Why Babywearing Changed My Life.... And Why It Might Change Yours Too.
Babywearing isn’t just a trend, it’s a powerful parenting tool rooted in connection, freedom, and ease. In this blog, Emma shares how babywearing transformed her experience as a solo parent and why it could be the game-changer you're looking for.
Emma is a babywearing consultant, doula (birth companion), and antenatal educator based in the Forest of Dean. Trained with the School of Babywearing, she has supported hundreds of families to carry their babies with confidence and ease. As a solo parent, babywearing was a lifeline, bringing freedom, connection, and calm to her daily life.
Emma now shares that wisdom through in-person classes, one-to-one consultations, and a range of supportive services including shiatsu and reflexology for pregnancy and the postnatal period. You can find free resources, class info, and more at www.emmasantenatal.com
Why Babywearing
There are so many reasons you might think babywearing is or isn’t for you. This article explores why I started babywearing and why you might want to as well.
"I had always wanted to be a mum."
As the eldest in a big family, raised in quite a conventional (sometimes strict) home, I assumed I'd parent the same way, structured, disciplined, and perhaps even a bit rigid.
I even remember watching a documentary comparing parenting styles: one family followed strict sleep training, another used a sling and kept the baby close, and the third just went with the flow. Back then, I thought the sleep training approach looked brilliant. 7 pm to 7 am? Who wouldn’t be sold on that, without knowing the long-term effects?
But somewhere during pregnancy, that all started to change…
My Experience
As I researched birth, I began to realise how many standard practices aren’t evidence-based... or even supportive of long-term wellbeing for children or parents.
Reading *The Continuum Concept* was a turning point. I read about how closely the Yequana tribe lived with their children, and how much more smoothly parenting and family life seemed to go with constant contact and community, something I realised had been lacking in my own childhood, and more and more in our society.
I knew I wanted to be active, connected, and truly present with my baby, supporting positive mental health, independence and intelligence. Babywearing offered all of those. And honestly, it's been one of the most life-changing parenting tools I've ever used.
So... What *Is* Babywearing?
Babywearing means carrying your baby on your body using either simple cloth or a sling or carrier. It’s not a new idea, it’s an ancient, worldwide practice, but it’s having a well-deserved comeback in modern parenting.
10 Reasons Babywearing Is a Game-Changer
1. Babies Feel Secure and Calm
Babies are biologically wired to want contact. In a sling, they can hear your heartbeat, feel your breath, and be rocked just like in the womb.
Quick Tip:
If your baby is unsettled, try wearing them skin-to-skin in a stretchy wrap while walking or gently swaying.
2. It Reduces Crying
Multiple studies show that babies who are worn throughout the day cry *less* overall. The gentle movement and closeness not just help regulate their nervous system but is in fact natures design to be that way!
Mini Case Study:
I worked with a mum whose baby had reflux and cried for long periods every evening. She was anxious at first, but once she had built confidence with the sling, she found it calmed him far more effectively than the swing, pram, or bouncers she’d been trying, and she had her hands free to eat dinner or pee!
3. Supports Breastfeeding
Being close boosts milk supply, whilst helping babies feed on cue. It’s almost impossible to miss the early hunger signals when they are right there! Some slings are better than others for discreet feeding on the go. Always remember feeding in a sling or carrier is never hands free.
Quick Tip:
Breastfeeding in a sling can be brilliant but requires skill - get breastfeeding established first and practice with the sling separately before combining the two. It gets easier with time and confidence. Get some trained support to ensure you are using the sling safely.
4. Great for Colic and Digestion
Upright positioning combined with gentle movement eases wind and trapped gas brilliantly.
Did You Know?
Many parents find babywearing helps with colic, especially when combined with tummy massage and bicycle legs. Don’t wait for the crying to start; banking some sling-time hours earlier in the day often pays dividends later on.
5. Hands-Free Freedom
With your baby in a sling, you can walk the dog, shop, make lunch, or play with your older child. All while knowing your baby is getting the closeness and security they need.
My Experience:
Babywearing kept me sane as a solo parent. I could tidy up, go outside, put the bins out, walk, or just sit with a warm drink *with both hands free*. Magic.
6. Bonding for Everyone
Dads, partners, grandparents, all can babywear. It’s a beautiful way to build connection, especially during the “fourth trimester.”
7. Supports Healthy Hip Development
Ergonomic carriers support the natural “M” position, which is ideal for babies’ hips and spine.
Quick Tip:
Choose a carrier that holds baby knee-to-knee, with a deep seat and upright posture.
8. It’s Great for Your Baby’s Brain and Language Development
Being upright, close, and part of daily life helps stimulate baby’s senses and brain development. When they’re close enough to see your lips moving, and you’re able to point to items and name them together. This is how they learn about the world and begin to understand the meaning of words.
9. Encourages Independence (Yes, Really!)
Secure attachment creates confident, curious toddlers, children, and later... adults. Closeness now builds resilience later. This is quite the opposite of what our culture tells us, despite an overwhelming and growing body of research since the 1970s.
10. It Makes Life *Work*
Whether you’re out and about or just trying to have a moment of calm, slings help you meet your baby’s needs *and* your own. You can get places that buggies can’t, and happy, settled babies are much easier to take out for dinner, to the theatre, cinema, bowling.... or anywhere else you fancy!
Common Concerns (and Why You Can Ignore Them)
“Won’t I spoil them?”
No, no, no! You absolutely cannot spoil a baby with love or closeness. Responding to your baby’s needs actually reduces clinginess long-term.
“They’ll never sleep alone!”
Research shows that babies who feel secure are *more* able to sleep independently when they’re developmentally ready. Our culture’s obsession with training babies and young children to sleep alone can actually harm their confidence and teach them not to reach out when they feel sad or lonely.
“It’s too hippy/difficult/hot/confusing…”
There’s a sling for every lifestyle, every season, and every budget. And it’s not just for people with yoga pants and tie-dye (though we’re lovely too 😉). There are many sling libraries and babywearing consultants across the UK who’d love to support you. Why not reach out today?
Choosing the Right Sling
Start simple. Stretchy wraps are brilliant for newborns and even preemies. Buckle carriers are ideal for those wanting more structure or back support. Ring slings are great all-rounders from newborn to toddler, but may take some practice.
Quick Tip:
If you're not sure where to start, many areas have sling libraries or babywearing consultants who can help you try before you buy.
Final Thoughts
Babywearing changed the way I parented. From something I thought I had to *get right*, training my baby to become independent and not needy, to something I could *feel into*. Developing our connection and closeness benefitted us both in the short and long term. It gave me freedom, confidence, and a deeper connection with my baby.
Over the years, as a babywearing consultant and sling librarian, I’ve helped hundreds of parents walk a similar path, and it’s filled me with joy!
Whether you’re just starting out or wondering if it’s “too late,” know this:
every moment of connection counts.
You’ve got this.
