute necessity! I need free hands to push a swing, to butter a bagel, to tie a shoe. With more than one child, I could not survive without a way to strap the youngest to me.

5. I love the feeling of connectedness that comes from having my little one attached to my body. Studies have shown that babies that are worn three hours a day or more are more confident and feel more secure in their world. (And who doesn't want that?)

6. I talk to the baby more when she is attached to my person. With her lying on the floor, it is easy for me to go about my day and activities without including her. When her little face is right there I am far more likely to explain the items I am putting into the soup or why I am putting clothes into the washing machine.

7. It’s a great way to re-connect after a tough day or difficult evening. Sometimes life just gets really busy. Wearing my baby is a way for me to remind him that I love him.

8. I burn more calories with an ever-growing weight on me. It’s much more comfortable than carrying dumb-bells or weighted bracelets. Wearing my baby is a way to get some exercise even when I don’t have the time or energy to go out for a walk.

9. My baby cries less when she is regularly worn (statistically 43% less in fact). It is a great way to circumvent the “witching hour” that so many parents experience.

10. Much of infant/ child care responsabilities fall exclusively to the Mom. Baby wearing can be done equally by both parents. Several carriers are being designed with the Dad in mind – more streamlined, less bulky, neutral colors, etc.  On the next page, check out my carrier reviews. Many of them are great for Dads!

But I'm not the only one who thinks it's a great idea! Check out these fantastic articles!