There are numerous documented benefits to babywearing, an ancient and cross-cultural practice. Aside from the convenience factor, here are some of the other benefits of babywearing:

• Allows eye-to-eye and close physical contact with baby.
• Premature infants benefit and thrive with skin-to-skin contact. They gain weight faster, sleep better, and are healthier than babies that don’t get held as much.
• Constant motion can lull baby to sleep - great for newborns.
  
• A sling liberates your arms while you carry your baby so you can get things done while bonding with and soothing the baby.
• Studies suggest that young babies cry less when carried more hours during the day.
  
• Babies that are carried are more calm and content and may sleep more peacefully.
  
• Carried babies may have better digestion due to the constant motion and small feedings.
  
• Carried babies have better physical development and their heads won’t get flat. Babies in a carrier exercise similar muscles as when they are on their tummies.
  
• You can nurse easily and discreetly in a sling, so sling wearing encourages breastfeeding, which has numerous documented health benefits for mom and baby.
  
• Studies suggest that "vestibular stimulation" (i.e. motion) is good for baby's IQ.
• Slings are gentle on babies' bodies and let them lie or sit in natural positions without putting stress on their hips or spines.

For more information, please refer to Babywearing: The Benefits and Beauty of This Ancient Tradition, by Maria Blois, MD

You can learn more about the art of babywearing at Babywearinginternational.org